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Web Accessibility Resources - Web Center

Quick Checklist for Usability and Web Accessibility

New and redesigned websites at Ohlone College must meet Priority 1 and 2 Checkpoints of the Full Checklist of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Checkpoints. The following is just a quick list of items to check for when creating/modifying web pages - be sure you also review the full checklist.

  1. All web pages must have a TITLE tag briefly describing the content of that page.
  2. Include a descriptive "alt" attribute on the IMAGE tag for non-decorative graphics/photographs.
  3. Include an empty "alt" attibute on the IMAGE tag for decorative graphics/photographs, such as bullets, lines, and dividers.
  4. Label each image section in an image map with an "alt" attribute.
  5. Don't rely on color alone; design so that all information with color is also available without color.
  6. Avoid using images for links - use text links instead.
  7. Text links should make sense when read out of context - for example, do not use "click here."
  8. Label links to non-HTML, non-text files, such as PDF files, Word documents.
  9. Don't use frames.
  10. If tables are used for layout, include a "summary" attribute indicating "Layout table." on the TABLE tag.
  11. Data tables should use column and row headers.
  12. Use (X)HTML to define page structure, such as headings, paragraphs, lists.
  13. Use cascading style sheets for design elements, such as color and font styles.
  14. Use relative font sizes, such as % or em not px (pixels).
  15. Avoid the FONT tag - use cascading style sheets instead - but if you must, use + and - to define relative font sizes.
  16. Avoid features that require a mouse to use.
  17. Provide equivalent alternatives to auditory and visual content (for example, provide a text transcript for a video).
  18. Ensure user control of time-sensitive content changes. Don't start audio or video when the page loads - allow the user to start and stop it.
  19. Create constant user interfaces that are easy to use and understand.
  20. Provide clear navigation mechanisms.
  21. Provide context and orientation information.
  22. Ensure that documents are clear and simple.
  23. Don't use navigation methods that require a browser plug-in (such as Flash).
  24. Use proper punctuation to ensure screen reader programs pause at commas, at the end of sentences, etc.
  25. Use the ACRONYM tag with a "title" attribute to define an acronym the first time it is used on a page.
  26. Ensure that pages featuring new technologies transform gracefully in older browsers as well as different computer systems. Provide alternative methods to view this content.
  27. Ensure direct accessibility of embedded user interfaces, such as using the accessibility features of Flash for any Flash component.
  28. Design for device-independence to allow your website to be viewed across a variety of devices, including cell phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), laptop and desktop computers.
  29. Use W3C technologies and guidelines.
  30. Use interim solutions.
  31. Clarify natural language usage.