DigitalAccessibility
Learn how to make your Digital Content Accessible for Everyone!
Get Started!
Welcome
So you want to get skilled at creating content that’s accessible for everyone—perfect! By starting this module, you’re taking an important step toward reaching more people with your talent, your content, and your information. Let’s get started!
Next
Table of Contents
Digital Accessibility
- Examples of Digital Content
- What is Digital Accessibility?
- Why Digital Accessibility Matters?
- Web Accessibility Requirement
How to make your content Accessible
- Emoji's and Symbols Usage
- Content Structure and Headings
- PDF Accessibility - Best Practices
Next
Imagine if 90% of your favorite websites, apps or documents stopped working for you? How would you feel?
Next
What is Digital Content?
Get Started!
Digital content” refers to any information, media, or material that is created, stored, or delivered electronically. Basically, if it’s online, on a computer, or on a mobile device, it can be considered digital content. i.e Websites, webpages, mobile apps, documents and files, social media posts digital services.
Next
Examples of Digital Content
Examples of Digital Content
Text: Articles, blogs, social media posts, eBooks
Images: Photographs, graphics, infographics
Video & Audio: Recorded lectures, podcasts, tutorials
Interactive Elements: Forms, surveys, quizzes, buttons, links
Software Interfaces: Websites, apps, dashboards
Next
What is Digital Accessibility?
Get Started!
Digital Accessibility
Inclusive Design for Everyone Digital accessibility means designing and creating content that everyone can use and understand, including people with disabilities. This applies to websites, social media posts, videos, flyers, documents and all digital formats.
Next
Why it Matters
2%
Roughly 2% of U.S. adults say they have a disability or condition that makes using the internet difficult or impossible.
Assistive technology plays a crucial role in helping many people access and navigate digital information.
Next
Types of Disabilities
Vision Disabilities Screen readers require alt text and semantic structure to interpret visual content accurately and reliably.
Hearing Disabilities Captions and transcripts make videos and audio content accessible to deaf and hard of hearing users.
Motor Disabilities Keyboard navigation and logical structure enable users with limited mobility to interact with content easily.
Cognitive Disabilities barriers to reading, such as having dyslexia which plays a part in website layout and thoughtful design for flyers and webpages.
Next
April 2026 Web Accessibility Requirement
By April 24, 2026, state and local government entities (Title II of the ADA) with a population of 50,000 or more must make their websites, mobile apps, and digital content accessible, adhering to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Smaller entities have until April 26, 2027. These rules cover web, app, and third-party content, focusing on navigation, screen reader compatibility, and contrast.
Next
Why should we maintain ADA Compliance
It’s the Law ADA compliance is required under federal law
Proactive compliance is far less expensive than legal action. Helps avoid complaints, penalties. Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits, fines, and costly fixes.
Over 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability. Maintaining ADA compliance ensures we can effectively reach and support all members of our community.
Next
So how do you make your content Accessible?
Get Started!
Text & Typography
Font Choice: Recommendation: Use clean, sans-serif fonts (Arial, Open Sans, Verdana) Why it matters: Easier to read on screens and for users with dyslexia
Font Size: Recommendation: Minimum 12pt, ideally 16pt or larger Why it matters: Improves readability for all users, especially seniors
Next
Text Styling Recommendation: Avoid overusing all CAPS, emojiis or italics Why it matters: Prevents text from being harder to read and understand
Line Spacing Recommendation: Adequate spacing between lines Why it matters: Improves readability and reduces visual fatigue
Next
Images and ALT Text
Write a cool subtitle here to provide context
next
Critical Component of Accessibility
Every image requires descriptive alt text so screen readers can convey meaning to visually impaired users. Alt text is one of the most important accessibility features for web content and documents.
Write Descriptive ALT Text
Be specific and concise. Describe what’s in the image and why it matters to the context. Avoid starting with ‘image of or ‘picture of’
Avoid Generic Text
NEVER use image, ‘photo’ or ‘picture’ as alt text. Don’t make alt text so long it becomes overwhelming or hard to read
Good ALT Text Examples
Instead of “chart”, write “bar chart showing 65% increase in web accessibility adoption from 2020 to 2023”
Next
Media Accessibility and Audio
Ensuring media accessibility means making audio and visual content usable for everyone, including individuals with disabilities.
