Getting Started

What Accessibility Means

Digital accessibility means people can get the information, complete the task, and use the content you create, even when they do not use a screen, mouse, keyboard, hearing, vision, language, or attention in the same way.

Someone may listen to a screen reader instead of seeing the page, read captions instead of hearing audio, use a keyboard or switch instead of a mouse, zoom text larger, or depend on plain language and predictable structure.

Good accessibility is not only for a small group of people. It also helps people on phones, in noisy rooms, with temporary injuries, with slow internet, or while multitasking.

• Accessibility is about usable content, not only technical compliance.
• People may use assistive technology, browser settings, or device features to access the same content in different ways.
• Students, staff, families, and community members all need school information to be understandable and usable.
• Building accessibility in early is easier than fixing barriers after publication.

How People May Use Your Content

• Screen readers and braille displays Some people do not look at the page visually. They may move through headings, links, buttons, form fields, and image descriptions in a spoken or braille interface.
• Captions and transcripts Some people cannot hear audio clearly, and some prefer or need text. Captions and transcripts make video and audio content easier to use in more situations.
• Keyboard, switch, and voice input Some people do not use a mouse. They may tab through controls with a keyboard, use a switch device, or activate commands with their voice.
• Zoom, clarity, and plain language Some people read with enlarged text, limited vision, attention differences, or lower reading confidence. Clear structure and readable language help them stay oriented.

A Few Terms You Will See Often

• Alt text Short text that explains what a meaningful image, chart, or graphic is communicating.
• Captions On-screen text for spoken words and important sounds in video.
• Transcript A text version of spoken audio and key media information.
• Headings Real section titles that help people scan, navigate, and understand the structure of a page or document.
• Keyboard access The ability to use interactive content without needing a mouse.
• Contrast The difference between text and its background so people can read it clearly.

The Habits That Help Most

• Start with real structure Use built-in headings, lists, table tools, labels, and layouts instead of making structure with bold text, tabs, empty spaces, or manual formatting.
• Give non-text content a text equivalent Add alt text for meaningful images, caption video, provide transcripts for audio, and explain charts or complex visuals in words nearby.
• Write for clarity Use descriptive headings, plain language, readable contrast, and links that tell people where they are going or what they are about to do.
• Check before you share Run the built-in checker first, then do a quick human review for reading order, missing labels, missing text alternatives, and keyboard use when interaction is involved.

The Big Four Ideas Behind Accessibility

• Perceivable People need to be able to notice the information, whether through sight, sound, touch, or text alternatives.
• Operable People need to be able to move through and use the content, including without a mouse.
• Understandable People need clear language, predictable structure, and instructions that make sense.
• Robust The content needs to work well with browsers, assistive technology, and different devices.

Choose Your Next Guide

After you understand the basics, open the guide that matches the format or task you are working on.

• Documents Use heading styles, real lists and tables, alt text, readable contrast, and the built-in checker before sharing.
• Emails & Newsletters Use clear subjects, live HTML text, one-column layouts, descriptive links, alt text, and testing with images blocked.
• Graphs & Charts Keep the data table accessible, label axes and units, explain the key message, and do not rely on color alone.
• Multimedia Caption video, provide transcripts and audio description, avoid flashing content, and make sure controls work without a mouse.
• Presentations Give every slide a unique title, fix reading order, add alt text, keep text large and high contrast, and caption embedded media.
• Social Media Write in plain language, add your own alt text, caption every video, use CamelCase hashtags, and limit emoji use.
• Surveys Tell people how long the survey will take, label every field, show progress, write clear errors, and offer another format when needed.
• Tables Use tables only for data, add clear headers and captions, avoid merged cells and blank spacers, and keep the layout simple.
• Web Content Use semantic HTML, one clear H1, descriptive titles and links, keyboard support, alt text, strong contrast, and landmarks.
• Procurement Put accessibility into the scope, contracts, demos, and acceptance checks before you buy software, devices, curriculum, or digital services.