When possible, provide information in multiple formats (text, video, audio, graphic, etc.). In addition to making content more accessible to those with disabilities, this also accounts for student learning preferences and can be useful to mitigate technology issues (for example, having a text version helps if an infographic image or a video will not load due to poor internet connection).
Text
- Use plain language (simple. concise, and clear).
- Avoid underlining or using text colors that could be easily mistaken as a hyperlink (bright blue).
- Avoid using text color as the ONLY indicator for emphasis or hierarchy.
Format and Layout
- Use built-in headings, hierarchy structures, and list formatting.
- Avoid large paragraphs - break up into smaller paragraphs (maximum 3-5 lines) or lists.
- Avoid clutter by allowing blank spaces between content.
Acronyms
- Always explain or spell out acronyms the first time they are used.
Hashtags
- Use CamelCase (the first letter of each word is capitalized).
Links
- Use [brackets] and uppercase to indicate if the link is to a photo [PIC], video [VIDEO], or audio [AUDIO].
- Use descriptive hyperlinks - not "click here". Hyperlinked words should describe where the link will bring you (for example, "Class Worksheet").
Images
- Add alt text that describes the content of the image.
- Avoid purely decorative images OR use "null" alt text (or mark as decorative) to indicate that an image is decorative.
- As an alternative (or addition) to alt text features, include a brief description below the actual image. This will be accessible to everyone without needing use tools to view the alt text.
- For infographics (images with lots of text), provide a plain text version of the same information (preferably using hierarchy structures such as headings to provide context).
Videos
- Include captions: you can use "auto-caption" features then edit to improve the accuracy and formatting.
- Closed captions allow users to turn captioning on and off.
- Open captions are always visible and embedded as part of the visual.
- Transcripts provide a text version of the video (including voice and other important cues) but without the timestamps.
Audio
- Transcripts provide a text version of audio recording, preferably including any noises (such as [MUSIC] or [COUGHING]) in addition to spoken words.
- If multiple people are talking, include indications of who is speaking in the transcript.
