{"id":1531,"date":"2026-10-05T11:46:41","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T15:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/?p=1531"},"modified":"2026-10-05T12:18:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T16:18:19","slug":"5-high-impact-practices-to-make-your-digital-materials-more-accessible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/2026\/10\/05\/5-high-impact-practices-to-make-your-digital-materials-more-accessible\/","title":{"rendered":"5 High-Impact Practices to Make Your Digital Materials More Accessible"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1531\" class=\"elementor elementor-1531\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bacd8a0 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"bacd8a0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6698da3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6698da3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"291\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/files\/2026\/10\/edvice-10.5-1024x452.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1533\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/files\/2026\/10\/edvice-10.5-1024x452.png 1024w, https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/files\/2026\/10\/edvice-10.5-300x132.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/files\/2026\/10\/edvice-10.5-768x339.png 768w, https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/files\/2026\/10\/edvice-10.5-1536x678.png 1536w, https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/files\/2026\/10\/edvice-10.5.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-08e18ea e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"08e18ea\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6110c0d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6110c0d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By: Dani O&#8217;Brien, Accessible Pedagogy Specialist<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meeting the federal digital accessibility requirements can feel overwhelming, and the full picture involves more than any single blog post can cover. The good news is that a handful of habits make a big difference. The five practices below address common barriers students encounter and offer a practical place to start. They do not cover every accessibility requirement, but building them into your routine can improve access for students with disabilities and make your materials easier for everyone to use.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">1. Use Built-in Headings and Lists<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When creating documents or adding content to Canvas pages, we often use bold text, italics, underlining, or changes in font size to identify sections and help students navigate the content. While these visual cues may work for sighted users, they do not provide the same structural information to someone using a screen reader.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Instead, use built-in heading styles. Headings provide both a visual and structural indication of sections and subsections, allowing screen reader users to navigate directly to different parts of a document or page.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A document\u2019s heading structure functions like an outline. It organizes the content and communicates how sections relate to one another:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Heading 1 (H1)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> identifies the main title of a page or document and is typically used only once.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Heading 2 (H2)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> identifies a major section.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Heading 3 (H3)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> identifies a subsection within an H2 section.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Headings 4, 5, and 6<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> identify additional levels of nested content, although these levels are used less frequently.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do not skip heading levels. For example, an H2 should be followed by another H2 or an H3, not an H4.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On a Canvas page, the page title generally serves as the H1. Begin the headings within the body of the page with H2.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To add a heading in Word, select the heading text and choose the appropriate heading from the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Styles<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> section of the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Home<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> ribbon. For step-by-step directions, watch this <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/k4sIrJK2wxs\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">video on adding headings in Word<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Similarly, when creating bulleted or numbered lists, use the program\u2019s built-in list tools rather than manually typing numbers, bullets, or symbols. Built-in lists communicate the list\u2019s structure to assistive technology.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">2. Add Alt Text to Images<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alt text, short for alternative text, is a brief description associated with an image in a digital document or webpage. Screen readers read alt text aloud, making the image\u2019s essential information available to people who are blind or have low vision.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Images that carry meaning, such as a chart, a diagram, or photo that illustrates your point, need alt text that conveys that information. Images that are purely decorative, meaning they are there only for visual appeal, should be marked as decorative so that screen readers can skip them. Images in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, and Canvas courses should either have appropriate alt text or be marked as decorative.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What makes good alt text?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Describe what the image is there to show, not everything it looks like. Keep it brief and skip phrases like \u201cimage of\u201d or \u201cpicture of,\u201d since screen readers already announce that an image is present.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Avoid:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u201cGraph\u201d<\/span>&nbsp;<br><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> This tells the reader that a graph exists but not what it shows.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Instead:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u201cBar graph showing course enrollment rising from 200 students in 2020 to 350 in 2025.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Context matters, too. For example, a photo of a campus building might need the alt text \u201cMazur Hall, home of the English Department\u201d on a page about where to find your office, but it could be marked decorative on a page where it only adds visual interest. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To add alt text in the desktop version of Word or PowerPoint, right-click the image and select <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">View Alt Text<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. In the Alt Text pane, enter a brief description or select <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mark as decorative<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The steps may differ slightly in the web-based versions of Microsoft Office.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To add alt text in Canvas, select the image and then choose <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Image Options<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The Image Options panel will open on the right side of the screen, where you can add alt text or mark the image as decorative.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For additional guidance, explore the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/teaching.temple.edu\/alt\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">alt text resources<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> on the Accessible Temple website.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">3. Write Descriptive Link Text<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Descriptive links are hyperlinks whose text clearly communicates where the link leads or what it does. They act as signposts, helping students locate the resources they need.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Descriptive links are helpful for everyone, but they are especially important for screen reader users. Screen reader users can bring up a list of links on a page and navigate through them without reading the surrounding text. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Avoid:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Vague links such as \u201cclick here\u201d or \u201cread more.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> The words \u201cclick here\u201d do not identify the link\u2019s destination or purpose.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Avoid:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Using a long, raw URL as the visible link text, for example, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/teaching.temple.edu\/resources\/accessible-temple\/accessibility-resources\/descriptive-links\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/teaching.temple.edu\/resources\/accessible-temple\/accessibility-resources\/descriptive-links.