Essentials for Accessible Materials

• Use proper heading levels (e.g., H1, H2, H3) to create a logical structure.
• Don’t skip heading levels.
• Use headings to support semantic meaning, not for visual styling.

• Use simple table structures (e.g., avoiding merged cells), when possible.
• Use column and row headers.
• Include a table summary for complex tables.

• Use built-in tools that create bulleted or numbered lists.
• Organize information logically.
• Avoid creating lists manually with dashes or asterisks.

• Ensure text stands out clearly against its background.
• Don’t use color alone to convey meaning.
• Use tools to check if your color choices are easy to read.

• Use San-serif fonts such as Aerial, Helvetica, or Verdana
• Use size 12 for most materials. Size 16 to 18 for slide decks.
• Use 1.5 or more line spacing.
• Limit use of italics or ALL CAPS for long sections of text.
• Keep font choices consistent throughout your document.

• Use clear, straightforward language.
• Avoid jargon and unnecessary technical terms.
• Use active voice.
• Omit excess words.

• Make link text clearly describe where the link goes.
• Avoid vague phrases like “click here” or “read more.”
• Most links should be underlined by default.

• Use platforms that support keyboard navigation.

• Provide brief, descriptive text explanations for important images.
• Keep the surrounding context in mind when composing alternative text.
• Mark “eye candy” images as decorative images.

• Include accurate, timed captions for all video content.
• Identify speakers and describe important sounds.

• Provide audio descriptions of important visual information or offer a descriptive transcript that includes both dialogue and visual details.

• Provide complete written versions of all audio content.
• Make sure transcripts are easy to find.

Keep the layout and navigation of your materials consistent.

Use built-in accessibility checkers, including Anthology Ally.

Ask for feedback from people with diverse abilities.