Email: mstafford@k12.wv.us
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https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/make-your-word-documents-accessible-to-people-with-disab…
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/accessibility-tools-for-word-5fa2c21f-0ef4-4d4a-ae2d-451…
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-accessible-office-documents-868ecfcd-4f00-4224-b8…
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/making-documents-accessible-fe0961bd-11f4-4c9a-8894-e895…
Use a hierarchical structure for headings on web pages, with a single <h1> for the main title and <h2> through <h6> for sub-sections without skipping levels (e.g., don't go from an <h2> to an <h4>). Headings should be concise, descriptive, and used for semantic structure, not just for styling text, to improve accessibility and SEO.
General rules
Use only one <h1> per page: This should be the main title that describes the overall content of the page.
Maintain a logical hierarchy: Use <h2>, <h3>, <h4>, etc., to organize sections in a logical order, like a table of contents.
Do not skip levels: If you have an <h2>, the next level of subsections should be <h3>, not <h4>.
Use headings for meaning, not just appearance: Headings convey semantic information. Do not use them just to make text larger or bolder.
Avoid linking headings: Make sure headings are not links themselves. If a heading needs to link to another page, the link should be in the text that follows the heading.
Content and style
Be descriptive: Headings should accurately describe the content that follows them.
Keep it concise: Use simple, clear language and aim for short headings, preferably a few words to a single sentence.
Avoid punctuation: Do not use punctuation like periods, commas, or semicolons in headings.
Include keywords: Use important keywords in your headings to help with readability and search engine optimization.
ADA-compliant fonts must be sans-serif, non-italic, and easily readable for signage and digital content. Key requirements include a 10–15% stroke-width-to-height ratio, high contrast, and no decorative or script styles. Top recommended fonts include Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, Calibri, Montserrat, and Franklin Gothic.
Recommended alternative text (alt text) length is generally under 125–150 characters to accommodate screen reader limitations, which often stop reading or truncate content around 140-155 characters. Aim for short, concise descriptions (roughly 1–2 sentences) that provide necessary context without overwhelming the user, avoiding phrases like "image of".
University of Maine System +5
Optimal Length: Keep it under 100-125 characters, though up to 150 is acceptable.
Complex Images: If an image (e.g., chart, infographic) requires more detail, provide a short summary in the alt text and a detailed description in the surrounding text or a linked page.
Conciseness: Focus on the main content or information conveyed. Avoid filler words like "image of" or "photo of," as screen readers inform users that the element is an image.
Context is Key: The same image might need different alt text based on the surrounding text and purpose.
Avoid Redundancy: Do not repeat information already present in the caption or text directly before/after the image.
W3C +7
For decorative images, use empty alt text (
) to allow screen readers to skip them, or mark them in HTML to ensure they are ignored. W3C +2
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