Accessibility Tools and Resources: Getting Started with Accessibility

No matter where your organization stands regarding progress toward improving digital accessibility, an accessibility statement is critical to success. Your statement informs your users that (1) accessibility is a priority; (2) steps have been, or are being, taken to address accessibility; and (3) specific contacts are available to provide assistance and are open to receive feedback.

Disability.gov Accessibility Statement(opens in a new window)

This example statement demonstrates how an organization can address accessibility, continuously assess its own website, decide which accessibility standards are relevant, and provide solutions to users who are trying to access specific documents. See Disability.gov accessibility statement >(opens in a new window)

Gov.UK Accessibility Statement(opens in a new window)

The language on this page is simple and easy to understand. It provides clear guidance on which assistive technology tools are compatible with the gov.UK site, explains how to obtain alternate versions of materials, and allows users to provide feedback to the Web team. See Gov.UK accessibility statement > (opens in a new window)

Accessibility Statement Generator(opens in a new window)

This simple tool generates a basic accessibility statement based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0). Users enter information about their website and complete an accessibility checklist; then the site generates a basic accessibility statement that can be posted to your organization’s website. See accessibility statement generator >(opens in a new window)

Developing Organizational Policies on Web Accessibility(opens in a new window)

This guide helps you develop a policy for creating, managing, and delivering accessible websites. See guide > (opens in a new window)

How to Create an Accessibility Plan and Policy(opens in a new window)

This resource from the Ontario Government provides a step-by-step process for creating accessibility plans and policies for organizations. See resource >(opens in a new window)

Although the ideal accessibility audit includes actual users to evaluate the accessibility of your resources, in conjunction with the use of accessibility tracking software, a number of excellent, free resources are available that can help you identify high-priority items, gaps in your accessibility efforts, and related issues.

How to Conduct a Basic Accessibility Audit on Your Site(opens in a new window)

This blog post from Adobe describes several simple ways to audit the accessibility of your website. See accessibility audit tips from Adobe > (opens in a new window)

How to Meet WCAG 2.0(opens in a new window)

This customizable, quick reference on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 outlines requirements and techniques for developers and technology staff. How to meet WCAG 2.0 > (opens in a new window)

IT Accessibility Risk Statements and Evidence(opens in a new window)

This document was created by the EDUCAUSE IT(opens in a new window) Accessibility Constituent Group to help identify accessibility risks that IT leaders should consider in their risk management process. See accessibility risk statements >(opens in a new window)

WebAIM’s WCAG 2.0 Checklist(opens in a new window)

This simple checklist offers recommendations for meeting Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 guidelines. See WCAG 2.0 checklist >(opens in a new window)

Accessibility Color Wheel(opens in a new window)

This free tool allows users to see how colors and color combinations appear to someone with visual impairments. Choose color combinations at the site to determine whether the colors promote accessibility. See accessibility color wheel >(opens in a new window)

Web Accessibility Checker(opens in a new window)

Plug any uniform resource locator (URL) into the accessibility checker, and you will see a list of accessibility issues plus suggestions on how to fix noncompliant website components. See web accessibility checker >(opens in a new window)

When purchasing technology, it’s imperative to work with contractors and vendors to determine whether their products or devices are accessible. When working with vendors, it is recommended that you use an accessibility template and ensure that all contracts include language on the accessibility of the items under consideration. See guidance for purchasing agents >(opens in a new window)

This guide offers purchasing language for print and digital materials. It also includes information on how to address accessibility issues with materials and open educational resources developed by teachers and other local and national sources. See purchasing language examples >(opens in a new window)

Guidance for Purchasers(opens in a new window)

This document outlines the steps necessary to ensure that accessible learning materials are secured from the beginning of the acquisition process. This guide includes sample contract language that can, and should, be added to any contracts you sign moving forward. See purchasers guide >(opens in a new window)

Accessible Purchasing Overview(opens in a new window)

This Web page presents an overview of criteria for prioritizing decision making related to accessibility and purchasing of technology tools, resources, and materials. See accessible purchasing overview > (opens in a new window)

Purchasing Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) Quick Reference Guide(opens in a new window)

This quick reference guide outlines considerations for purchasing accessible materials as well as action steps that districts can take to ensure that purchased materials are accessible. See AIM guide > (opens in a new window)

A critical component of accessibility is securing buy-in from all of your stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, and other staff in your school, district, or institution. Get started by offering training and support to inform your team about the legal mandates for providing accessible digital content, resources, and devices to meet the needs of all students.

Simply Said: Understanding Accessibility in Digital Learning Materials(opens in a new window)

This brief video provides a synopsis of accessibility features to consider when developing digital learning materials and an excellent introduction for those who are unfamiliar with accessibility issues. Watch video > (opens in a new window)

Make Technology Work for Everyone: Introducing Digital Accessibility(opens in a new window)

This short, introductory animated video presents 15 tips to help make your technology usable and inclusive. It also provides information on why digital inclusion is an important educational issue. Watch video >(opens in a new window)

Section 508 Compliancy and Microsoft Word/PowerPoint

These quick tutorial videos show how to make Word and PowerPoint documents compliant with the laws related to accessibility. This information is especially important for teachers and others who are developing their own learning materials.

Watch Word Tutorial >(opens in a new window)

Watch PowerPoint tutorial > (opens in a new window)

Do-It-Yourself Workflows for Captioning and Transcription(opens in a new window)

This webinar from the Ohio State University Web Accessibility Center presents an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to Do It Yourself (DIY) captioning, an essential accessibility feature for video content. See webinar on captioning >(opens in a new window)

The Long Road from Reactive to Proactive: Developing an Accessibility Strategy

This webinar discusses tools for moving your accessibility processes from reactive to proactive. Although the video content is geared toward higher education, it can be applied to all levels of the education system. See webinar on accessibility strategy >(opens in a new window)