Why is digital accessibility important?
At UMD, Goal 2 of our Strategic Plan is to create a positive and inclusive campus climate for everyone, including our digital campus environment. In this digital world, you have the opportunity to make sure that no one is unintentionally left out. Be part of the solution!
According to the World Report on Disability (PDF, 2011), about 20% of the world’s population experience some form of disability. Based on this statistic, of the 11,679 employees and students at UMD approximately 2,336 people may experience some form of disability.
Who can do this type of work?
Accessibility is everyone's everyday work, and no matter your role you can influence the adoption and implementation of digital accessibility. All you have to do is start small.
- Do you take notes in meetings? Add headings to your document.
- Participating in a Zoom session? Turn on the automatic captions, or request them.
- Sharing a link to a website? Embed it and add meaningful text.
- Using a table to share complex information? Incorporate headings on rows and/or columns.
- Placing an image on a slide or webpage? Add alternative text, and make sure the image has a high contrast ratio.
- Have a long, complex list of instructions and steps? Use bulleted or numbered lists.
Where should I start?
"I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better." - Maya Angelou
The Accessible Academic Technology Team suggests trying one of the following free, high impact resources:
- Review an Accessibility Ambassadors Presentation on over 24 different topics.
- Enroll in the Accessible Badging Foundations Course
- Scan your Canvas Course with UDOIT and incrementally make your course accessible.
- Reach out to the AATT to ask a question about accessibility, or schedule a virtual meeting.