Accessibility Awareness Week spotlight: Get started creating accessible digital content
From: Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies, and Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education
Creating accessible digital content can seem overwhelming, but just like packing, cleaning, or shopping, using a list can help break down, organize, and prioritize the tasks.
Make a list
To begin, take stock of the content that needs review and make a list. The list could include reports, textbooks, course resources, websites, video or audio files, slide decks, or online forms — all the digital content that is used for teaching, research, or administrative purposes. Watch the following video to get started.
Review the list
- Assess the list. Is the content actively being used? Which items are accessed most frequently?
- Move unused content into an archive folder. If the content has no continuing value, delete it from websites or other digital repositories.
- Prioritize the remaining list to check the most commonly used content first.
What’s next?
- For each item on the list, create a plan to determine whether it is accessible.
- Take note of what would resolve accessibility problems.
- Review the How to Get Started page for tips.
Make a plan
- Explore the accessibility tools on the TLOS Tool Finder page.
- Use the Keep C.A.L.M Campaign (Choose Accessible Learning Materials) for suggestions and resources on creating and updating content.
- Access the Digital Accessibility Playbook course in Canvas.
Want to learn more?
- Explore the training options to help remediate existing content or create new content that is accessible from the start.
- Join the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) (free for all Virginia Tech employees) and check out their webinars, resources, and subject-matter-expert communities.
- Gain an understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through the resources provided by the ADA National Network.
Need Help?
Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) is here to help. Contact assist@vt.edu or schedule a consultation with a digital accessibility expert.
Virginia Tech Accessibility Awareness Week is modeled after Global Accessibility Awareness Day. The goal of the week is to provide learning opportunities and resources that engage campus community members to think, discuss, learn, and take action regarding digital and physical accessibility.
Accessibility Awareness Week is sponsored by the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education, the Campus Accessibility Working Group, the Division of Information Technology, Services for Students with Disabilities, and Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies.