Keep Accessibility in Mind

Web accessibility ensures all users can effectively access and interact with digital content.

Each of the major categories of disabilities (visual, hearing, motor, cognitive) requires certain types of adaptation in creating web content. University Web & Design handles most web accessibility centrally in our page templates, but there are a few essential ways you can make your webpages accessible for all web users:

Hyperlink Relevant Phrases

Simply using phrases like "click here" does not explain what the link is nor does. Ambiguous hyperlinks require users to read around the link to determine where it will take them.

Make Images Accessible

All of your images must have alt text which describes your image as succinctly as possible. Meaningful file names help give your images additional context.

Use Headings

Those using screen readers and other assistive technology can navigate webpages by headings. Use Heading 2 and Heading 3 to give a hierarchical structure to your content, especially if it is lengthy.

Convert Documents to Webpages

Before uploading a new document into Cascade, ask yourself, "Can I turn this into a webpage?" If yes, go for it! If not, ensure your documents are accessible before uploading them to Cascade.

Add Captions to Videos

Embedded YouTube videos on the W&M website must have captions.

Use the Accessibility Checker

When you submit edits, Cascade's built-in content checker includes a report of basic accessibility issues. Be sure to review and address any flagged items during this step.

To learn more about how you can improve your web content and documents, check out our web accessibility help page.