Accessibility Checklist

Content Sections

This checklist outlines the accessibility requirements content editors should follow when adding or updating website content. It covers images, links, headings, videos, and documents, as well as reports and tools for ongoing monitoring. It is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level A and AA.

Use this checklist to review content before publishing and when updating existing pages. Following it consistently helps prevent common accessibility issues and ensures content can be used by people who rely on assistive technologies, such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, and captions.

Website Content Accessibility Checklist 

Images

  • Add meaningful alt text for all content images.
  • Avoid embedding text inside images.
  • Don’t rely on image alone to convey important information.
  • Avoid Image-Only PDFs or Scans. If a flyer with event information is added to a page the following steps can be taken to make the content accessible:
    • Use descriptive alt text for the image.
    • Repeat all text from the flyer directly on the web page (either above or below the image).
    • Add a heading or summary above the image to summarize the content. For example: “Event Details (also shows in flyer below)”

Headings

  • Use heading levels to create a clear and logical structure. Start with Heading 2 for main sections (since Heading 1 is reserved for the page title), and use subsequent heading levels (e.g., Heading 3, Heading 4) as needed for subsections. Avoid skipping levels. For example, don’t jump from Heading 2 to Heading 4, so screen reader users can easily understand the content hierarchy.
  • Do not use bold text to mimic headings, use real heading tags.

Text Formatting (Recommended)

  • Avoid ALL CAPS for emphasis — it's harder to read for many users.
  • Use bold/italic sparingly for true emphasis — not as a substitute for headings or lists.

Links

  • Write descriptive link text (e.g., “View the annual report” instead of “Click here”).
  • Avoid duplicate link text going to different places.
  • Avoid instructions that depend on visual/spatial location, e.g. "click the button on the right" or "see the sidebar."

Lists

  • Use ordered or unordered lists available in content editor for items that are lists.
  • Do not create lists using dashes, numbers, or tabs manually. 

Tables

  • Use tables only for tabular data, not for layout.
  • Include table headers to support accessibility and responsive design.
  • Give data tables a caption/title summarizing what the table shows. (Recommended)

Embedding iFrame

  • When embedding an iFrame using the Embed embedded content icon in the content editor, use the Title option under Advanced. This helps users who rely on screen readers understand the purpose of the embedded content, such as a video, map, or form.
iFrame embed screen

 

Audio/Video

  • Include captions and transcripts for videos.
  • Ensure media players are keyboard-accessible. Most embedded players from platforms like YouTube and Vimeo support keyboard navigation.
  • Avoid enabling autoplay on embedded video or animated GIFs that run longer than a few seconds. 

Page Setup

  • Give every page a descriptive, unique page title.

Documents (PDF, Word, etc.)