Practical Steps and Checklists

Simple Ways to Create More Accessible Digital Content

Digital accessibility helps ensure that everyone can access the information we share — including people who use screen readers, captions, voice navigation, or other assistive technologies. Here are a few practical steps you can take when creating digital content.

Choose the Right Format

Before creating a document, consider the best format for your content. In many cases, a webpage is more accessible and easier to maintain than a PDF. Use the UNC System’s document decision tree to determine whether your content should be a webpage, PDF, or another format.

Keep Accessibility in Mind from the Start

The easiest way to ensure content is accessible is to build accessibility into your workflow from the beginning. Small steps – like using headings, writing descriptive links, and adding alt text – make a big difference.

Use Headings to Organize Content

Headings help readers quickly scan content and understand how information is organized.

  • Use headings in a logical order (title, section headings, subheadings).
  • Use built-in heading styles in Word or WordPress instead of manually changing the font size or making text bold.

H1: Web Content Accessibility

H2: Design & Structure

H3: Headings

H4: Best Practices

H5: Use Heading Tags
H6: Heading Tag Examples

Example (headings): Heading tags (H1-H6) used in a logical order to summarize the content that follows in each section or subsection to help readers or screen readers skim content.

Add Alt Text to Images

Alt text describes images for people who use screen readers. Good alt text should be short, clear, and include any text shown in the image.

  • For complex images like charts, provide details in another way, such as a list or data table.
  • Don’t use images of text when you can just use text.
Example 2 (alt text): University students walking on brick walkway lined by trees in autumn hues and academic buildings

Example (alt text): University students walking on brick walkway lined by trees in autumn hues and academic buildings

Write Descriptive Links

Link text should clearly describe where the link goes so that everyone can know the destination – especially people using screen readers.

Use Headings to Organize Content

Text should be easy to read against its background. Low contrast can make content difficult to read, especially for people with low vision or color blindness. You can test color contrast using a contrast checker.

Poor Color Contrast
Poor Color Contrast
Good Color Contrast
Best Color Contrast
Best Color Contrast

Example: UNC System colors against a light background

Best Color Contrast
Good Color Contrast
Poor Color Contrast
Poor Color Contrast

Example: UNC System colors against a dark background

Test Content for Accessibility Issues

Automated tools can help you identify accessibility issues before or after content is published. These tools highlight common issues and suggest improvements. 

Pre-Publish Accessibility Checklist

Consider using this simple checklist before you publish:

  • ☐ Did I use headings to organize this content?
    Headings help readers scan content and allow screen readers to understand the structure.
  • ☐ Did I add alt text to all meaningful images?
    Images should include a short description so people with screen readers understand what they show.
  • ☐ Are my links descriptive?
    Link text should explain where the link goes. Avoid “click here” or “learn more.”
  • ☐ Is the text easy to read?
    Check that font size, spacing, and color contrast make the content clear and readable.
  • ☐ Did I avoid using images of text?
    Text should be actual text whenever possible so it can be read by assistive technology.
  • ☐ Did I run an accessibility check?
    Use tools like the WAVE browser extension for webpages, DubBot for website screening, or Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker for PDFs.
  • ☐ Is PDF the best format for this content? (If applicable).
    If the content could work as a webpage, that may be a more accessible and user-friendly option.

Learn More About Digital Accessibility

Visit the UNC System Digital Accessibility website for tools, guidance, and training resources. Send any digital accessibility questions to help@northcarolina.edu, including “accessibility help” in the subject line.