Checklist: What Makes a Syllabus Accessible?
Whether you create your syllabus in word processor like MS Word or with a web page editing program like Dreamweaver, the following features are common to accessible electronic documents because they promote the ability of the reader to quickly find information whether reading it on the screen, on paper, or with an audio screen reader.
- Reading Order
Text should make sense if every line is read from left to right. Tables or text boxes should not be used to position text. Learn more... - Heading Styles
Syllabus section titles use Heading styles to provide an outline structure. Learn more... - Table Headers
Tables are used to organize columns of correlated information or data. Tables have a specified header row containing column labels. Learn more... - Alternative Text for Images
Alternative text descriptions (alt-text or captions) are provided for any images which convey meaning. Learn more... - Learner Resources
Syllabus contains or links to relevant course-specific and campus resources such as the library, academic policies, and disability support services. Learn more...
Checklist Point Explanations
Reading Order
A screen reader used by the student with disabilities may not correctly read text which is contained in specially inserted text boxes. Information which is positioned using tabs to simulate a table or column may not read properly either. Tabular information such as a grading chart or calendar should be created using a table instead. Contact TLP if you need assistance determining if your document's reading order presents a barrier for students using assitive technology.
Heading Styles
The headings on this web page are an example of structuring a document with heading styles. Similarly, the syllabus should be structured as an outline with major and minor headings representing the different levels of the heirarchy. For instance, "Course Requirements" might be a heading level 1, while the sub-section "Atttendance" might a heading level 2.
Microsoft Word: The Heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3) are located in the Styles and Formatting palette. Consult the Word 2003 and 2007 tutorials for a complete explanation of using this feature.
Web Page / HTML: The Heading Styles are often very prominent editing features of most HTML editing programs such as Dreamweaver and the HTML Creator. If you need assistance using headings or configuring the appearance of headings in your syllabus, contact TLP for assistance.
Table Headers
Tables should include a header row describing the content of each column, which makes the table more usable by all students including those using assistive technology such as screen readers.
Microsoft Word: To define the header row, check the box marked "Repeat as header row" in the Table Properties dialog box. Consult the Word 2003 and 2007 tutorials for a complete explanation of using this feature.
Web Page / HTML: To learn how to mark table header rows, see the article on table headers from the Chico Web Developer Community.
Alternative Text for Images
Images used to convey information should always contain a text description or "alternative text" to convey meaning for users of assistive technology. Purely decorative images may not require an alternative description.
Microsoft Word: Alternative text can be added to an image from the Web tab of the Poperties dialog (Format Menu). However, this feature is not available on Word for Macintosh 2004; Mac users can add a visible caption underneath the image instead. Consult the Word 2003 and 2007 tutorials for a complete explanation of using this feature.
Web Page / HTML: Most modern web editing programs including the HTML Creator and Dreamweaver request alternative text when images are added. To learn how to add alternative text to existing web pages, see the article on text equivalents from the CSU, Chico Web Developer Community.
Learner Resources
As defined in the Rubic for Online Instruction, the online course materials should contain information supporting student success in a course. The syllabus is a good place to put some of these resources which are critical to students beginning the course, including contact information, expectations of student performance, or a statement requesting that students with special needs contact the Disability and Support Services office. Other resources can be placed in either the syllabus or other documents and links available from the course's Vista conponent, such as library guides, a link to the Student Learning Center or degree program requirements. For more information, see the Rubric for Online Instruction's Learner Support and Resources category or examine the accessible syllabus template provided by TLP.
Resources
Microsoft Word 2003 and 2007 Accessibility tutorials
Tutorial with Examples: Creating an accessible syllabus (SJSU.edu)
Chico Accessible Syllabus Template for MS Word
Web Developer Community and Knowledge Base (Chico State Wiki)