Accessibility Standards
Accessibility is a shared responsibility across the course development team. Editors play an important role in ensuring that course materials are clear, usable, and accessible for all learners. Although editors are not responsible for creating accessible media or remediating complex documents, they should identify potential issues and communicate them to the appropriate team members.
Editors should review content using current institutional accessibility standards and WCAG principles whenever possible.
Plain Language
Editors should encourage clear, concise language that supports learner comprehension.
- Prefer plain language over unnecessarily complex wording.
- Use active voice whenever appropriate.
- Break long paragraphs into shorter sections.
- Avoid jargon where possible, or define technical terminology when it is introduced.
- Use meaningful link text rather than generic phrases such as “click here.”
Heading Structure
Ensure headings follow a logical hierarchy.
- Heading levels should not be skipped.
- Headings should accurately describe the content that follows.
- Headings should remain concise and descriptive.
Lists
Lists improve readability when information is presented as a series.
Editors should ensure:
- parallel grammatical structure
- consistent punctuation
- appropriate use of numbered versus bulleted lists
- nested lists are used only when necessary
Tables
Editors should review tables for readability and accessibility.
Tables should:
- contain clear column headings
- avoid merged or split cells whenever possible
- present information in a logical reading order
- avoid using colour alone to communicate meaning
If information can be presented effectively as regular text or a list, that approach is generally preferred.
Images and Figures
Editors should verify that:
- every instructional image has appropriate alternative text or a long description when required
- figure captions are complete and consistent
- image references within the text are accurate
- decorative images are identified appropriately where applicable
Editors should flag missing image descriptions for follow-up rather than creating technical descriptions outside their role unless requested.
Multimedia
Editors should confirm that multimedia includes appropriate supporting materials where applicable, including:
- captions
- transcripts
- audio descriptions (when required)
Missing accessibility features should be documented for production or instructional design.
Colour and Formatting
Editors should avoid conveying meaning solely through:
- colour
- font size
- italics
- bold text
Content should remain understandable without visual formatting alone.
Accessibility Checklist
Before final review, editors should verify:
✓ Heading hierarchy is logical
✓ Lists are consistent
✓ Tables are readable
✓ Images include alt text or image descriptions
✓ Links use meaningful text
✓ Plain language has been applied where appropriate
✓ Accessibility concerns have been documented