Notes on Accessibility
The Carnegie Math Pathways at WestEd is committed to ensuring that our content is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Curriculum content in Google Docs has been made as accessible as possible in accordance with accessibility features available within Google Docs. Below are details on the specific accessibility features we have implemented as well as guidance for content creators and editors to create an inclusive experience and make our content usable by everyone.
Accessibility Features of Quantway and Statway OER materials
Alt Text for Images
We recognize the importance of providing alternative text (alt text) for images within our Quantway and Statway material. Alt text is a concise description of the visual content, serving as a textual alternative for individuals using screen readers. All images and diagrams in our Quantway, Statway, and additional material contain alt text that follows accessibility recommendations. This helps ensure that users with visual impairments can comprehend and navigate through our content seamlessly.
Headers, Styles, and Nesting
Our documents adhere to proper heading structures and styles, enhancing readability and navigation. Headings and styles are not only visually appealing but also crucial for users relying on screen readers. Clear heading structures help users understand the document's organization, facilitating efficient navigation and comprehension of the content.
Hyperlinks
Hyperlinks are essential elements of digital content, and we are committed to making them accessible to all users. Each hyperlink is accompanied by meaningful link text, providing context about the linked content. This ensures that individuals using screen readers can easily identify and comprehend the purpose of each link, contributing to a more cohesive and inclusive browsing experience.
Why Accessibility Criteria Matters
Equal Access: Accessibility features, such as alt text and proper document structuring, ensure that individuals using screen readers have equal access to information. This fosters inclusivity and eliminates barriers for users with visual impairments.
Efficient Navigation: Clear heading structures and styles enhance the efficiency of navigation for screen reader users. Logical organization allows them to skim through and locate relevant sections quickly, improving overall user experience.
Comprehensive Understanding: Alt text and meaningful link descriptions provide individuals using screen readers with a comprehensive understanding of the content. This promotes an inclusive environment where all users can engage with our digital materials effectively.
Independence: Implementing accessibility criteria empowers users with disabilities to independently access and interact with our digital content. It promotes autonomy and ensures that everyone can participate fully in the online experience. By prioritizing accessibility, we aim to create an environment where all users, regardless of their abilities, can benefit from the information and services offered on our platform.
Efficient Navigation: Clear heading structures and styles enhance the efficiency of navigation for screen reader users. Logical organization allows them to skim through and locate relevant sections quickly, improving overall user experience.
Comprehensive Understanding: Alt text and meaningful link descriptions provide individuals using screen readers with a comprehensive understanding of the content. This promotes an inclusive environment where all users can engage with our digital materials effectively.
Independence: Implementing accessibility criteria empowers users with disabilities to independently access and interact with our digital content. It promotes autonomy and ensures that everyone can participate fully in the online experience. By prioritizing accessibility, we aim to create an environment where all users, regardless of their abilities, can benefit from the information and services offered on our platform.
Ensuring Continued Accessibility With Exported Content
Ensuring accessibility is a priority in our content creation, and we recognize the importance of maintaining accessibility criteria when exporting Google Docs to other formats, such as Word documents and PDFs. While Google Docs provides robust accessibility features, it's essential to understand how these criteria may be impacted during the export process.
When exporting a Google Doc as a Word document or PDF, certain accessibility features may be retained, but there can be variations. Notable considerations include:
When exporting a Google Doc as a Word document or PDF, certain accessibility features may be retained, but there can be variations. Notable considerations include:
- Alt Text:
- Alt text applied to images and diagrams in Google Docs may be retained, but it is advisable to review and adjust alt text in the Word document or PDF to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Headers, Styles, and Nesting:
- The heading structure and styles may be preserved to some extent, but nuanced formatting differences may occur. Manual adjustments may be needed in the Word document to maintain optimal accessibility.
- Hyperlinks:
- Hyperlinks should generally be preserved in Word documents or PDFs. However, it's essential to verify that the link text remains meaningful and the links function correctly after the export.
For both Word and PDF exports, it is crucial for content creators and editors to review the exported documents for accessibility. Manual adjustments may be necessary to address any discrepancies introduced during the export process. Regular testing with accessibility tools and user feedback can help identify and rectify any issues, ensuring that the exported documents remain accessible to individuals with diverse needs.