Digital Accessibility Basics: Web Content
Audience
Anyone who creates, maintains, or manages university websites or web-based content on behalf of the University of Northern Iowa. This includes web editors, site owners, content contributors, marketing and communications staff, academic and administrative units, and others responsible for maintaining online content.
What to Focus On
When creating or updating web content, prioritize:
- Clear structure and predictable navigation
- Content and functionality that work with keyboards and assistive technologies
- Text alternatives, readable design, and accessible interactions
Not all practices will apply in every situation. Use professional judgment and focus first on public-facing, student-facing, and high-traffic pages.
Accessibility Checklist
Use the checklist below to guide creation and remediation of web content. Not all items will apply in every situation.
Structure and Navigation
- Use a logical heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3) to organize page content
- Do not skip heading levels
- Ensure navigation and content structure are consistent and predictable
- Ensure all content and functionality are operable using a keyboard
Images and Media
- Provide descriptive alternative text for meaningful images, icons, and graphics
- Mark decorative images appropriately so they are ignored by assistive technologies
- Ensure embedded media follows UNI video accessibility guidance
Links and Interactive Elements
- Use descriptive link text that clearly identifies the destination or action
- Ensure buttons, links, and controls have clear and programmatic labels
- Avoid using color alone to convey meaning or status
Forms and Inputs
- Label all form fields clearly and programmatically
- Ensure logical tab order and visible focus indicators
- Provide clear instructions and error messages that can be read by screen readers
Visual Design and Readability
- Ensure text contrast meets minimum accessibility requirements (4.5:1 for normal text)
- Ensure user interface components meet contrast requirements (minimum 3:1)
- Ensure content reflows appropriately at 200% zoom without loss of functionality
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Skipping heading levels or using headings for visual styling only
- Posting images or icons without alternative text
- Creating forms without labels, keyboard support, or visible focus
- Relying solely on automated scan results without manual testing
Product-Specific Accessibility Guidance
Site Improve
Site Improve is an enterprise website accessibility scanner in use at UNI. Each department will receive a weekly report emailed to them from the Site Improve system.
Editoria11y
Editoria11y is the accessibility checker built into the Drupal Content Management System interface. It presents potential accessibility issues to you as you are adding or changing pages.