Check and Correct Your Course Accessibility

Checking your course for accessibility helps identify digital course content that possesses access barriers or errors. Using this checklist and related strategies, review and correct course content for ADA-compliance, as well as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Content Developed in iCollege Files

Text and Formatting

Run iCollege’s built-in accessibility checker in all editable areas (Content, Announcements, Quizzes, etc.). Repair all flagged issues.

Headings are present and used in a logical, hierarchical order (e.g., Heading 1 for the main title, Heading 2 for major sections, Heading 3 for subsections).

Use sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial and Lato) and at a minimum of 19px.

Ensure strong contrast between text & background colors.

Use a tool like WebAIM Contrast Checker to verify.

All links use descriptive text (e.g., "Syllabus for ENG 101" instead of "https://www...").

Structure data tables with clear columns/rows and set headers.

Images and Graphics

Replace screenshots of text with typed content to ensure readability and scalability.

Add meaningful alternative text (Alt Text) to informative images (e.g., charts, graphs, or infographics).

Mark purely decorative images (e.g., logos) as such using the "Image is decorative" option.

Equations & Formulas

All equations and formulas (including chemical) should be built into the file using iCollege's equation editor instead of uploading images of the equations or formulas.

Multi-Media Content

Video/Audio Media

Upload media to GSU's Kaltura Media for auto-captioning before embedding in iCollege.

Review and edit auto-captions for spelling, grammar, and sounds/music representation.

Add YouTube videos to Kaltura Media to generate auto-captions and transcripts.

Ensure library media (e.g. DVDs or streaming catalogue) are captioned.

Contact University Library for assistance if needed.

Microsoft Document Content

Word Documents

Run Microsoft Accessibility Checker and fix all flagged issues.

Use Navigation Pane to confirm a logical and hierarchical heading structure.

Heading 1 for the main title, Heading 2 for major sections, Heading 3 for subsections, and so on.

Consider reformatting Word documents as iCollege files for better accessibility.

PowerPoint Presentations

Run Microsoft Accessibility Checker and fix all flagged issues.

Ensure all content appears in Outline View for screen reader compatibility.

Using/reapplying layouts & Master Slides will help here.

Use the Reading Order Pane to confirm logical flow.

Remake charts/graphs using built-in tools to retain accessibility features.

Excel Spreadsheets

Run Microsoft Accessibility Checker and fix all flagged issues.

Ensure spreadsheets have well organized columns/rows with clear headers.

Avoid merged cells.

Review Microsoft’s Accessibility best practices with Excel spreadsheets for more.

PDF Document Content

PDF File considerations

Using Adobe Acrobat Pro run the accessibility checker.

Replace scanned/untagged PDFs with accessible versions.

Where possible reformat source documents before re-saving as PDF.
Locate links to online, eBook, or HTML versions of readings from the GSU Library or other online resources.
Locate or request newer, accessible copies from the publisher or author.