All materials will need to meet accessibility requirements for inclusion in the TDL repository. It is the responsibility of submitters to make sure your files meet the applicable accessibility requirements below. Materials that do not meet accessibility guidelines may not be added to the TDL repository.
Requirements
- Use high-contrast colors, large fonts, and minimal text.
- Use built-in heading styles in software (PowerPoint, Google Slides, Word, etc.) for proper structure.
- Slide titles: Use unique titles for each slide so people who use screen readers can more quickly navigate around the presentation file. Use ‘Slide Title 1 of 2’ (for example, ‘Accessibility Tips, 1 of 2’) when there are multiple slides with the same topic information.
- Alternative text: Ensure all meaningful images, charts, and graphs have descriptive alternative text for screen readers. Refer to the WC3 decision tree.
- Captions: Ensure all meaningful images, charts, and graphs have descriptive captions for screen readers. In the rare case a video is used, ensure captioning (or a script if captioning is not possible) is available.
- Descriptive links: Avoid generic “click here” links. Use meaningful hyperlinked text that describes the destination.
- Using color: Avoid using color alone to convey meaning, as your message may be missed or misunderstood by individuals who can’t see color. Instead use color along with a secondary element (such as shape or pattern or text differences) to ensure the meaning can be understood without the use of color alone.
- Consider how to use motion or animations: This includes text or images flying in from the side. Will the motion make the information easier to understand or is it unnecessary? Certain types of motion can be particularly distracting for some people and can make some people ill. Avoid blinking or flashing that could cause seizures.
- Use PowerPoint accessibility wizard to identify and correct reading order, enter in alt text for images/charts, etc.
Additional Resources
Much of the content on this page was informed by these resources. We encourage submitters to view them as additional sources for accessibility information.
- TDL Accessibility Resources
- Digital Library Forum, “Creating Accessible Presentations”
- EDUCAUSE, “Accessibility Information for Presenters”
- TDL DSpace User Group, “Creating Accessible Files”
- W3C Web Accessibility Initiative, “Making Events Accessible”
For any questions regarding accessibility, please email info@tdl.org.