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FMAD 4630 - Professional Seminar: Accessibility Resources

This guide contains library and web-based information for students enrolled in FMAD 4630: Professional Seminar

Making Your Portfolios Accessible on the Web

Making your digital portfolio content accessible benefits everyone: people with or without disabilities. The following page provides suggestions for accessibility practices that will make your content more user-friendly. Information is gathered from WebAIM.

Text

  • Use clear fonts:
    • Don't mix different font types. Stick to the default font (Sans Serif).
    • Use bold, color, italics, and ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, etc. sparingly; each has its own function.
    • Don't use underlines for emphasis. Users will think an underline is a hyperlink.
    • Use real text rather than text within graphics.
  • Use headings and lists appropriately. Headings, lists, and other structural elements provide meaning and structure to web pages. They can also facilitate keyboard navigation within the page.
  • Do not rely on color alone to convey meaning or importance. That information may not be available to a person who is colorblind and it will be unavailable to screen reader users.
  • Ensure proper contrast between the font and the background. Optimize font color use for readability and accessibility.
  • Make sure your content is clearly written and easy to read. Get more tips on writing clearly and simply.  Avoid dashes, abbreviations, and slang.

Graphics, Tables, and Links

  • All Images need to have alternate text (ALT tags) included. Alternative text provides a textual alternative to non-text content (such as graphics or images). It is especially helpful for people who are blind and rely on a screen reader to have the content of the website read to them. Learn more about providing appropriate alternative text.
  • Tables should have appropriate table headers. Data cells should be associated with their appropriate headers, making it easier for screen reader users to navigate and understand the data table. Learn more about creating accessible tables.
  • Make sure linked text makes sense out of context. Screen reader users may choose to read only the links on a web page. Certain phrases like “click here” and “more” must be avoided. Avoid automatically opening links in a new window.

Media and Other Non-HTML Content

  • Add caption and/or provide transcripts for media. For guidelines and resources to create video caption and transcripts, see Video Captioning Resources from ARL's Web Accessibility Toolkit. Edit automatic captions/transcripts.
  • Ensure accessibility of non-HTML content. If you cannot make it accessible, consider using HTML instead or, at the very least, provide an accessible alternative. Learn more about creating accessible Word documents and creating accessible PDF files.

A Black woman tests her hearing aids after putting them on. Her right hand is on her right ear while her left hand holds the hard case for the hearing aids. The woman is wearing black and her hair is pulled back by a scarf.

Image Source: Hearing Aid Side by Chona Kasinger. Used under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Content on this page adapted from Best Practices Accessibility (Illinois Library)