Making Accessible Web Pages and Web Sites
This document is intended for: Any person who creates or modifies new or existing web pages or web sites. It is intended as a guide to assist in the awareness, instruction and creation of accessible and usable web pages and web sites.
Purpose of this document: To ensure that UTEP web pages or web sites conform to all State and Federal requirements. View the Comparison Table of WCAG 2.0 to Existing 508 Standards for accessibility.
When this document applies: Any time that an existing UTEP web site or web page is created and/or modified.
Before you begin:
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The Enterprise Computing Software Development team supports all custom applications developed internally in support of University business and Pete’s Page Builder sites. If you have technical support questions, email the HelpDesk.
Step 1: Plan the page or site with the user in mind
Ask Yourself:
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What types of users will be visting the page or site?
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Why is the user at the page or site?
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What do they want to accomplish?
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What can you do to help them accomplish their task?
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Could the user have special needs?
Note: Before creating any web pages, organize the topical areas; include subtopics.
Create the text (content) before putting it on a web page and ensure:
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it has been proofread
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it is short and coherent
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it gets the message across
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it uses plain language
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it utilizes lists instead of prose
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any included electronic documents are accessible
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any included web applications are accessible
Note: Create a list of any graphics, banners, logos, photographs, and video that you may need and request them, in advance, from University Communications.
Step 2: Assemble the page or site
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Request site design guidance from University Communications, in advance, or have your visual design validated by University Communications.
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Make use of UTEP's Accessibility Policy web page and its resources.
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To have questions or issues resolved, direct them to the following areas:
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University Communications - Visual design, logos, colors, branding
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UTEP's Accessibility Policy - Accessibility issues that are not related to creation of code
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Step 3: Test the page or site
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Validate the CSS using an accepted CSS validator.
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Validate the HTML or XHTML using an accepted validator.
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Test using a screen reader.
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Test using a color/contrast checker.