Accessibility

This set of online characteristics focuses on ensuring all course content and activities are fully accessible, inclusive, and usable for all learners.

It emphasizes compliance with accessibility standards through readable text, accessible multimedia and documents, descriptive hyperlinks, well-designed presentations, and support for assistive technologies in alignment with institutional and universal design guidelines.

Accessibility Characteristics

Text-Content Presentation

Text content is presented in an easily accessed format (preferably D2L Brightspace text editor) and is readable by assistive technology, including PDFs.

Text

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

Prefer editable text within the LMS (e.g., D2L HTML editor) instead of image-based PDFs whenever possible.
Consider using accessibility checkers (e.g., Microsoft Accessibility Checker, Adobe Accessibility Checker) before publishing materials.

Note: If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Text-Formatting

Text is formatted with titles, headings, and other styles to enhance readability and improve the structure of the document.

Text

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

Use built-in heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) to organize content rather than manually formatting bold or larger text..
How to organize content can be found at: AU Web Accessibility - Headings and Headings | Web Accessibility Intiative (WAI) | W3C
Make your Word documents accessible to people with disabilities | Microsoft Support

Note: If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Text-Treatment

Text should not be flashing, blinking, or a different color for emphasis.

Text

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

Use bolding, spacing, headings, or icons for emphasis instead of relying solely on color. Examples inDesigning for Web Accessibility - Tips for Getting Started | Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) | W3C may be helpful.

Note: If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Text-Contrast

Text should not be flashing, blinking, or a different color for emphasis.

Text

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

Use high-contrast text and backgrounds to improve readability for all users, including those with visual impairments.
Consider checking contrast ratios using accessibility tools (e.g.WebAIM Contrast Checker) or the built-in accessibility checker in D2L

Note: If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Images and Multimedia

Images and multimedia (e.g., video, audio) are accessible: a text equivalent for every non-text element is provided (alt tags, captions, transcripts, etc.).

Multimedia

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

Note: If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Audio Description

An audio description is provided for video-only content..

Multimedia

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

Consider adding transcripts or supplementary text summaries to support comprehension and accessibility.
Ensure learners can understand key visual information without relying solely on visuals.
Transcribing Audio to Text | Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) | W3C

Note: If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Tables: Headers

Header rows and columns are labelled..

Table

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

Note: If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Tables: Title and Caption

A title and summary/caption are included.

Table

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

Caption & Summary | Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) | W3C

Note: If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Tables: Use

The use of tables should be reserved for presenting specific elements of the content.

Table

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

Use tables only for presenting data, comparisons, or structured information—not for page formatting or layout. Avoid using tables when...

Note: If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Descriptive Hyperlinks

Hyperlink text is descriptive (e.g., name of document of website) and makes sense when out of context (avoid using "click here").

Hyperlink

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

Use meaningful hyperlink text that clearly describes the destination or purpose (e.g., “Accessibility Guidelines” rather than “Click here”).
Keep link wording concise and understandable when read independently by screen readers.
Tips for Getting Started | Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) | W3C

Note: If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Hyperlink Behavior

Any hyperlinks should be set to open in a new tab.

Table

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

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Slide Decks

Slide decks include a unique title on each slide, alt text for images, appropriate reading order, and non-automatic transitions between slides.

Presentation

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

Use accessibility checkers in Powerpoint or Google Slides before sharing materials.

Note: If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Assistive Technology

Vary and support the methods and/or delivery for response, navigation, and movement (e.g., text to speech).

Technology, Assistive

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

Provide multiple ways for learners to engage with materials (e.g., text, audio, captions, downloadable documents, text-to-speech compatibility). Additional guidance on inclusive design practices can be found in Universal Design for Learning.
Ensure accessibility by accommodating diverse motor skills, pacing preferences, and sensory

Note: If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Accessibility Standards

Instructional materials meet the accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, UDL, etc.) and institutional guidelines.

Accessibility

Resource(s) and Consideration(s):

Review instructional materials using institutional accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG UDL).

Note: If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Resources

If you have a resource you think would be a good example of this characteristic, please complete this form.

Questions or Comments?

Contact AU Online Education at auoe@augusta.edu with any questions or comments you might have.