Accessibility 101

Learn Foundational Digital Accessibility Concepts

Digital accessibility allows everyone to access digital content without any barriers. Aims Community College is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can access educational opportunities.

While total accessibility in all circumstances may not be possible, we can come close by following standards set by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

State and federal laws mandate that public institutions like Aims Community College develop a plan to meet certain WCAG guidelines. Read more about these regulations and standards and the current planning initiative at the College.

Digital accessibility applies to:

Websites and mobile apps
Learning management systems (e.g., D2L)
Third-party digital platforms and content

Digital content (websites, social media, videos, PDFs and other documents)
College software, hardware and technology
OER - open educational resources content

Examples of Barriers and Inclusive, Accessible Alternatives

Learning about web accessibility can feel overwhelming at first. There is a lot of information to take in, and if you don't have a disability, you may not realize what a barrier to access can look or feel like.

The following table offers examples of common accessibility barriers to give context for why the work to provide access for all users is so important.

Examples describing technology issues students may experience with digital content
Format	Barrier	Accessible Alternative
Printed Text (Paper)	Incompatible with screen readers used by blind/low vision students and students with disabilities; Students with colorblindness may have difficulty seeing certain colors or color combinations.	Supplement with audio, provide an electronic copy of text, ensure web and print design colors and contrast are accessible.
Audio	Hearing impaired students may not hear it, students with auditory processing issues may have difficulty understanding it.	Supplement with printed text.
Video	Blind/low vision students may not see it, students with an auditory processing disorder may have difficulty understanding it.	Provide description, captions or written transcript.
Image	Blind/low vision students may not see it.	Add alternative text description/caption. For complex images of text: Add alternative text and a long description.
Synchronous/Real-Time Discussion	Blind/low vision students, students with ADHD, students with medical/physical/physiological disabilities may have difficulty following up and keeping up.	After live events or classes, please make all video or audio content available in a recorded format with captions (and audio descriptions for video if needed), and available asynchronously. Have all content that is discussed in a live class available in a digital format within a D2L course shell.
Tests/Quizzes	Some students with disabilities may experience issues with processing content at a fast speed. They may need to work with an instructor and the Student Accessibility Services office to get an accommodation for taking a test assessment.	Provide extended time/supplement with audio/provide large text size option.

Source: Technology can help address accessibility challenges, many say. Inside Higher Ed, Lieberman. M. (May 2, 2018)

Learn the SCULPT Model for Digital Accessibility

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The SCULPT model for digital accessibility is a basic framework for understanding six foundational concepts of making digital content accessible to as many users as possible. Below is an infographic and descriptive text of the SCULPT model elements.

SCULPT for Accessibility is a beginners guide to raise basic awareness and skills for accessibility across the wider workforce.

Structure

Use headings and styles to structure your document.

Color and Contrast

Consider color use and the contrast between text and background.

Use of Images

Use alternative (alt) text with images.

Links

Describe your links, never use "click here."

Plain English

Use clear, uncomplicated, jargon-free language.

Table Structure

Use simple tables without merged or split cells.