UAMS CMS Page Accessibility Checklist

Pre-Publish Checklist – Required for WCAG 2.1 Level AA Compliance (Mandatory by April 26, 2027)

Use this checklist every time you create or edit a page in the UAMS Content Management System (UAMS CMS). Blackboard Ally for Websites will flag any issues. Fix them before publishing.

1. Page Structure & Navigation

• Proper heading hierarchy used (H2 → H3 → H4, etc. — never skip levels, never use bold for headings) (WCAG 1.3.1, 2.4.6)
• Page has a unique, descriptive title
• All functionality works with keyboard only (Tab, Enter, arrows — test by unplugging mouse) (WCAG 2.1.1)
• Logical focus order and visible focus indicator on links/buttons (WCAG 2.4.7)

2. Images & Non-Text Content

• Every image has appropriate alt text (WCAG 1.1.1)
• No images of text (including Creative Services flyer screenshots)
• Complex images (infographics, charts, org charts, maps) have full text alternatives using headings/lists on the page (WCAG 1.1.1, 1.4.5)

3. Links

• Link text is descriptive and makes sense out of context (never “click here” or “read more”) (WCAG 2.4.4, 2.4.9)
• Links to non-HTML files indicate format (e.g., “2025 Benefits Guide (PDF, 2 MB)”)

4. Color & Contrast

• Text and interactive elements have ≥ 4.5:1 contrast (3:1 for large text) (WCAG 1.4.3)
• Color is never used as the only way to convey information (e.g., red text alone for required fields) (WCAG 1.4.1)

5. Readability & Text

• Left-aligned body text (avoid justified or centered long paragraphs) (WCAG 1.4.8, 1.4.12)
• No ALL CAPS for body text
• No underlining non-link text
• One space after periods
• Text resizes to 200% without breaking layout (test with Ctrl +)

6. Tables

• Data tables have proper header cells () and caption (WCAG 1.3.1)
• No tables used for layout

7. Forms

• All fields have visible, correctly associated labels (WCAG 1.3.1, 3.3.2)
• Error messages are clear and identify the exact field (WCAG 3.3.3)

8. Media

• Videos have accurate captions and audio descriptions when needed (WCAG 1.2.2, 1.2.5)
• Video player is keyboard accessible
• No content flashes more than 3 times per second (WCAG 2.3.1)

9. PDFs & Documents

• No PDFs unless absolutely required (use native UAMS CMS pages)
• If PDF is used: fully tagged, meets WCAG 2.1 AA / PDF/UA (test in Acrobat Pro + Blackboard Ally)

10. Final Checks

• Run Blackboard Ally for Websites — fix all red/yellow issues
• Test page with keyboard only
• Test with browser zoom at 200%
• Test with reduced motion enabled (no unwanted animation)

If anything is “No”, fix it before publishing.