1. II. Cross-Cutting Strategies A Web Accessibility Primer: Usability for Everyone Office of Web Communications

2. Provide Labels and Structure An organized, outline presentation makes content more accessible to everyone. Use real heading and bullet list formats so machines (screen readers) can recognize them.

3. Color Use Don’t use color alone to convey info. Cornell’s policyCornell’s policy not Cornell’s policy www.vischeck.com Use high contrast colors.

4. Acronyms Spell out acronyms in their first use. Even common acronyms (e.g., CEO) should be spelled out. Screen readers will pronounce acronyms as words if there are enough vowels.

5. Hyperlinks Link names should make sense out of context. Make links and hot spots big enough to hit with limited motor ability with a mouse. “click here” … “more” … “Dr. Raj”

6. Avoid Flickering Images Flashing, strobing or flickering images can induce seizures in some people. Not to mention are annoying to almost everyone.

7. Tables Screenreadersread Informationacrosstables in alinearway TherebymakingIt Difficulttounderstand Informationcontainedin tables.

8. Tables (continued) Use the simplest layout possible. –Label rows and columns clearly –Don’t let headers span rows or columns –Use only one level of row/column names DeptCourseDays PSYC100M, W, F PSYC240T, Th PSYC360M, T (lab), W, F BIO160M, T (lab), W, F BIO220T, Th, F (lab) DeptCourseDays LectureLab PSYC100M, W, F 240T, Th 360M, W, FT BIO 160M, W, FT 220T, ThF

9. Tables (continued) Define sizes with percentages (%). Not inches or cm.

10. Image Use Use real rather than graphical text Use images liberally – they aid comprehension. But avoid background images. Provide descriptive “alternative text” or “alt-text” for images. versus University

11. Alt-Text for Images Screen readers read any alt-text you provide for images. Don’t duplicate descriptions if they are already in main content. Don’t describe images that are merely decorative.

12. Forms Good clarity and organization help everyone. Need to be keyboard-only accessible (no JavaScripts that change browser location) Organize logically: –Clear instructions –Label required elements –Line up field names with response fields

13. Audio and Video Always provide a text transcript for all audio. Include captions for all audio associated with video or changing images (e.g. PowerPoint). –Synchronized –Equivalent –Accessible Don’t describe images that are merely decorative.

14. Use simple, familiar fonts. No cursive or rare ones. Provide high contrast between text and background. –E.g. –Not Text Presentation and Formatting 1 to help keep them in context Use footnotes rather than endnotes. 1 red on green blue on yellow

15. Text Presentation and Formatting Leave large, empty margins around the text. Use blank lines between paragraphs.

16. Clear Writing Use active verbs, avoid passive voice –e.g. She wrote the book not The book was written by… Avoid the verb “to be” as main verb –e.g., He charmed the audience not He was charming Keep sentences short and simple. Avoid double negatives. Organize your ideas logically, use headings.