Embracing Accessibility - 7 Simple Steps to Create Accessible Content

[diana_montealeg]

Day, July 10 at 05:00pm

Embracing Accessibility - 7 Simple Steps to Create Accessible Content

Presenters

Diana Montealegre Beltran
Instructional Designer - University of Colorado Boulder
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-montealegre-beltran/
Email: Diana.MontealegreBeltran@colorado.edu

Abstract / Session Overview

The presentation highlights the importance of making web and digital content usable for individuals with diverse abilities. It emphasizes the principles of Digital Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The presentation provides practical guidelines for creating accessible content, including text formatting, use of headings, table design, hyperlinks, alt text, color contrast, and using accessibility checkers. The goal is to ensure that digital resources are perceivable, operable, and understandable for all users, promoting inclusivity and compliance with accessibility standards.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify basic accessibility principles for digital content, including proper use of headings, alt text for images, and proper use of color.
• Articulate the principles of digital accessibility and their importance for improving the creation of digital materials that caters to all audiences.

Details

Digital Accessibility: Ensures web and digital content is usable by individuals with diverse abilities, making content perceivable, understandable, and navigable.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Focuses on enhancing inclusivity and usability in educational settings.

Practical Guidelines:

• Text Formatting: Use legible fonts, appropriate sizes, line spacing, and built-in formatting styles.
• Headings: Use built-in styles for navigation and maintain a hierarchical structure.
• Tables: Specify headers, avoid blank spaces, and don’t use tables for layout.
• Hyperlinks: Provide descriptive, meaningful link text.
• Alt Text: Offer short, descriptive text for images.
• Color and Contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast and avoid using color alone to convey meaning.
• Accessibility Checker: Use built-in tools for basic checks, but perform manual reviews for thoroughness.
• Reading Order: Test with keyboard navigation to ensure logical tab order.

These points aim to create accessible and inclusive digital content, complying with standards and enhancing usability for all users.

Resources

Google Slides Presentation: Embracing Accessibility - 7 Simple Steps (InstructureCon 2024)