Presentation Transcript

1. Accessibility Standards

2. Accessibility Standards This PowerPoint will cover: Web accessibility standards Word file accessibility PDF accessibility PowerPoint accessibility Captioning Transcripts Software Accessibility
3. Web Accessibility Standards Websites are based on many different technologies. If you build websites or write HTML for K-State Online, be aware of the standards for such code. The following sites will help you create accessible HTML: W3C WAI WebAIM.org Here is a list of web and CSS resources If you use a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor, make sure that you are aware of accessibility settings for your editor.
4. Web Accessibility Standards (continued) Some items to keep in mind: Make sure that you use text for links as much as possible. Graphic “buttons” often lack the correct elements for accessibility. Make sure you use alternative text for any graphic elements. Use headings and lists for proper structure. Use a consistent layout for all of your pages and content. Do not use frames and use tables for data only, not for aesthetics. Use CSS for aesthetics with HTML If you plan on using Flash, make sure that you enable all accessibility options. Here are 25 more ways to make your site accessible.
5. Text File Accessibility Text files include: MS Word Open Office Word Perfect iWork Documents Use styles with heading levels, lists, and paragraph text (tips for Word 2003 and Word 2010) Use lists and bold items to make content stand out rather than lengthy prose Add alternative text to pictures Use tables for complex data Use sans serif fonts for materials to be read online and serif fonts for print materials (these are easier to read in their respective mode) Check WebAIM.org for more information on MS Word file accessibility
6. PDF Accessibility PDFs may all look alike, but accessibility may differ a great deal. This is a simple scanned page This is a scanned page that is accessible Can you spot a difference? Try to highlight text. The first page was scanned just like a picture. The second page used Adobe Acrobat Professional to perform OCR and to make sure that the text was usable by screen readers or for searching. Even better, you can add tags to text and add headings just like an HTML page or text document done with styles.
7. PDF Accessibility(continued) If you have a short article, adding text to a PDF may be enough. If you scan large articles or multiple chapters, adding tags is important for added navigation. The site WebAIM.org has more tips for PDF accessibility.
8. PowerPoint Accessibility PowerPoint has changed greatly over the last ten years. Here are some tips for creating accessible PowerPoints: Use large text and spread content across more than one slide if there is too much for one slide. Make sure to use high contrast elements, i.e. use dark text with a light background. Use the templates built into PowerPoint for your slides. If you create a “text box,” that text may not be accessible to all technology. Type your slides in the order you wish it to be read. For example, if you create two lists side by side write the left first and then the right. Some technology actually reads the slide in the order text was inputted, NOT how it is displayed on the screen.
9. PowerPoint Accessibility (continued) If you plan on embedding audio, load a transcript as well. If you embed video, make sure it is captioned. Avoid fancy aesthetics such as transitions and too many non-essential graphics. These can distract from content. Here are some resources for more information on PowerPoint accessibility: WebAIM.org Cornell University (from World Blind Union) Microsoft
10. Captioning Each semester, many videos are placed into K-State Online. We have had a number deaf and hard-of-hearing students in online courses who need captions with all video content. Record only what is important and keep your videos appropriately short. As you plan your course, be aware of what costs are associated with captioning. A list of agencies is provided by K-Access. Create MP4 or FLV video files and you can easily add captions to these files with K-State Online.
11. Transcripts If you use audio files without video, transcripts need to be made. Ideally, you can use the transcript you wrote before making the file. Otherwise, transcripts can be made by listening to your file (this takes about 5-6 hours per hour of audio) or you can send your audio file to a transcription agency. Check with DSS for information on transcription resourecs. Place the transcript near your audio file as a .doc, .rtf or .txt file for students to use.
12. Software Accessibility Any software that students use must be accessible. If you link to a webpage for content, use a publishing company’s textbook software, or have students use software for class, make sure to find out what options are available to make that software accessible. Contact a representative of the company. Here is a list of 29 questions on accessibility for software vendors.
13. Accessibility Guidelines This PowerPoint covers some of the most common technologies and software used for courses in K-State Online. There are many file types and programs available to faculty and students. No matter the content, be aware of any accessibility concerns of the programs you use. Contact dss@k-state.eduwith any questions or concerns.