The University has a shared responsibility to make information and communication technology accessible.  To support the UConn community in this obligation, we have developed accessibility training.  We encourage all employees who engage in web development and design, content stewardship, and/or procuring goods and services to become familiar with this training material.

 

6 Tips for Making Content More Accessible

1. Use Clear and Simple Language
   • Write in plain language to ensure content is understandable for people with varying literacy levels. Avoid jargon, technical terms, or complex sentences unless necessary, and provide explanations when they are used.
2. Provide Alternative Text for Images
   • Add descriptive alt text to images so screen readers can convey their purpose to visually impaired users. Keep the descriptions concise but informative, focusing on the essential information conveyed by the image.
3. Ensure Text is Readable
   • Use a readable font size (minimum 16px for body text) and high-contrast color schemes to help users with low vision or color blindness. Avoid relying solely on color to convey meaning—use text labels or patterns as well.
4. Use Headings and Structured Layouts
   • Organize content with clear headings, subheadings, and lists to help users navigate easily. Properly structured HTML tags (e.g., <h1>, <h2>, <ul>) improve compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers.
5. Make Interactive Elements Accessible
   • Ensure buttons, links, and form fields are labeled clearly and large enough to click. Test keyboard navigation to confirm all interactive elements can be accessed without a mouse. Add ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels where needed.
6. Provide Transcripts and Captions for Multimedia
   • Offer transcripts for audio content and captions for videos to accommodate users who are deaf, hard of hearing, or prefer to consume content in text form. Ensure captions are accurate and synchronized with the audio.

By implementing these tips, you’ll make your content more inclusive and usable for a broader audience.