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Digital Access Basics Resources: Check. Test. Eval.

NOTE: This page provides an overview of digital access and basic resources to check, test, and evaluate access. This information will be periodically updated as new information becomes available.

Basics of Digital Access – Getting Started

In every post and online interaction, think, learn, and share about digital access. Every day during the year include access from the start and spread awareness.

Accessibility is essential for people with disabilities and useful for all. But, various barriers often prevent equal access and limit equal opportunity for people with disabilities in digital content and online interactions. 

Everyone can help and has a part in promoting and providing equitable digital access to all. Accessibility is not all “techie” or only for the designer or developer. Various resources and tools are available that “break down” best practices and can guide you in simple quick checks for digital access.

Introduction to Digital Access

Background –  User Experience and Perspectives

Accessibility Plan, Policies and Statements

Keep in mind that digital access is not a one-time checkbox, given the variety of technology and users together with the continual, often critical, changing nature of digital content. It is vital to have accessibility contacts and policies in place.

  • Set goals, plan, and check access from start to finish plus re-checks.
  • Have access policies, including for purchasing.
  • Provide accessibility statement.
    • Link called “Accessibility” readily and consistently available (for example: in footer of website).
    • Page identifies your access commitment and contact if issues.

Accessibility should be included from the start and built-in throughout the process of design, development, and management to promote digital inclusion for the more than one billion people with disabilities worldwide. Ensure the purchase and provision of third-party digital products, technology, and services are also accessible.

Accessibility Statement

Planning, Policies and Procurement for Accessibility

Be aware of your legal responsibilities for digital access under various U.S. Federal and state laws that may be applicable. Keep in mind that the ADA is a civil rights law that covers effective communication, equal opportunity, and non-discrimination for individuals with disabilities.

ADA Title II and Digital Access

Section 504, Health Care and Digital Access

Section 1557, Health Care and Digital Access

More Federal Guidance on Digital Access

ADA National Network: Resources on Digital Access

Videos

Publications

Podcasts

Webinar Archives

Web Courses

WCAG: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) 
Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)

WCAG Checklists

More about WCAG

Quick Checkpoints to Digital Access

Get started! Everyone can and has a role in access.

  1. Identification
    • Provide clear description in properties for title (or subject), author, language.
  2. Writing
    • Font:  Sans serif (example: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana).
    • Acronyms and Abbreviations: spell out first use.
    • Phone Numbers: use dashes (not periods).
    • Keep short and standard (example: Plain Language, Easy Read).
    • Check spelling and readability (built-in, free tools).
  3. Structure
    • Use headings, lists, and other structural elements.
  4. Color
    • Check contrast between background and colors of text, links, and other content elements.
    • Avoid use of color only to convey meaning of the information.
  5. Images
    • Text description (alt-text) for images and non-text content.
  6. Links
    • Clearly identify in the link text – what it is and where is going.
    • The link text makes sense if read by itself (avoid ”click here”).
  7. Media
    • Captions for videos and transcripts for audio.
    • Social media: Camel case for hashtags (i.e. #BeAccessible)
  8. Navigate
    • Keyboard navigable: unplug your mouse and use tab key.
    • Magnification to 200% and reflow of content on mobile.

Testing and Eval Web Access

Screen Reader Technology Access

Check out the accessibility with a screen reader.

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

Try this free and open source screen reader for the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Document Access

General Document and Technology Access

PDF Access

Color and Contrast

Spanish/ En Español

Términos Comunes en Accesibilidad Web

  • accesibilidad web –
    en inglés: web accessibility
  • El World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) El W3C
    en inglés: The World Wide Web Consortium, The W3C
  • La Iniciativa de Accesibilidad Web (WAI) del World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
    en inglés: The Web Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium
  • Las Pautas de Accesibilidad al Contenido Web (WCAG)
    en inglés: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
  • Las Pautas de Accesibilidad al Contenido en la Web (WCAG)
    en inglés: The Guidelines for Accessibility to Web Content
  • Los Estándares del W3C
    en inglés: The W3C Standards
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