ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible Digital Visuals

Web accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of removing barriers that prevent interaction with, or access to, websites or content by people with disabilities. When sites are correctly designed, developed, and edited, all users have equal access to information and functionality. Digital content must comply with the University Website Accessibility Policy (universitypolicies.columbia.

edu/web-accessibility)

Keep Text Short and Simple

• Aim for clear, concise writing

• Use capitalization, bold, and italics sparingly

• Avoid acronyms and always spell out any on first reference

• Use built-in bulleted or numbered lists, with multiple levels using different numbering schemes on each level

• Make link text descriptive; never use “click here”

• Don’t underline text that is not a link

• Avoid ghosting text onto images; if unavoidable, you must include this text in the image alt text

Image Alternative (ALT) Text

Every time you upload an image to your site, you must enter accompanying ALT text. Screen readers read ALT text for users who cannot see the images.

• Make your ALT text descriptive of the image in its context on the page

• Aim for text not to exceed 150 characters

Example: Columbia University students wearing graduation caps and gowns, holding tambourines, while celebrating at Commencement