Accessibility Workshop

Software Accessibility Features

  • Bulleted Lists

    • Use bulleted lists when the order of items does not matter.

    • Example: "Eggs, bread, candy bar" can be presented in any order.

  • Numbered Lists

    • Use numbered lists only when there is a sequential order required.

    • Reason: A screen reader identifies the structure for visually impaired users.

    • Example readout: "Numbered list. Number one, number two, number three."

  • Checklists in Documents

    • Checklists are not considered traditional lists.

    • A checklist represents tasks to be completed and can appear as a style rather than a preset list.

    • Example: Google Docs includes styles for checklists, but users should ensure these functions fit within accessible list practices.

Use of Emojis

  • Benefits of Emojis

    • Most emojis possess built-in alternative text, enhancing accessibility.

  • Drawbacks

    • Avoid using emojis as list items or excessively in text.

    • Example of screen reader output for emojis: "red heart emoji, smiling face emoji, grinning face emoji…"

    • Screen reader users may find this overwhelming or annoying.

  • Optimal Use

    • If using an emoji, limit to one and follow with descriptive text (e.g., "❤️ Favorite foods: banana, grapes, watermelon").

Hyperlink Accessibility

  • Import of Link Text

    • Descriptive link text is crucial.

    • The link should indicate its destination without reliance on surrounding text.

    • Example: Instead of "Learn more," use "To learn more, view our flyers about online and hybrid courses."

  • Avoid Full URLs

    • Never use full URLs as link text; this makes it difficult for screen reader users.

    • Example: "http://www.example.com" will be read letter-by-letter.

  • Link Language Tips

    • Use descriptive action words for links (e.g., "Fill out the form" instead of "Click here").

    • Indicate if links open in new tabs or formats; this assists users in understanding navigation behavior.

Color Contrast Considerations

  • Importance of High Contrast

    • High contrast benefits not only visually impaired users but also aids those with age-related sight issues or poor device quality.

    • Around 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women are color blind.

    • Accessibility enhances visibility for all users, including those outside traditional disabilities.

  • Color Blindness Awareness

    • Types of color blindness: blue-green, red, green, and black-and-white blindness.

    • Use tools to ensure appropriate color combinations and always pair colors with text/significance (e.g., labels next to colors).

  • Good Practice in Text/Color Use

    • Use light text on dark backgrounds or dark text on light backgrounds to promote clarity.

  • Avoiding Relying Solely on Color

    • Whenever color signifies meaning, use additional markers (like icons, bold text, etc.) to communicate significance.

    • Example: Instead of saying "items in red" to submit, state the items and italicize important points or include visual indicators like asterisks.

Images and Alternative Text

  • Understanding Alt Text

    • Alt text, or alternative text, describes images for users who cannot see them, enabling screen readers to convey meaning.

    • Essential for images like photos, logos, charts, and clickable images.

  • Guidelines for Writing Alt Text

    • Should be concise (roughly 125 characters) and descriptive, accurately representing the image's content.

    • Example good alt text: "An outdoor picnic with an open basket containing wine, bread, and fruits on a checkered blanket."

  • Do's and Don'ts of Alt Text

    • Do:

      • Use descriptive phrases.

      • Mark purely decorative images as ‘decorative.’

      • Add periods to indicate completion of alt text for screen readers.

    • Don't:

      • Leave alt text blank; never state "image of."

      • Use filenames as descriptions.

Font Accessibility Recommendations

  • Avoid Serif Fonts

    • Serif fonts have decorative elements that can confuse screen readers.

    • Common serif fonts to avoid: Times New Roman, Georgia, Courier.

  • Use of Sans Serif Fonts

    • Recommended fonts should focus on clarity (e.g., Arial, Lexend, Verdana).

  • Font Size Guidelines

    • Standard text should be 12-14 pt; presentations should use 18 pt and above.

  • Text Formatting

    • Avoid using all caps; left-justify text instead of centering it.

  • Text and Background

    • Utilize good color contrast in text and when incorporated into charts or graphics to enhance understanding and avoid confusion.

Document Formatting and PDF Issues

  • Avoid Using PDFs

    • PDFs often present accessibility issues and should be avoided if possible.

    • Save documents in their original formats (Word, Google Docs) instead.

    • When creating PDFs, use the 'Save as PDF' option rather than print to PDF to retain accessibility features.

  • Think about OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

    • Scanned documents require OCR to ensure screen readers can interpret text correctly.

Constant Monitoring and Improvement

  • Path to Accessibility

    • Start with documents you use frequently and enhance them for accessibility one at a time.

    • Make sure to continually develop your skills to improve accessibility rather than trying to do it all at once.

  • Utilizing Tools

    • Explore online accessibility checkers and tools in Microsoft Office, noting that Google lacks robust built-in accessibility features.

  • Broadcasting Accessibility Commitment

    • Include an accessibility statement with your materials to promote ongoing improvement.

    • Be mindful of evolving regulations around digital accessibility, demonstrating commitment to inclusivity.