Accessibility: Information for Course Instructors

Course instructors are crucial in ensuring the accessibility of their courses. As you engage in course planning, create materials, and design content delivery, make sure to incorporate accessibility at every stage through using the following resources:

• General Best Practices
• Handouts and Printed Resources
• Slide Decks
• Posters and Infographics
• Video or Audio Content

General Best Practices

Here are some best practices for creating accessible and inclusive documents. These guidelines apply to various resource types—such as slide decks, handouts, and posters. After reviewing the general practices in this section, check out our specific suggestions for each type in the sections that follow.

• Font: Use sans serif fonts (e.g., Helvetica, Veranda, Arial).
• Plain Language: Apply principles of plain language when possible.
• Spacing: Use at least 1.5 times the font size for line spacing within paragraphs and 2 times the font size following each paragraph.
• Contrast: Ensure high contrast between text and background, with a ratio of at least 4.5:1. Use tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker.
• Images: Avoid placing text over images. If necessary, use a semi-opaque overlay to ensure high contrast.
• Links: Make hyperlinked text meaningful and descriptive. For better screen reader navigation, avoid hyperlinking on non-contextual phrases such as “click here.”
• Cultural Responsiveness: Ensure that language is respectful and inclusive. Mitigate the harmful effects of bias by asking yourself if the content is free of stereotypes regarding race, ethnicity, culture, and gender.
• Social determinants of health (SDOH): Implement health equity awareness to support better treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Handouts and Printed Resources

Course handouts reinforce learning outcomes, create interactive experiences, and provide supplemental resources. To accommodate diverse learner needs, consider the following guidelines:

• Large Print: Provide a version with a minimum 18-point font.
• Emphasis: Avoid using italics and color alone for emphasis or to present information; use bold text instead.
• Digital Copies: Use QR codes or cloud storage for digital copies, enabling screen reader access.
• Check Accessibility: Use tools like Microsoft Accessibility or Adobe Accessibility (Acrobat Pro required) to ensure accessibility.

Slide Decks

Slide decks enhance visual reference during your course. Follow these accessibility guidelines when creating and presenting slides:

• Verbal Descriptions: Describe text and images on slides during your presentation. Introduce yourself and your surroundings visually. Use specific names instead of vague terms like “this” or “that.”
• Font: Use a 24-point or greater font size.
• Slide Text: Avoid text-heavy slides; use bullet points or numbering to break up text.
• Alt Text: Use alt text on images, graphics, and charts.
• Captions: Include captions for embedded videos.
• Titles: Use slide titles to help screen reader users navigate.
• Reading Order: Ensure that each slide’s content has a logical reading order for screen readers.

Posters and Infographics

When designing research posters and infographics, consider the following for better visual and cognitive access:

• Image Descriptions: Provide a transcript of your resource, including detailed image descriptions.
• Contrast: Ensure high contrast (at least 4.5:1) between text and background colors, and use a contrast checker to confirm.
• Structure: Use clear headings and titles, and ensure proper formatting for digital resources.
• Digital Copies: Offer QR codes or links to digital copies for in-person presentations.

Video or Audio Content

Instructors should ensure that their audio and video content is accessible. Please follow these guidelines to help all learners fully engage with your resources.

• CART, ASL, and Other Forms of Translation: Confirm if an interpreter, captioner, or translator will be present. Provide them with presentation materials and speaking notes in advance. Ensure that they have the necessary materials to meet their preparation deadlines.
• Rate of Speech: Speak slowly and pause frequently to aid captioning, translation, and learner comprehension.
• Captions: Ensure that recorded content has captions. Using closed captioning allows learners to toggle the captions on or off.
• Transcripts: Provide transcripts of all audio and video content.
• Microphone: Always use a microphone, and speak directly into it; speaking loudly is not sufficient.