Accessibility

The Distance and Online Learning Section’s Web Committee continuously strives to build an inclusive, accessible web experience. We selected our WordPress theme and stock photography with inclusivity and accessibility in mind and regularly review new site content for accessibility barriers. If you experience a barrier or exclusion on our website, please contact the Web Committee co-chairs.

DOLS Google Docs Use

DOLS uses Google suite web apps for internal and external documents. Users of screen readers and other assistive technology will need to enable accessibility mode for these documents for full functionality. Use the keyboard shortcut Cntrl+Alt+Z or find Accessibility mode in the Tools menu to turn on accessibility mode in Google docs.

Expert screen reader users also suggest turning off virtual PC cursor / browse mode. With JAWS, use Insert + Z, and with NVDA use Insert + Spacebar to turn this mode off. For more information on using Google Docs in accessibility mode, consult Blind Tech Adventure’s How to Use Google Docs with a Screen Reader.

Google Docs has some limitations when creating accessible documents.

When creating a PDF from a Google Doc, the document must be exported to Word first.
Tables lack the ability to have tagged header rows and should be avoided.
Images cannot be tagged as decorative, avoid including decorative images.

Learn more: Google Docs and Accessibility

DOLS Website Content Accessibility Checklist

Color

Color alone is not used to convey meaning
Color meets contrast requirements

Learn more: Color Contrast Checker: Web Aim

Headings

There is only one h1 (the title)
Headings are nested appropriately and not skipped

Learn more: Semantic Structure: Web Aim

Images

Reduce use of complex images (ex. Infographics)
Include descriptive alt text

Learn more: Alt Text for images: Web Aim

HTML

Non-image content is coded, not presented as a complex image

Tables

Tables include descriptive captions
Table rows and/or columns have headers

Learn more: Accessible Tables: Web Aim

Forms

Fields are arranged logically
Fields are keyboard accessible
Fields are labeled in a way visible to screen readers

Learn more: Accessible Forms: Web Aim

Files & Video

Files and video available on the website follow the above guidelines and document specific guidelines to ensure an accessible experience for our community.