Accessibility Checklist

Page Title and Description

Defines title of a web document; should be unique with a consistent format site-wide
Less than 70 characters
Shows in Google search results and browser title bar (also default text for bookmark)
Use meaningful words; avoid vague acronyms with no first reference or context (e.g. “MCM” for Master of Contemporary Music) that may alienate or confuse both the user and search engines, unless the acronym is commonly understood by target audience (e.g. MBA)
Echo keywords used in the page description. Balance use of keywords with compelling, descriptive language so both humans and machines can make sense of information
Place keywords near front of title (Primary Keyword- Secondary Keyword | Brand Name)

Add a unique page description that describes the content found on your page
Maximum of 150-160 characters
Strong descriptions can boost traffic from search engine result pages (SERPs)
Echo keywords used in the title; balance keywords with compelling, descriptive language so both humans and machines can make sense of information
Avoid quotes stick to alphanumeric characters

- How to edit your page Title and Description
  1. Navigate to your page within OmniUpdate
  2. Check Out the page
  3. Click Properties
  4. Review and update your page Title, Description, and Keywords

- How to scan a page for accessibility issues
  1. Navigate to your page within OmniUpdate
  2. Check Out the page
  3. Click the Page Check button
  4. Click the Accessibility button

Always use alt text for images to allow non-sighted users using “talking” browsers, as well as users on slow connections, to glean meaning from image content
Describe what is happening in the image (e.g. “Students studying in a library”)
Alt text has the bonus of being searchable, enhancing SEO

Make links descriptive and actionable (e.g. “Apply now”; “View event calendar”). Links should clearly show where they go
The words “click here” have no value for search engines, or for users
Use simple URL structures; 3-5 words
Use hyphens instead of underscores
Test links to make sure they go to the desired place

Due to our educational and commercial-free content, the Mt. SAC Vimeo.com video service is recommended over YouTube.
Make sure your videos are Closed Captioned. Please use these resources:
- Free captioning services (Available for professors)
- Captioning Key Reference Guide (For assistance creating captions)
- Video captioning Instruction and Consultation (Available through the Access Resource Center)

- How to check videos for captions
  1. Play the video
  2. Click the CC (Closed Caption) button
  3. Confirm captions display

Test your page to make sure all navigation works by using the Tab and/or Space Bar keys

- How to check tab navigation
  1. Once your page loads
  2. Press the Tab key. Confirm the desired navigation is achieved
  3. Continue to press the Tab key, stopping between presses to confirm the desired navigation is achieved

HTML heading tags help create hierarchies by organizing, prioritizing and labeling content. Use headings with clear, descriptive language to break up text and guide readers scanning the page
Headings and Subheadings must be laid out in a logical and hierarchical order. Heading 1 (H1) should appear at the top followed by subheadings
Heading 3 (H3) should not appear on the page if there is not a Heading 2 (H2) above it

- How to check form navigation
  1. Once your page loads
  2. Press the Tab key. Confirm the cursors moves to the next logical entry point
  3. Also, test if you click a label, does the cursor move to the corresponding entry point

Avoid directional language (e.g. read below, see above, the menu to the left) when referring to on-page content
Due to responsive design, “on the right” in one context may be “below” in another
Do not rely solely on a visual or audio communication (imagery, shape, size, sound) to communicate information that is critical to comprehending content