Open Educational Resources (OER) developed through our programs must adhere to WCAG 2.2 guidelines. We provide comprehensive support, including training and access to campus resources, to ensure that fellows' materials meet these accessibility standards.
The key aspects of WCAG 2.2 are:
These principles ensure that web content is accessible to a broader range of people with disabilities.
Headings are crucial for accessibility because they help organize content in a clear and logical manner, making it easier for all users, including those with disabilities, to navigate and understand the information. Here are some key reasons why headings are important:
Improved Navigation: Headings allow users to quickly scan and locate specific sections of content, which is especially helpful for those using screen readers or other assistive technologies.
Content Structure: They provide a hierarchical structure to the content, helping users understand the relationship between different sections and the overall flow of the document.
Enhanced Readability: Clear headings break up large blocks of text, making the content more readable and less overwhelming.
SEO Benefits: Proper use of headings can improve search engine optimization (SEO), making the content more discoverable.
Consistency: Headings ensure a consistent format throughout the document, which aids in comprehension and retention of information.
By using headings effectively, content creators can make their materials more accessible and user-friendly for everyone.
Alt text, or alternative text, is a written description embedded within the metadata of an image, enabling screen readers to convey the image's content to visually impaired users. Although this text is not visible to the user, it provides essential context for the image's relevance and purpose within the work. Images should be selected for their instructionall value and relevance to the text. When creating alt text for educational materials, focus on what the student should learn from the image rather than merely describing its appearance.
Importance of Alt Text for Accessibility:
By thoughtfully crafting alt text, educators can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students.
Captions and transcripts enhance accessibility for audiovisual content by offering visual representations of auditory materials. They enable individuals with hearing impairments or those without access to audio to engage with the content effectively. Additionally, captions support ESL (English as a Second Language) learners, as they can be translated to facilitate comprehension. Unlike captions, transcripts are separate written documents that can be provided independently of the audio, allowing for easier machine searching and review without the need to listen to the entire audio.
Importance of Alt Text for Accessibility:
By thoughtfully crafting alt text, educators can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students.
Color contrast is crucial for accessibility because it ensures that text and visual elements are easily distinguishable for users with low vision or color blindness. Proper contrast helps everyone, including those with visual impairments, to read and understand content without strain or difficulty. This is especially important for creating inclusive and accessible educational resources.
Having offline versions of course materials is important for equity in the classroom because it ensures that all students have access to the resources they need, regardless of their internet connectivity. This is particularly crucial for students who live in areas with unreliable or no internet access, face financial restraints, have different learning preferences, and/or experience technical issues.
Digital equity in education refers to ensuring that all students have equal access to technology, digital resources, and the skills needed to use them effectively. This concept is crucial for creating an inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographic location, or other barriers. Key aspects of digital equity include:
By addressing these areas, educational institutions can help bridge the digital divide and promote equal opportunities for all students.
Labeling hyperlinks is important for accessibility because it ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can understand the purpose and destination of the links. Here are key reasons why properly labeled hyperlinks are crucial:
By ensuring hyperlinks are clearly labeled, content creators can make their materials more accessible and user-friendly for all. Additionally if the link ever breaks, the creator will know what the link was supposed to convey and be able to replace it.