Navigating websites can be difficult — sometimes impossible — for people with disabilities. Blind individuals often use screen readers (software that uses audio output to interpret and “read” the content out loud), and those who are hearing impaired may depend on captions and transcripts. People with motor control impairments may need to use a mouse rather than a keyboard, or use speech recognition software.

Help ensure access to UC websites

In order for the tools these individuals use to navigate the Web to accurately relay information, content must be formatted correctly before it is published online. To help UC employees who create website copy, images, video — even Word documents that will be made available as PDFs — comply with the UC IT Accessibility Policy, the Electronic Accessibility Committee (EAC) has prepared several resources to help ensure content is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Not just for IT and developers

In addition to information for those involved in the technical side of UC websites, general best practices are available for anyone thinking about building or updating sites in the future. And for the thousands of UC employees who write reports, articles, public information sheets, forms and other business communications every day that are later posted to public websites, EAC provides quick tips for content, guidelines for ensuring your everyday documents can easily be made Web-ready and an indispensable guide to making sure that PDFs are accessible. Many of these tools can be downloaded and shared with colleagues or new employees.

So before you scan that document or create new instructions for program applications, take a moment to review these guidelines and help UC honor its commitment to accessibility. If you have questions or need help, you should reach out to your local accessibility expert.

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