Web Design Tips

• Publish all information in webpages
  • HTML offers lots of customizable options and is easily detected by screenreaders, as plain text is highly accessible. 
  • Avoid making content only accessible via download. Information buried in downloads requires extra steps, switching software, and can be cumbersome to extract for students with disabilities.
    
    
• Build simple and consistent layouts

• • Make layouts predictable, easy to follow, and free of clutter. 
  • Arrange content in a linear and logical fashion.
  • Incorporate elements such as a header, navigation, headings, form labels, main content, and a footer and landmark tags so that the webpage can easily be navigated by screen readers.
    
    
• Be descriptive in headings and labels
  • Headings improve the organization of layouts, so it’s important that they be clear and precise. 
    • Avoid writing “click here” on buttons. Instead, use specific actions like “download article” 
      
      
• Use responsive web design
  • Layouts should be able to adapt to a variety of platforms and screen dimensions.
  • Avoid spreading content out across the webpage, as important information can be missed by low vision learners reliant on magnification.
    
    
• Make actionable buttons large and easy to click
  • Remember to space out actionable items, so learners don’t accidentally hit the wrong thing.
    
    
• Make sure actions can be completed by speech and keyboard functions only
  • Avoid actions which require lots of mouse movement, as this can be a barrier for those with motor disabilities. 
    
    

• Provide shortcuts

• • Avoid pages which require lots of scrolling and typing, which are barriers for those with motor disabilities. It can also be easy to lose one’s place on a long webpage.