Impact
People with cognitive and learning disabilities can more easily find and prioritize content on the page.
People using screen readers can skip to the main content directly and navigate to sections that are important to them.
Keyboard users can browse pages and their sections more efficiently. Otherwise, users have to press the tab key multiple times to navigate through all links in each section.
There are additional benefits to a good, accessible page structure, beyond those experienced by people with disabilities. As an example, search engines can use the data to better index the content of a page.
How to
Page Titles
Provide informative, unique page titles
- For each web page, provide a short title that describes the page content and distinguishes it from other pages.
- The page title is often the same as the main heading of the page.
- Put the unique and most relevant information first; for example, put the name of the page before the name of the organization.
Headings
Use headers to communicate meaning and structure
- Headings communicate the organization of the content on the page. Web browsers, plug-ins, and assistive technologies can use them to provide in-page navigation.
- Nest headings by their rank (or level). The most important heading has the rank 1 (<h1>), the least important heading rank 6 (<h6>).
- Skipping heading ranks can be confusing and should be avoided where possible: Make sure that a <h2> is not followed directly by an <h4>, for example.
- Headings tutorial, W3C WAI
Tables
- Don't use images of tables since they can't be read by screen readers and even the most descriptive alt text can't convey the meaning behind a table of data.
- Try to create separate tables for each subject.
- Tables work best for numbers, not written content.
- Use descriptive row and column headings.
- Creating Accessible Tables, WebAIM
State Agency Planning Resources
IT Accessibility Planning Guide
The IT Accessibility Planning Guide website is made available only to state agencies for the purpose of providing guidance, tools and updates that are relevant only to state agencies and their unique statutory requirements. The Technology Accessibility Program team (TAP) has made every effort to provide similar, relevant resources available to local government entities (see Local Government Resources).
Contact: oit_accessibility@state.co.us
Local Government Planning Resources
Accessibility Planning for Local Government, 2023 (Google Slides)
This presentation is designed to help local government teams understand their responsibilities and provide basic guidance for planning and operationalizing accessibility. Similar guidance can be found on the Accessibility Planning Core Criteria webpage.
- Colorado Laws for Persons with Disabilities
- Planning tools and guidance
- Links to more information and resources
Contact: oit_accessibility@state.co.us