[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||24px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Practical Steps and Checklists” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_heading title=”Simple Ways to Create More Accessible Digital Content ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Digital accessibility helps ensure\u00a0that\u00a0everyone can access the information we share \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F0F3F5″ custom_padding=”24px|24px|24px|24px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myapps.northcarolina.edu\/accessibility\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2026\/03\/check.svg” alt=” ” title_text=”check” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Choose the Right Format” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Before creating a document, consider the best format for your content. In many cases, a webpage is more accessible and easier to\u00a0maintain\u00a0than a PDF. Use the UNC System\u2019s document decision tree<\/a>\u00a0to determine whether your content should be a webpage, PDF, or another format.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”24px|24px|24px|24px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Keep Accessibility in Mind from the Start ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The easiest way to ensure content is accessible is to build accessibility into your workflow from the beginning. Small steps \u2013 like using headings, writing descriptive links, and adding alt text \u2013 make a big difference. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myapps.northcarolina.edu\/accessibility\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2026\/03\/acc-content.svg” title_text=”acc-content” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F0F3F5″ custom_padding=”24px|24px|24px|24px|true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Use Headings to Organize Content ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Headings help readers quickly scan content and understand how information is organized. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F0F3F5″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”24px|24px|24px|24px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”24px|24px|24px|24px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Add Alt Text to Images” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]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. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myapps.northcarolina.edu\/accessibility\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2026\/03\/uncc_fall_23041_campus.png” alt=”Example 2 (alt text): University students walking on brick walkway lined by trees in autumn hues and academic buildings” title_text=”uncc_fall_23041_campus” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” text_line_height=”1.5em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Example (alt text): University students walking on brick walkway lined by trees in autumn hues and academic buildings<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F0F3F5″ custom_padding=”24px|24px|24px|24px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myapps.northcarolina.edu\/accessibility\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2026\/03\/link.svg” alt=” ” title_text=”link” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Write Descriptive Links ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Link text should clearly describe where the link goes so that everyone can know the destination \u2013 especially people using screen readers.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_4,1_4″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”24px|24px|24px|24px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Use Headings to Organize Content ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F0F3F5″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px|12px|12px|12px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]Poor Color Contrast<\/span> Example: UNC System colors against a light background<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0F4876″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px|12px|12px|12px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]Best Color Contrast<\/span> Example: UNC System colors against a dark background<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F0F3F5″ custom_padding=”24px|24px|24px|24px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Test Content for Accessibility Issues” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Automated tools can help you\u00a0identify\u00a0accessibility issues before or after content is published. These tools highlight common issues and suggest improvements.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myapps.northcarolina.edu\/accessibility\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2026\/03\/test.svg” alt=” ” title_text=”test” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”24px|24px|24px|24px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Pre-Publish Accessibility Checklist ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_free_form=”.checklist-ul li{|| padding-left: 12px;|| display: block;|| position: relative;|| margin-bottom: 12px;||}||.checklist-ul li span{|| position: absolute;|| display: block;|| left: -12px;|| top: -2px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ module_class=”checklist-ul”]Consider using this simple checklist before you publish:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F0F3F5″ custom_padding=”24px|24px|24px|24px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myapps.northcarolina.edu\/accessibility\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2026\/03\/learn.svg” alt=” ” title_text=”learn” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Learn More About Digital Accessibility ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Visit the UNC System Digital Accessibility website<\/a> for tools, guidance, and training resources. Send any digital accessibility questions to help@northcarolina.edu<\/a>, including \u201caccessibility help\u201d in the subject line.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Digital accessibility helps ensure\u00a0that\u00a0everyone can access the information we share \u2014 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.Before creating a document, consider the best format for your content. 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H1: Web Content Accessibility<\/h1>\n
H2: Design & Structure<\/h2>\n
H3: Headings<\/h3>\n
H4: Best Practices<\/h4>\n
H5: Use Heading Tags<\/h5>\n
H6: Heading Tag Examples<\/h6>\n
\n
\n
\nPoor Color Contrast<\/span>
\nGood Color Contrast<\/span>
\nBest Color Contrast<\/span>
\nBest Color Contrast<\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” custom_padding=”12px|12px|12px|12px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\nGood Color Contrast<\/span>
\nPoor Color Contrast<\/span>
\nPoor Color Contrast<\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”14px” custom_padding=”12px|12px|12px|12px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\n
\n
Headings help readers scan content and allow screen readers to understand the structure.<\/em><\/li>\n
Images should include a short description so people with screen readers understand what they show.<\/em><\/li>\n
Link text should explain where the link goes. Avoid \u201cclick here\u201d or \u201clearn more.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n
Check that font size, spacing, and color contrast make the content clear and readable.<\/em><\/li>\n
Text should be actual text whenever possible so it can be read by assistive technology.<\/em><\/li>\n
Use tools like the WAVE browser extension for webpages, DubBot for website screening, or Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker for PDFs.<\/em><\/li>\n
If the content could work as a webpage, that may be a more accessible and user-friendly option.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n