Accessibility Quick Start Guide
Your 5-Step Journey to Creating Inclusive Educational Content
Welcome to Digital Accessibility!
This guide will help faculty and staff at community colleges create accessible educational materials that benefit all students. Follow these five essential steps to get started on your accessibility journey.
Understand the "Why"
Accessibility ensures all students, including those with disabilities, can access and engage with course materials equally and effectively.
Learn the WCAG 2.1 Basics
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide the international standard for digital accessibility. Focus on these four principles:
Perceivable
Content must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive
Operable
Interface components must be operable by all users
Understandable
Information must be clear and easy to comprehend
Robust
Content must work with various assistive technologies
Pro Tip: Start with WCAG Level A compliance, then work toward AA (the recommended standard for higher education).
Start With Simple Changes
Begin improving accessibility today with these high-impact, easy-to-implement practices:
Use Built-In Accessibility Tools
Take advantage of accessibility checkers already available in your software:
Best Practice: Run accessibility checks early and often throughout your content creation process—don't wait until the end!
Get Support & Keep Learning
Accessibility is a continuous journey. Connect with resources and colleagues to grow your skills:
Questions or Need Help?
Contact your institutional accessibility team or visit the campus accessibility resource center.
© 2025 Community College Accessibility Initiative