<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> A raw URL may not clearly communicate where the link leads. When read aloud by a screen reader, a long URL can also be tedious and difficult to understand.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Instead, use text that clearly indicates where the link leads and makes sense in and out of context. For example, \u201cexplore the CAT\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/teaching.temple.edu\/resources\/accessible-temple\/accessibility-resources\/descriptive-links\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">descriptive link resources.\u201d<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When relevant, include the file type or the link\u2019s behavior so users know what will happen when they activate it. For example:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Join the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/temple.zoom.us\/j\/669632882\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ed-Tech Zoom Lab (opens in Zoom)<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/teaching.temple.edu\/sites\/teaching\/files\/media\/document\/Creating%20Clear%20Structures%20in%20Word.docx\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Download the Creating Clear Structure in Word How-to Guide (Word document)<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Explore the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/teaching.temple.edu\/sites\/teaching\/files\/media\/document\/Adding%20Alt%20Text%20in%20Common%20Contexts.docx\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Adding Alt-Text Guide (downloads as a Word document)<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You do not need to identify a link as a \u201cwebsite.\u201d If a link opens a new tab or window, however, let users know. For example:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Explore the CAT\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/teaching.temple.edu\/alt\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Alt Text Resources (opens in a new tab)<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">4. Think Twice Before Using PDFs <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">PDFs are often inaccessible and are among the more difficult file types to remediate. When possible, share content in an accessible HTML, Word, or PowerPoint format instead.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you currently distribute a PDF of your slides, consider sharing the original PowerPoint presentation. If a PDF was created from a Word document, consider sharing an accessible version of the original Word file. Word and PowerPoint files are not automatically accessible, but they are generally easier to check and correct than PDFs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you assign journal articles, check whether the library or publisher provides an accessible webpage or HTML version. If one is available, share its permalink rather than uploading the article as a PDF. HTML content is often more accessible and responsive than the PDF version, particularly for people using screen magnification or mobile devices.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We know that sometimes PDFs are inevitable. In these instances, you can use Panorama, Temple\u2019s integrated accessibility tool,&nbsp;to remediate the PDF. To learn how to remediate a PDF, please check out our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tuprd.sharepoint.com\/:w:\/s\/CenterfortheAdvancementofTeaching\/IQDvyNJcrYobSa0EZVcz_FzQAQwZ52n2DyTzZkViWRvWzp4\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">How-to Guide on Remediating PDFs with Panorama<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or watch our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/piDwIF7l94A\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">How-to Video on Remediating PDFs with Panorama<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">5. Check Your Color Choices<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Make sure text has enough contrast against its background, especially light gray text, colored text on colored fills, and text over images. Tools like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webaim.org\/resources\/contrastchecker\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">WebAIM Contrast Checker<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> can help you test combinations. Panorama,&nbsp;Temple\u2019s integrated accessibility tool,&nbsp;can also check for color contrast issues. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Also avoid using color as the only way to convey meaning. \u201cComplete the items in red\u201d doesn&#8217;t work for students who can&#8217;t distinguish the colors. Add a text label or symbol in addition to the color to ensure all students can access the meaning.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To learn more about color and accessibility, check out our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tuprd.sharepoint.com\/:w:\/s\/CenterfortheAdvancementofTeaching\/IQCBhxbdz79ZQJMz3HvKWQ_OAcyuZ42Vm-MEHXZI6GhxZrg\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">How-to Guide on Color Considerations.<\/span><\/a> <span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><em>Additional Support&nbsp;<\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The CAT is here to support you as you work toward improved digital accessibility. For more complete information, visit our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/teaching.temple.edu\/resources\/accessible-temple\/accessibility-resources\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Accessibility Resources website<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. To explore our accessibility workshops and training options, visit our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/teaching.temple.edu\/accessibility-offerings\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Accessibility Offerings page<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. For one-on-one support, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fck68bajab.cc.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D001MqEe7FcmS7puRnAnq47mrZglTT4NXKFB6OF5Vos58SRQTCi0gqAkUfHkvZ4cDlglm72dB6rFYkmc8T_wo-c2PMqIlzFyOnKVu-NRzqTIBLf4DlkoH7UJEURwYdiOo9FW7i8NrMW75Z_Ndq2wnajSKGUBfmuZz_Us-LA47GL2wEOh0mAdxXiH7A%3D%3D%26c%3DBvQKN1s_-plZoQ5VJ5eiPn5SxxaOqTCsndg-WHNQerugcfU7n73-CQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DOOCNEx4wApLP8n8f2LHHT3y-P-PGbyvQFiAfhhvtNn114zvd0pYd-w%3D%3D&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cdani.obrien%40temple.edu%7C7b6aa10fcc55414aaeb808df1d7a18f0%7C716e81efb52244738e3110bd02ccf6e5%7C0%7C0%7C639262082387737710%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=XID05R2Y%2B58JleA7FLpd6H4xW3wI66WYkYcFZxpjH%2F4%3D&amp;reserved=0\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">schedule a consultation<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> with the CAT, or email&nbsp;<\/span><a href=\"mailto:cat@temple.edu\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">cat@temple.edu<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">&nbsp;if the available appointment times don\u2019t work for you<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">. <\/span><a href=\"mailto:dani.obrien@temple.edu\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dani O&#8217;Brien<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, our Accessible Pedagogy Specialist, is happy to be a resource for your departments and colleges, and our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/teaching.temple.edu\/teaching-technologies\/educational-technology-labs-workspaces\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">in-person and virtual labs<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> are open for accessibility questions as well.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By: Dani O&#8217;Brien, Accessible Pedagogy Specialist Meeting the federal digital accessibility requirements can feel overwhelming, and the full picture involves more than any single blog post can cover. The good news is that a handful of habits make a big difference. The five practices below address common barriers students encounter and offer a practical place &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/2026\/10\/05\/5-high-impact-practices-to-make-your-digital-materials-more-accessible\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">5 High-Impact Practices to Make Your Digital Materials More Accessible<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29430,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1531","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-accessibility"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1531","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29430"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1531"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1531\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1546,"href":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1531\/revisions\/1546"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1531"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1531"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/edvice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1531"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}