Next
Captions and Transcripts
CC
Captions for Videos
Add captions to all video content. Captions benefit not just deaf and hard of hearing users, but also those in noisy environments and non-native speakers.
Provide full text transcripts for podcasts, audio files, and other audio content. Include speaker identification and relevant sounds for context.
Transcripts for audio
Next
Color Contrast
Best Practices
- Avoid light text on white or light-colored backgrounds.
- Never use neon color font on bright backgrounds as this color combination can create eye strain and make things hard to read.
- Ensure all text clearly stands out against the background. Use high-contrast colors for essential information.
- Dark text on light backgrounds or light text on dark backgrounds (vice versa) is ideal.
Next
Emoji and Symbols Usage
3-5
Maximum recommended emojis per post
Emojis can add visual interest to social media and informal content, but they can confuse screen readers if not used properly. Use them thoughtfully and always provide text labels or descriptions for assistive technology users.
Next
Content Structure and Headings
H1
Use only one H1 per page for the main topic. This is the top-level heading that screen readers use to announce the page topic.
H2 & H3 Sections
Use H2 for major sections under the main topic and H3 for subsections. This creates a logical outline that's easy for all users to follow and navigate.
Avoid Formatting Tricks
Don't use bold or larger text as a fake heading. Use actual heading tags so assistive technology recognizes the structure correctly.
Next
Posting for Social Media
Next
Digital Flyer
- Keep the flyer simple & visual: Use minimal text—stick to key info like event name, date, and time.
- Put details in the caption: Include location, registration links, contact info, and any instructions in the post caption instead of crowding the flyer.
- Avoid QR codes: People may struggle to scan them, especially on mobile device; direct links in the caption are easier to use.
- Test visibility on mobile: Most social media is viewed on phones, so make sure text and visuals look good on smaller screens
Next
Printable Flyer
Best Practices
- Include all essential info on the flyer—people won’t have a caption to read.
- Make it readable: large fonts, good contrast, and clear headings.
- Use white space so it’s not overwhelming.
Next
The Key Difference between Digital Flyers and Printable Flyers
Digital flyers rely on the caption to give full details, while printed flyers need to contain everything because there’s no extra space to click or scroll.
Next
PDF Accessibility
Best Practices
Tagging: Tags provide a logical structure so screen reader knows correct reading order.
Searchable Text:Scanned documents (images of text) are inaccessible. Must be converted to Optical Recognition
Alt Text:Every image or graphicmust have a textual description so the screen reader can explain it to the user.
Logical Reading Order: The content must be structured to read from top to bottom and left to right, especially in multi-column layouts.
Next
wow
Why does PDF Accessibility Matter?
find out why
1. Ensures Equal Access
2. Improves Usability for Everyone
3. Supports Legal and Compliance Requirements.
4. Reflects Inclusivity and Professionalism
Next
wow
Pop Quiz!
Are you ready? Complete this 6 question quiz to receive your certificate!
go!
#1
Next
#2
Next
#3
Next
#4
Next
#5
Next
#6
Next
Thank you for taking the Accessibility Training!
As a reminder, a new law taking effect on April 24, 2026 will require all public entities and government organizations to ensure their digital content meets accessibility standards. Your participation in this training is an important step toward that goal. For additional resources on Digital Accessibility you can visit FSUSD.org/digitalaccessibility
If you would like to download or print your certificate of completion, you can access it below.
Digital Accessibility Certificate
Here you can place a highlighted title
We better comprehend visual content. Visual content is associated with cognitive and psychological mechanisms. Things enter through the eyes, the first image is what matters. We associate visual content with emotions.
Here you can place a highlighted title
We better comprehend visual content. Visual content is associated with cognitive and psychological mechanisms. Things enter through the eyes, the first image is what matters. We associate visual content with emotions.
Ensures Equal Access
People who are blind or have low vision often rely on screen readers like JAWS or NVDA. If a PDF isn’t properly structured (with headings, tags, alt text, etc.), those tools can’t interpret the content correctly. That means critical information becomes inaccessible.
Improves usability for everyone.
Accessible PDFs are usually better organized—with clear headings, readable fonts, and logical navigation. That helps all users skim, search, and understand the content faster, not just those with disabilities.
