Sonoma State University

Accessibility Basics When Developing Digital Content

What is Accessibility?

When we say Accessibility, in an educational, or public context, what we mean is developing materials that are as usable as possible. Not to be confused with Accommodations, which are materials or tools designed specifically to work for people with disabilities. If we proactively  make our materials Accessible, we ensure it can be used by anyone, regardless of their Accommodation needs.

Basic Rules for Accessibility

  • If it is written, it should also be spoken aloud.

  • If it is spoken aloud, it should also be written.

    • Video, Audio: Captions

    • Documents: Text and Structure

    • Slides: Presentation

  • Any graphics that contribute to content material should include text description.

  • Formatting should be kept as simple as possible, whenever possible.

  • Make it available in as many formats as possible.

  • Avoid PDFs whenever possible.

Basics for Documents (Word, HTML, PDF)

  • Document Structure

  • Use Heading Styles

  • Format Links

    • Visual Indication

    • Meaningful Description

  • Organize Information

    • Use Bulleted or numbered Lists

    • Use Columns to format

    • Format Tables simply

    • Use Page or Column Breaks

  • Format Text

    • Minimum 12 pt Font

    • Minimum 4.5:1 Color Contrast Ratio

    • Simple Fonts

  • Format Images

    • Add Alt Text or Text Descriptions

    • Mark Decorative Images

Basics for Email

Basics for Audio/Video Content

Resources