By Yvonne Tevis. Did you know images in a website or document need “alt tags” to be accessible? Or that links should never be “here” or “read more?”
Find out how and why through two new tip sheets from Siteimprove.
Getting Started with the Basics
The UC Electronic Accessibility Committee is partnering with Siteimprove to help make UC websites and documents more accessible to people with disabilities.
To get you started, Siteimprove has created tip sheets on accessibility. Each sheet offers just ten basic steps so you can prioritize what to do:
- Quick Tips for Creating Accessible Documents (pdf)
- Quick Tips for Creating Accessible Websites (pdf)
The tip sheets were developed for UC Irvine staff who wanted simple messaging for an accessibility event. The sheets have been so well received that Siteimprove plans to develop more, including one on accessibility for social media.
Learn More with Online Training
Siteimprove also offers online courses for UC personnel. You can start with the basics – “General Digital Accessibility Principles” – or get creative with “Accessibility for Designers.” There also are courses for techies, writers, marketers – just about everyone.
To access the courses, at most UC locations you log-in to either (1) the UC Learning Center and search for “accessibility” or the course name, or (2) your Siteimprove account and click on “Help Center and Academy” at the top, and then on “Academy.”
For assistance or to get an account, email your location’s Siteimprove administrator.
Just Released – Virtual Classrooms and Social Media
Two of the latest courses may be of particular interest now – currently they are available only through the Siteimprove Academy:
- Accessibility for Virtual Classrooms: This course provides guidance to help educators support the accessibility of their online classrooms and course content.
- Accessibility for Social Media: This course helps you craft accessible posts for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn – while still reaching the widest audience possible.
Yvonne Tevis is chief of staff, Information Technology Services, UC Office of the President.