Reflects Inclusivity and Professionalism
Providing accessible documents shows that you value all users. For businesses, schools, and governments, that builds trust and credibility.
Supports Legal and Compliance Requirements
Many regions require digital accessibility under laws and standards like Americans with Disabilities Act and WCAG. Organizations that ignore accessibility can face lawsuits or penalties.
A screen reader helps peole with low vision read digital content.
A screen reader helps people with low vision to read and understand digital content.
ALT text describes images for people who can’t see them.
Digital Accessibility
Crystal Gamble
Created on March 22, 2026
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Smart Presentation
View
Practical Presentation
View
Essential Presentation
View
Akihabara Presentation
View
Flow Presentation
View
Terrazzo Presentation
View
Dynamic Visual Presentation
Explore all templates
Transcript
DigitalAccessibility
Learn how to make your Digital Content Accessible for Everyone!
Get Started!
Welcome
So you want to get skilled at creating content that’s accessible for everyone—perfect! By starting this module, you’re taking an important step toward reaching more people with your talent, your content, and your information. Let’s get started!
Next
Table of Contents
Digital Accessibility
How to make your content Accessible
Next
Imagine if 90% of your favorite websites, apps or documents stopped working for you? How would you feel?
Next
What is Digital Content?
Get Started!
Digital content” refers to any information, media, or material that is created, stored, or delivered electronically. Basically, if it’s online, on a computer, or on a mobile device, it can be considered digital content. i.e Websites, webpages, mobile apps, documents and files, social media posts digital services.
Next
Examples of Digital Content
Examples of Digital Content
Text: Articles, blogs, social media posts, eBooks
Images: Photographs, graphics, infographics
Video & Audio: Recorded lectures, podcasts, tutorials
Interactive Elements: Forms, surveys, quizzes, buttons, links
Software Interfaces: Websites, apps, dashboards
Next
What is Digital Accessibility?
Get Started!
Digital Accessibility
Inclusive Design for Everyone Digital accessibility means designing and creating content that everyone can use and understand, including people with disabilities. This applies to websites, social media posts, videos, flyers, documents and all digital formats.
Next
Why it Matters
2%
Roughly 2% of U.S. adults say they have a disability or condition that makes using the internet difficult or impossible.
Assistive technology plays a crucial role in helping many people access and navigate digital information.
Next
Types of Disabilities
Vision Disabilities Screen readers require alt text and semantic structure to interpret visual content accurately and reliably.
Hearing Disabilities Captions and transcripts make videos and audio content accessible to deaf and hard of hearing users.
Motor Disabilities Keyboard navigation and logical structure enable users with limited mobility to interact with content easily.
Cognitive Disabilities barriers to reading, such as having dyslexia which plays a part in website layout and thoughtful design for flyers and webpages.
Next
April 2026 Web Accessibility Requirement
By April 24, 2026, state and local government entities (Title II of the ADA) with a population of 50,000 or more must make their websites, mobile apps, and digital content accessible, adhering to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Smaller entities have until April 26, 2027. These rules cover web, app, and third-party content, focusing on navigation, screen reader compatibility, and contrast.
Next
Why should we maintain ADA Compliance
It’s the Law ADA compliance is required under federal law
Proactive compliance is far less expensive than legal action. Helps avoid complaints, penalties. Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits, fines, and costly fixes.
Over 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability. Maintaining ADA compliance ensures we can effectively reach and support all members of our community.
Next
So how do you make your content Accessible?
Get Started!
Text & Typography
Font Choice: Recommendation: Use clean, sans-serif fonts (Arial, Open Sans, Verdana) Why it matters: Easier to read on screens and for users with dyslexia
Font Size: Recommendation: Minimum 12pt, ideally 16pt or larger Why it matters: Improves readability for all users, especially seniors
Next
Text Styling Recommendation: Avoid overusing all CAPS, emojiis or italics Why it matters: Prevents text from being harder to read and understand
Line Spacing Recommendation: Adequate spacing between lines Why it matters: Improves readability and reduces visual fatigue
Next
Images and ALT Text
Write a cool subtitle here to provide context
next
Critical Component of Accessibility
Every image requires descriptive alt text so screen readers can convey meaning to visually impaired users. Alt text is one of the most important accessibility features for web content and documents.
