Course Materials

Course Document and Material Guidelines

Accessible materials are not just about meeting ADA Title II obligations, they improve usability for all students, including those learning on mobile devices, in low-bandwidth settings, or in noisy environments. Accessibility is a cornerstone of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), helping you create courses that are flexible, inclusive, and effective.

What can you do to build foundational knowledge?

• Complete the System Office ELM - Digital Accessibility Foundations Module
• Consider the Office of Civil Rights Video Series 
• Explore the Minnesota State ASA Connect Accessibility Best Practices
• Review tips for creating accessible digital materials from Section508.gov
• Think critically about the accessibility of your existing resources

Quick Steps in Microsoft 365

1. Run the Accessibility Checker: Review and resolve flagged issues before publishing.
2. Add Alt Text: Right-click an image then select Edit Alt Text.
3. Use Captions: Enable captions in PowerPoint, Zoom, or Mediaspace.
4. Structure Content: Apply heading styles, bulleted lists, and descriptive link text.
5. Consider using branded templates: University templates are available in Microsoft Office when signed in with your Minnesota State credentials.

Criterion At-a-Glance

1. Text Content: All text-based documents (Word, PDF, HTML) use structured headings, readable fonts (sans-serif, 12pt+), and are screen reader accessible.
   WCAG 2.11 AA Alignment: [1.3.1], [1.3.2], [2.4.6]
2. Multimedia: All audio and video resources include accurate captions and transcripts. Descriptive titles and summaries are provided.
   WCAG 2.11 AA Alignment: [1.2.2], [1.2.4], [1.2.5], [2.1.1], [2.4.7]
3. Images & Visuals: All non-text content includes appropriate alternative text or long descriptions.
   WCAG 2.11 AA Alignment: [1.1.1], [1.3.1]
4. Color & Contrast: Text and UI components meet contrast minimums (4.5:1 for normal text). Color is not sole means of conveying meaning.
   WCAG 2.11 AA Alignment: [1.4.1], [1.4.3], [1.4.11]
5. Navigation & Structure: LMS course is consistently structured with logical modules, headings, and accessible menus.
   WCAG 2.11 AA Alignment: [1.3.1], [2.4.1], [2.4.6], [2.4.3]
6. Assessments & Forms: Quizzes, forms, and assignments are accessible and operable with keyboard and assistive tech.
   WCAG 2.11 AA Alignment: [1.3.1], [3.3.1], [3.3.2], [4.1.2]
7. Document Format & Conversion: PDFs are tagged and properly exported; PowerPoints use slide titles and reading order; Word uses styles.
   WCAG 2.11 AA Alignment: [1.3.1], [1.4.5], [2.4.2]
8. External Tools & Links: All third-party tools and resources are vetted for accessibility or have accessible alternatives.
   WCAG 2.11 AA Alignment: [4.1.2], [2.1.1], [2.4.4]
9. Timing & Interaction: Timed elements accommodate accessibility needs, with guidance for requesting extensions or modifications.
   WCAG 2.11 AA Alignment: [2.2.1], [2.2.2]
10. Cognitive Load & Readability: Content is chunked, uses plain language, and supports multiple means of representation.
    WCAG 2.11 AA Alignment: [3.1.5], [2.4.6], [1.3.1]
11. Syllabus & Policy Statements: Accessibility statement is included in the syllabus or LMS shell, with information on accommodations and support.
    WCAG 2.11 AA Alignment: [2.4.4], [3.3.5] (institutional practice)
12. Faculty Presence & Responsiveness: Instructor provides guidance for accessibility barriers and encourages feedback.
    WCAG 2.11 AA Alignment: [3.3.3], [2.4.3] (ethical/engagement standard; RSI requirement)