Best Practices for Creating Accessible Content

These best practices are required for all UAMS CMS and Calendar editors. All UAMS web content must fully conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA by April 24, 2026 (U.S. Department of Justice Title II ADA final rule). Blackboard Ally for Websites monitors every page and flags issues in real time.

Images and Alternative Text

What is Alternative Text?

Alternative text provides information about the content and function of an image for people who cannot see it (screen-reader users, low-bandwidth connections, etc.). Good alt text also helps SEO.

Add alt text using the “Alt text” field in the Media Library or block settings.

Rules:

• Be concise but convey the same information the image provides
• Decorative images → leave alt text empty (alt=””) – WCAG 1.1.1
• Complex images (charts, infographics, maps, org charts) → provide a full text alternative using headings and lists on the page

Avoid Images of Text

Never use screenshots of flyers, brochures, or print materials — they are almost never accessible or mobile-friendly.

Review Complex Images for Accessibility

• Organizational Charts – Create text versions using headings and nested lists (see Creating Accessible Org Charts)
• Infographics – Provide a detailed text description of key information
• Data and Graphs – Include data labels, never rely on color alone, and add a text description/caption
• Maps – Use the official accessible UAMS map or provide a full text description

Avoid PDFs Whenever Possible

Prefer native UAMS CMS pages (best experience, easiest to update).

If a PDF is truly required, it must be fully tagged and meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA / PDF/UA by April 2026.

Video & Audio Content

All UAMS videos must have:

• Accurate, human-verified captions (WCAG 1.2.2 – Level A)
• Audio descriptions or full text alternative when needed (WCAG 1.2.5 – Level AA)
• Transcripts provided or linked on the page

Design for Readability (WCAG 2.1 Level AA)

• Avoid ALL CAPS
• Never underline non-link text
• Use left-aligned text for body copy
• Don’t put two spaces after a period
• Use proper heading hierarchy (never bold text as a heading)
• Ensure sufficient color contrast (WCAG 1.4.3)
• Text must resize to 200% (WCAG 1.4.4)

Additional Required Practices

• Descriptive link text (never “click here”)
• Proper form labels and error messages
• Keyboard-accessible functionality
• Data tables with headers and captions
• No color alone to convey information

Testing & Support

• Blackboard Ally for Websites provides instant feedback on every page
• Annual refresher quiz required to retain editing access