Write Descriptive ALT Text
Be specific and concise. Describe what’s in the image and why it matters to the context. Avoid starting with ‘image of or ‘picture of’
Avoid Generic Text
NEVER use image, ‘photo’ or ‘picture’ as alt text. Don’t make alt text so long it becomes overwhelming or hard to read
Good ALT Text Examples
Instead of “chart”, write “bar chart showing 65% increase in web accessibility adoption from 2020 to 2023”
Next
Media Accessibility and Audio
Ensuring media accessibility means making audio and visual content usable for everyone, including individuals with disabilities.
Next
Captions and Transcripts
CC
Captions for Videos
Add captions to all video content. Captions benefit not just deaf and hard of hearing users, but also those in noisy environments and non-native speakers.
Provide full text transcripts for podcasts, audio files, and other audio content. Include speaker identification and relevant sounds for context.
Transcripts for audio
Next
Color Contrast
Best Practices
Next
Emoji and Symbols Usage
3-5
Maximum recommended emojis per post
Emojis can add visual interest to social media and informal content, but they can confuse screen readers if not used properly. Use them thoughtfully and always provide text labels or descriptions for assistive technology users.
Next
Content Structure and Headings
H1
Use only one H1 per page for the main topic. This is the top-level heading that screen readers use to announce the page topic.
H2 & H3 Sections
Use H2 for major sections under the main topic and H3 for subsections. This creates a logical outline that's easy for all users to follow and navigate.
Avoid Formatting Tricks
Don't use bold or larger text as a fake heading. Use actual heading tags so assistive technology recognizes the structure correctly.
Next
Posting for Social Media
Next
Digital Flyer
Next
Printable Flyer
Best Practices
Next
The Key Difference between Digital Flyers and Printable Flyers
Digital flyers rely on the caption to give full details, while printed flyers need to contain everything because there’s no extra space to click or scroll.
Next
PDF Accessibility
Best Practices
Tagging: Tags provide a logical structure so screen reader knows correct reading order.
Searchable Text:Scanned documents (images of text) are inaccessible. Must be converted to Optical Recognition
Alt Text:Every image or graphicmust have a textual description so the screen reader can explain it to the user.
Logical Reading Order: The content must be structured to read from top to bottom and left to right, especially in multi-column layouts.
Next
wow
Why does PDF Accessibility Matter?
find out why
1. Ensures Equal Access
2. Improves Usability for Everyone
3. Supports Legal and Compliance Requirements.
4. Reflects Inclusivity and Professionalism
Next
wow
Pop Quiz!
Are you ready? Complete this 6 question quiz to receive your certificate!
go!
#1
Next
#2
Next
#3
Next
#4
Next
#5
Next
#6
Next
Thank you for taking the Accessibility Training!
As a reminder, a new law taking effect on April 24, 2026 will require all public entities and government organizations to ensure their digital content meets accessibility standards. Your participation in this training is an important step toward that goal. For additional resources on Digital Accessibility you can visit FSUSD.org/digitalaccessibility If you would like to download or print your certificate of completion, you can access it below.
Digital Accessibility Certificate
Here you can place a highlighted title
We better comprehend visual content. Visual content is associated with cognitive and psychological mechanisms. Things enter through the eyes, the first image is what matters. We associate visual content with emotions.
Here you can place a highlighted title
We better comprehend visual content. Visual content is associated with cognitive and psychological mechanisms. Things enter through the eyes, the first image is what matters. We associate visual content with emotions.
Ensures Equal Access
People who are blind or have low vision often rely on screen readers like JAWS or NVDA. If a PDF isn’t properly structured (with headings, tags, alt text, etc.), those tools can’t interpret the content correctly. That means critical information becomes inaccessible.
Improves usability for everyone.
Accessible PDFs are usually better organized—with clear headings, readable fonts, and logical navigation. That helps all users skim, search, and understand the content faster, not just those with disabilities.
Reflects Inclusivity and Professionalism
Providing accessible documents shows that you value all users. For businesses, schools, and governments, that builds trust and credibility.
Supports Legal and Compliance Requirements
Many regions require digital accessibility under laws and standards like Americans with Disabilities Act and WCAG. Organizations that ignore accessibility can face lawsuits or penalties.
A screen reader helps peole with low vision read digital content.
A screen reader helps people with low vision to read and understand digital content.
ALT text describes images for people who can’t see them.