Accessible Course Content Resources and Checklists
In preparing course content, the following workflow aligns with how Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are intended to be used in practice: build accessibility into your content from the start, then test and refine using supporting documents and tools. Note: Manual checks are always necessary to ensure accuracy, as these tools are still being perfected.
Practical workflow for course content creation
- Structure: Headings are real headings (not just bold text); lists are real lists; reading order makes sense.
- Links: Link text is descriptive (do not use “click here”).
- Images: Meaningful images have helpful text; decorative images are marked decorative when possible.
- Color/contrast: Use color sparingly to ensure maximum viewability. Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors.
- Video/audio: Prerecorded video has edited captions; audio-only has a transcript; key visual info is described (audio description or descriptive transcript when needed).
- Files: Run the built-in accessibility checker (Word or PowerPoint) and fix the issues it flags.
Document checklist
When creating Word Documents or Google Documents, consider the following:
- Headings: Use built-in heading styles; headings are descriptive and nested logically.
- Tables: Tables are for data (not for layout); header rows/columns are identified; avoid merged/split cells where possible.
- Links: Link text describes destination/purpose.
- Images: Alt text provided; complex visuals have a nearby text explanation or linked data.
- Color and contrast: Not for color-only; show readable contrast.
- Note: If creating a PDF, you must export to ensure preservation of tags/structure. Be sure to verify in a PDF checker.
PowerPoint checklist
When creating PowerPoint, consider the following:
- Every slide must have a unique title (even if visually hidden).
- Use built-in slide layouts whenever possible.
- Verify reading order using the Reading Order features.
- Add alt text or mark decorative visuals as decorative.
- Avoid low contrast and text-heavy images of text.
Video checklist
When creating video, consider the following:
- Captions are present and reviewed for accuracy (names, terminology, punctuation).
- Provide a transcript (especially helpful for study and necessary for audio-only and for some disability needs).
- If key information is visual (charts, text on screen, demonstrations), provide an audio description or a descriptive transcript.
- For live sessions that are required/graded, arrange live captions when needed.
Blackboard Ally
Blackboard Ally is a digital accessibility checker embedded in Blackboard that helps identify digital course content to make it more accessible and inclusive. It automatically checks files and pages for accessibility issues and provides alternative formats to support a wide range of user needs and preferences. Students benefit from alternative formats that suit their learning preferences, while instructors receive guidance on improving the accessibility of their course materials. The following resources have been created to support the use of Ally.
Ally & Accessibility Overview: Ally Overview, Understanding Accessibility Requirements, Ally Reports & Feedback
Improving Content Accessibility: A collection of “How To” Guides to address accessibility issues in files and Bb digital content.
Additional resources
Accessibility in Action workshop presentation slides
To learn more about accessibility in higher education and related rights and requirements, check out the following resources.
WCAG 2.2 standard (technical reference) and its supporting documents.
How to Meet WCAG (Quick Reference) for filterable success criteria and techniques.
Understanding WCAG pages for plain-language intent, benefits, and examples for each criterion.
W3C Images Tutorial + alt decision tree for consistent alt text decisions.
W3C media accessibility guidance (transcripts) for transcript and descriptive transcript expectations.
WCAG2ICT for applying WCAG expectations to non-web course documents and tools.
Reputable higher-ed implementation checklists: