Design and Select Accessible Content, Resources, and Tools

These guidelines will help you determine whether the content, resources, and tools you select to use in your course are in compliance with federal ADA requirements and university policies.

How to select or create content, resources, and tools

In very general terms, choose to use formats and resources for your online course where:

Screen readers can access content in a text-based format.
Content is accessible by using the keyboard alone.
Course files are checked for accessibility.
Videos are captioned.
Weblinks and images have alt-text descriptions.
Content is presented in a clear, consistent, structured format.
External technology tools, publisher websites and/or other software/hardware are vetted for accessibility.

Creating accessible content is easier than you think. Six core skills that anyone can learn are summarized below. Check out the links to learn a bit more about each topic.

Headings and document structure
Hyperlinks
Video captions
Bullets and numbered lists
Color and contrast
Image alt text

Related Information

ADA Compliance for Online Course Design - Descriptions of accessible formats and resources and useful strategies and tips, by Sheryl Burgstahler for EDUCAUSE Review