Digital Accessibility Quick Start

Best Practices for Digital Accessibility

Select any item in the list for more details.

  • Abbreviations and acronyms are defined

    The first time an acronym is used, all words should be written out, followed by the acronym in parentheses. Subsequent instances can use only the acronym. For example, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990.

  • Lists are used correctly

    Decide which type of list is appropriate If there's an order or importance to each item use a numbered list and list each item in order Items are of equal importance; use a bulleted list If there are multiple lists on a page, select the correct format for each list based on its contents If there are multiple numbered lists, be sure to restart numbering for each new list of items

  • Meaning isn't indicated by color alone

    Color can't be the only way to indicate the meaning of an item. Underline hyperlinks and use patterns in the color (such as stripes, or dots) so the meaning can be identified by texture, as well.

  • Text alignment is correct

    Only center short sections of text, primarily use for headings and new sections Avoid block or justified text.

  • Headings are used correctly

    Headings indicate meaning, a change in section or topic, and indicate the information hierarchy. Headings should not be used for styling text, use the application's styles for changes to the look of the text. Heading levels shouldn't be skipped

  • All links are accessible

    Links should be under 50 characters, and shouldn't be only More, Read More, Find out more, or Click Here. They should be meaningful and indicate what selecting them will do (go to a page, email someone, download a document, etc.

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