Join the Office of Equality Opportunity and Diversity (OEOD) UCI and Siteimprove on Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM to learn more about web accessibility. Siteimprove will be hosting an informative session at UCI focusing on the latest trends in website accessibility. This session will address campuswide accessibility issues identified through manual and automated testing by Siteimprove.

Why Web Accessibility is Important

Web accessibility is crucial, especially in higher education, because it ensures that all students, faculty, and staff, regardless of their abilities, have equal access to digital resources and information. In an academic setting, where learning and engagement heavily rely on digital platforms, accessible websites enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully in educational opportunities, access course materials, and engage with the campus community. By prioritizing web accessibility, institutions not only comply with legal standards but also foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and innovation. This commitment to accessibility empowers all members of the academic community to achieve their full potential and contributes to a more equitable society.

Agenda Highlights

• Resize Text (Level AA): Ensuring that pages are readable and functional when text is enlarged up to 200%. We will discuss both 200% browser zoom and text resize.
• Reflow (Level AA): Page content should reflow within a viewport of 256 by 320 CSS pixels when users zoom in up to 400%.
• Non-text Contrast (Level AA): User interface controls and essential graphic elements must have a color contrast ratio of 3:1. We will focus on non-text content such as link underline colors and focus indicators.
• Info and Relationships (Level A): Structure, information, and relationships should be programmatically determined or available as text, with a focus on headings.
• Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A): Links should indicate when they open in a new window or tab. We will discuss handling links that open new windows without warning.
• Non-text Content (Level A): All images, CAPTCHA elements, and other non-text content must have accurate text-based alternatives. We will address issues like incorrect conveyance of characters such as arrows for screen-reader users.
• Screen Reader Demonstration: A thorough demonstration using JAWS and/or NVDA on desktop will be provided.