The purpose of this checklist is to serve as a resource to help you get started in making your courses accessible. In no way does this checklist encompass all possible web accessibility issues you may encounter when creating content for your courses within Blackboard.
Multimedia (Graphics, Video, Audio,Interactive)
Provide Appropriate Alternate Text
- Every non-text element needs a text alternative (alt text) that provides an equivalent to the image content.
- All text should present the content and function of the image, not necessarily a description.
- Use the fewest number of words necessary.
- Avoid words like “picture of”, “image of”, or “link to”.
Caption and/or Provide Transcripts for Media
- Videos and live audio must have captions and a transcript. Audio only content requires just a transcript.
- Captions should be synchronized, equivalent, and accessible.
Remove Content That Could Cause Seizures
- Avoid content that flashes or blinks as they can cause seizures or create distractions for learners.
- Sparingly use animations (gifs, flash, Silverlight, etc.) if possible, to avoid creating distractions for learners.
Structure
Utilize Tables for Data Only
- Avoid using tables for layout purposes.
- Ensure table headers are identified using the element.
- Provide an appropriate scope attribute
- <th scope=”col”> for column headers.
- <th scope=”row”> for row headers.
Use Headings for Semantic Structure
- Use headings like h1, h2, and h3 to structure and section your content.
- Do not skip forward, when using heading levels (e.g., h2 to h4).
Content is well structured and clearly written
- Use the simplest language appropriate for your content.
- Organize your content using headings and lists.
- Use empty (white) space to improve readability.
- Check for spelling and grammar.
- Use illustrations, graphics, and icons to supplement text.
Other Key Elements
Verify Color and Contrast
- Ensure color is not used as the sole method of conveying content or distinguishing visual elements (use bold or italicize in addition).
- Make sure your color contrast is appropriate by using a contrast checker like: WebAIM Contrast Checker.
- Avoid using multiple colors on the same page.
Ensure Your Content is Keyboard Accessible
- Utilize a screen reader (such as NVDA), to test and make sure your content is keyboard accessible.
- Avoid using interactive content that only works with a mouse.
Ensure Links Make Sense Out of Context
- Avoid phrases like “Click here”, “Here”, “More”, “More information”, “Read more”, “Continue”, and “Click” when creating your links.
- URL’s as link text should be avoided, unless the URL is relevant content.
- Describe the context or purpose of your links within the link name (ex: PPCC Online, WebAIM, PDF Accessibility Checker).
Ensure Accessibility of Non-HTML Content
- Ranking of accessibility in types of content (highest to lowest) is: HTML > PDF > Word/PowerPoint > Everything Else.
- Flash and Silverlight files are inaccessible, avoid them.
- Use the built-in accessibility checkers for Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Pro to assist in evaluating document accessibility.