We're all working quickly, with lots of distractions. These quick-reference checklists are a tool to help you remember to double check your work for common accessibility pitfalls.
- Instructional Content Checklist
- Heading styles are used consistently
- Lists use the bullet or numbered list tool
- Links are identified with meaningful text
- Tables have column and row headers
- Color contrast is sufficient for all text
- Color is not solely used to convey meaning
- Images have appropriate alt text
- Reading order is correctly set
- Slides have titles and text outlines
- Spreadsheets include row & column headings
- Videos have accurate captions & audio descriptions
- Audio files include transcripts
- Content does not blink or flash
- Internal Communications, (i.e., email, flyers)
- Clear subject lines; short paragraphs
- Avoid attachments when possible—link to accessible web content. Web (HTML) is the MOST accessible format.
- Don't rely on color or images to convey meaning
- Use text to explain critical (non-decorative) embedded images (e.g. graphs, charts, word clouds)
- Documents (Word, PPT, Excel): ALWAYS use built-in accessibility checker and style tools. This can eliminate 40+% of accessibility errors.
- Meetings & Events Checklist
- Microphones & live captions
- Accessible physical setup
- Share materials in advance
- Provide recordings or transcripts
- Ensure interpreters and clear sightlines
- Procurement & Vendor Checklist
- Request a VPAT® (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) or sometimes a HECVAT™ (Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit)
- Test trial instances
- Confirm captions, alt text, headings supported
- Require accessibility roadmap
- Websites
- Be consistent in navigation, layout, colors
- Do NOT use tables for layout design!
- Alt-text or alternate format for images that convey information
- Structure: proper & consistent use of headers, bullets, callouts, etc.
- Links should be descriptive and unique on the page. Ex: "Apply for Financial Aid," NOT "Click here to apply for Financial Aid."
- Link email addresses and phone numbers for mobile and disabled users
- Simplify language for clarity. Calls to action: start with a verb and keep it short, max of four or 5 words
- Use the SiteImprove tool for continuous monitoring & weekly reporting of issues.
Training
Self-paced accessibility trainings are available through the Online Network of Educators (@One) courses. These courses are:
- Free to California Community College employees
- Approximately 20 minutes each
- Self-paced
- Procurement with Accessibility in Mind
- Social Media Accessibility Trainings
- Accessible Text for Social Media: Covers structure, font, color, inclusive & plain language, etc.
- Alternative Text for Images: Learn the why and how of accessible images, from determining which images are decorative to writing clear image descriptions.
- Accessible Images for Social Media: Learn to make accessible alt text and descriptions for the most used images in social media: gifs, graphics, illustrations, etc.
- Accessible Text for Social Media: Covers structure, font, color, inclusive & plain language, etc.