Creating accessible digital content helps ensure that information is available to everyone, including individuals who use assistive technologies.

When creating or updating digital content, keep these basic accessibility practices in mind:

• Alt Text
  Add meaningful alternative text, or alt text, to images that communicate important information. Keep descriptions brief and focused on what a user needs to understand from the image. Decorative images generally do not need a description.
   
• Headings
  Use built-in heading styles to organize content in a logical order. Proper headings help users navigate webpages and documents with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
   
• Links
  Use descriptive link text that explains where the link will take the user. Avoid vague phrases such as “click here” or “learn more” when possible.
   
• Color & Contrast
  Ensure enough contrast between text and its background. Do not use color alone to communicate important information.
   
• Documents
  PDFs, Google Docs, Microsoft Word documents, presentations, and other files should also be created with accessibility in mind. Use proper headings, descriptive links, alt text for meaningful images, and clear formatting.
   
• Video & Audio
  Videos containing spoken information should include accurate captions. Don't communicate important information through audio or visuals alone.

The WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool can help identify common accessibility concerns on websites and Google Sites. Staff should also have the WAVE extension installed in Chrome for quick accessibility checks while working.

WAVE can help identify issues such as:

• Missing alternative text
• Heading structure problems
• Low color contrast
• Empty or unclear links
• Form and page structure concerns

Staff members who maintain a Google Site or classroom webpage are encouraged to run WAVE periodically and review any errors or alerts that appear.

The following resources provide additional information about digital accessibility and the requirements established under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

ADA Title II Regulations

Review the U.S. Department of Justice regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

View ADA Title II Regulations

DOJ Web Accessibility Rule

The U.S. Department of Justice provides an overview of the requirements for web content and mobile applications provided by state and local governments, including public school districts. The rule establishes WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the technical accessibility standard.

View the DOJ Web Accessibility Rule Fact Sheet

First Steps Toward Compliance

The U.S. Department of Justice provides practical guidance for organizations working to review and improve the accessibility of their digital content.

View First Steps Toward Compliance

Staff members who create or maintain websites, Google Sites, documents, presentations, videos, or other instructional digital content should consider accessibility during the creation and publishing process.

Google Sites

If you maintain a classroom Google Site or other instructional webpage, please review the following:

• Review your site using the WAVE accessibility tool.
• Add meaningful alt text to images.
• Use proper heading styles to organize content.
• Use descriptive link text instead of phrases such as “click here.”
• Check text and background color contrast.
• Review documents and other resources linked from your site for accessibility.
• Include a link to the District’s Digital Accessibility webpage in your site footer.

Need Assistance?

If WAVE identifies an issue you are unsure how to resolve, or if you need assistance making digital content accessible, please complete the Digital Accessibility Assistance Form above or email us.