UAH continues its work on UAH Mission Accessible, and this update highlights key reminders, resources and upcoming opportunities to support accessible digital content.

 

Infographic of WCAG P.O.U.R. Principles. Four colorful panels: Perceivable: Content is accessible; Operable: Interface is usable; Understandable: Information is clear; and Robust: Works with assistive tech. Icons symbolize accessibility.

Accessibility works best when it is built in from the beginning, not added at the end.

 

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) P.O.U.R. Principles provide the digital framework to help make digital content usable for everyone. Thinking about accessibility early reduces rework and helps UAH create accessible digital experiences from the start.

 

P.O.U.R. – Essential Principles for Accessible Content

  • Perceivable: Make sure information is easy to access across various senses, including sight, sound and touch. Use meaningful alt text, provide captions, follow clear document structure, and use sufficient color contrast.
  • Operable: Design content people can navigate and use. Make links descriptive, headings logical, and keyboard navigation possible.
  • Understandable: Keep language, layout, and instructions clear and predictable so people know what to do and what to expect.
  • Robust: Create content that works with assistive technology and across devices by using built-in styles, real lists, real tables, and accessible file formats.

Accessibility Quick Checks

  • Use built-in headings, lists, and table tools instead of manually changing font size or color to show structure
  • Write descriptive link text and give files clear, meaningful names before sharing them
  • Add alt text for meaningful images or mark non-essential images as ‘decorative’
  • Provide captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions when needed for videos and audio files
  • Run the built-in accessibility checkers in Microsoft Office, Canvas, or DocHub before finalizing and sharing your content

 

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Working Sessions

Only two dates remaining! Be sure to attend one of these sessions, hosted by the ETLC.

  • Friday, April 17 at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM
  • Friday, April 24 at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM

Sign up using this RSVP form to attend either session.

 

Coming soon!

The Office of Risk Management & Compliance (ORMC) is creating a dedicated form for accessibility questions and reporting. We will notify the campus community when it is ready!In the meantime, to report a concern or ask a question about accessibility, send an email to the Accessibility Mailbox.

 

Did you know?

The international symbol of Access, the familiar wheelchair symbol, was designed by Susan Koefoed in 1968.

To submit an announcement, contact omc@uah.edu.
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