Making Websites Accessible

As Arts Managers we strive to get as many people to see our productions and visit our exhibitions as possible, but have you ever stopped to think about those audience members with disabilities? People with low vision or who are blind often use screen readers to assist them with web content but is your website accessible to these types of software? Below are ten tips to help people with disabilities have better access to your website and e-blasts. For more information look into Section 508, while the law does not apply to non-profit organizations it is a great standard of best practices.

1.) Caption all of your images. While not required on most webhosting programs it is best to caption your image as well as credit the photographer and people featured.

2.) Caption your links, yes you can make a little scroll over bar that will describe for a person with a screen reader where the link will take them, and always underline links on your page.
Example instead of www.bing.com which is what the alt tag will automatically set, change it to: Link to Bing search engine.

3.) Don't use flash to convey text. Screen readers are unable to read text in flash design, ideally it's best not to use any flash on your site.

4.) Use captioning on any video content you have created or provide a transcript.

5.) Provide PDF and Word Document downloads, not all pdfs can be read by a screen reader.

6.) Check the contrast of colors on your site between backgrounds and text black on white is best.

7.) Avoid flickering on screen or flash and video applications that cause the screen to flash.

8.) Provide a link to a text only copy of your website.

9.) Although it is possible to zoom in on small text use font that is size 12 or larger and san serrif.

10.) When possible avoid the use of tables, or ensure lables are titled with row and column information in the alt tags.