Make Your Sites and Content Accessible
This March we’re highlighting resources and training to make your webpages accessible. If you manage websites, update online content, or want to understand the basics of web accessibility, these resources are for you!
Why Website Accessibility?
Web accessibility is a foundation of digital accessibility. It means creating digital content that can be used by everyone without barriers, including people with disabilities, people who rely on assistive technology, and people using mobile devices. Web content includes web pages and sites, of course, but it also covers best practices that apply to documents, emails, and more.
Learn With Us
Attend hands-on training and get live support this month.
Siteimprove Vendor Training + Live Q&A
Join us for a focused 90-minute session designed to move from understanding to action. Learn how to use Siteimprove to check, improve, and monitor the accessibility of your sites.
- Session format:
- 45 minutes live virtual training led by Siteimprove
- 45 minutes of hands-on Q&A with U-M accessibility staff
- Options for participating:
- Hybrid: Join virtually on Zoom or attend live on campus
- Both sessions are identical; attend whichever date works best for you
- Both sessions will be recorded then shared on the Siteimprove Service Page
- Date(s):
- Monday, March 16, 12:00-1:30 pm
- Zoom Registration for 3/16 for both Zoom and in-person registrations
- In-person location: Institute for Social Research (ISR) Room 6050, 426 Thompson St
- Monday, March 23, 12:00-1:30 pm
- Zoom Registration for 3/23 for both Zoom and in-person registrations
- In-person location: Hatcher Graduate Library, Room TBD
- Monday, March 16, 12:00-1:30 pm
Digital Accessibility Office Hours
Bring your questions to virtual office hours and get live expert help.
- Friday, March 13, 1:30-3:00 on Zoom (Meeting ID: 935 9909 5960)
- Friday, March 27, 1:30-3:00 on Zoom (Meeting ID: 935 9909 5960)
Learn on Your Own
Review these resources to learn the basics of web accessibility.
- Web Content Accessibility (U-M Canvas) - Canvas Module on how to make your web content more accessible, apply specific techniques to your websites.
- Quick Tips for Web Accessibility - Short, actionable guidance you can apply immediately while editing web pages.
- Accessibility concepts - Explore the basic best practices that make web pages and all digital content accessible for users with a range of needs.
- Web Accessibility Scanning Service - Learn about Siteimprove, U-M’s primary platform for scanning, improving, and monitoring website accessibility.
Make Progress
Take action this month to improve web accessibility at U-M. Choose the next step that best fits your role.
- If you update web content on a site, run an automatic checker on your content and make improvements.
- If you manage multiple sites, add your sites to Web Scanning with Siteimprove to understand overall accessibility status a monitor press over time.
- If you are using Siteimprove, develop a plan to improve your scores and make progress this month.
Do Your Part
Web accessibility varies by role. Start where you are.
For Instructors and Faculty
- Use clear headings to organize Canvas pages and course websites
- Write descriptive links so students know exactly where they lead
- Add meaningful alt text to all images used in course content
- Review the Web Content Accessibility Canvas module for practical guidance
For Content Editors & Communicators
- Apply Quick Tips while editing pages
- Use proper headings, descriptive links, and alt text
- Find out how to use CMS editors like WordPress and Drupal to create accessible webpages
For Developers & Technical Teams
- Review Siteimprove scan findings and take action to improve scores
- Build accessibility review into your team's process, from design mockups to code reviews and MVPs
- Watch Accessibility for Web Design (LinkedIn Learning) to improve your skills