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Roadmap for Digital Accessibility Step 2

Adopt

The Adopt step is where intention becomes action. It’s about building accessibility directly into your daily workflow so that every document is accessible from the start.

Start Now!

  1. Keep accessibility in mind for every project, document, course, video, etc.
  2. Adopt the basic steps now! Learn more about what these are by reviewing this page.
  3. Make all NEWLY created content accessible, from the start.

Tip

Don’t forget to update any templates you use for documents, emails,  newsletters, etc.

Build High Impact Habits

Add in the "Daily Three"

For every new project you start, ensure you add these three steps:

  1. Structure first – Always use Heading Styles (H1, H2) in every digital project and document.
  2. Describe visuals – Add Alt Text to images as soon as you insert them.
  3. Check as you go – Run Grackle (Google) or the Accessibility Checker (Canvas/Office) before hitting send or publish.
Tap into the Resource and Tutorials Hub

How do I…?

As you get started you will likely have questions. That’s a great place to start! As you ask the questions, tap into the Accessibility Resources and Tutorials available on this site. You’ll find help with:

  • Documents and Collaboration
  • Teaching and Course Design
  • Multimedia and Outreach

We’re adding new resources as we go. So check back often.

Accessibility Resources and Tutorials
Check as You Go and Check Again Before publishing

Workflow Checklist

Before you finalize any project, run through a checklist to ensure you avoid some common barriers.

  • Headings: Are they present and in the correct order (H1 > H2 > H3)?
  • Descriptions: Do the links describe the destination (not the URL or ‘click here’?
  • Media Alternatives: Do images have alt text? Do videos have captions and transcripts? Do audio files have transcripts?
  • Tables: Are tables simple and free of merged or empty cells?
  • Color Contrast: Is the text easy to read against the background?
  • Checkers: Have you run the platform’s built-in accessibility tool (if available)?
Download Printable Adopt Workflow Checklist (PDF)

Where can I find Help?

Web Support

Instructor and Course Support

Compliance and General Accessibility Support

Now that you’ve committed to making your NEW content accessible, where are you going next?

Roadmap for Digital Accessibility

If you need to revisit the key terms and definitions, return to the Learn step at any time. If you feel confident that you have adopted good habits for accessibility, but haven’t reviewed your old content, we suggest starting at Archive. Already archived? Move on to the Update step!

Step 1: Learn

Know the laws and policies

Step 3: Archive

Review current content and archive the old

Step 4: Update

Fix your EXISTING content

Step 5: Maintain

Keep it going!
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