---
title: Accessibility
date: 2026-06-04T09:51:00-04:00
author: Tierra Collins
canonical_url: "https://brand.umd.edu/resources-support/accessibility"
section: Pages
---
# Accessibility

*Resources and Support*

**Accessibility Guidelines**



<span>As a public institution, the University of Maryland is committed to meeting </span>[<span>WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility guidelines</span>](https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/)<span>, meaning that we design websites so people with disabilities can engage equitably. It’s an essential part of our culture of inclusion.</span>


# Digital Media



### Images and Video

<span>If images are integral to your content, describe them using alternative text. Caption and transcribe all videos.</span>

- [Read more about making images accessible](https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/)
- [Read about making videos accessible](https://webaim.org/techniques/captions/)



### Structure

<span>Use descriptive headings to organize web pages and documents. Choose heading levels in a logical order to help readers understand and navigate your content.</span>

- [Read more about giving structure to documents](https://webaim.org/techniques/semanticstructure/#headings)



### Tables

<span>Provide headings for the columns, and add a caption and summary. </span>

- [Read more on how to give tables good structure](https://webaim.org/techniques/tables/data)



### Links

<span>Create links with concise, unique and descriptive text. </span>

- [Read more about how to make good links](https://webaim.org/techniques/hypertext/)



### Color and Contrast

<span>Provide high-color contrast between background and foreground. Make sure that color is not the only source of information or emphasis; users with some visual impairments will not perceive the difference. Take special care with reverse type and type overlays. To meet current accessibility standards, use only approved color combinations.</span>

- [Read more about contrast and color](https://webaim.org/articles/contrast/)
- [UMD Color Contrast Guidelines](https://designsystem.umd.edu/foundation/color#:~:text=Black%20Text%20on,Notes)
- [Color Contrast Checker](https://www.tpgi.com/color-contrast-checker/)



### Lists

Use the bulleted or numbered list tools in your website editor or word processor, rather than manually formatting the text to look like a list. <span>Avoid using tabs or indents for spacing.</span>

- [Read more about lists](https://webaim.org/techniques/semanticstructure/#lists)



### Checking Accessibility

<span>Learn how to check if your assets are accessible in commonly used UMD software:</span>

[<span>MS Word</span>](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/improve-accessibility-with-the-accessibility-checker-a16f6de0-2f39-4a2b-8bd8-5ad801426c7f?ui=en-us&rs=en-us&ad=us)<span>: Review &gt; Check Accessibility</span>

[<span>Canvas</span>](https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Instructor-Guide/How-do-I-use-the-Accessibility-Checker-in-the-Rich-Content/ta-p/820)<span>: Use the “Check Accessibility” button</span>

[<span>Acrobat</span>](https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/create-verify-pdf-accessibility.html)<span>: Accessibility &gt; Full Check</span>


### PDFs

<span>An accessible PDF starts as an accessible document. Learn how to structure yours appropriately. </span>

- [Create an accessible PDF with Microsoft Word](https://umd.service-now.com/itsupport?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0012698)


- [Create an accessible PDF with Adobe Indesign](https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/desktop/interactive-elements-and-forms/forms-and-pdfs/accessible-pdfs.html)


<span>Google Docs cannot properly export accessible PDFs. Download your Google Doc as a Microsoft Word (.docx) document first, check accessibility, then export to a PDF. </span>

- [Tips for making Google documents and presentations more accessible](https://support.google.com/docs/answer/6199477?hl=en)




### Media

<span>If images are integral to your content, describe them using alternative text. Caption and transcribe all videos.</span>

- [Read more about making images accessible](https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/)
- [Read about making videos accessible](https://webaim.org/techniques/captions/)





## More Digital Accessibility Questions?


Visit the [Division of Information Technology’s (DIT) accessibility website](https://it.umd.edu/accessibility) for more information.


# Printed Media


<span>Most people think of websites when they think of accessibility. However, printed materials should also be created with accessibility in mind. The recommendations below are based on the best practices of accessibility and design experts.</span>

<span>Overall, aim to create attractive, legible and readable materials to engage the widest range of users. This means considering accessibility throughout the design process and being open to requests for alternative versions.</span>

<span>The best way to ensure accessible print materials is to offer alternative modalities — electronic files, audio versions, Braille, </span>[<span>large-print</span>](https://www.acb.org/large-print-guidelines)<span> or alternate-contrast versions (such as </span>[<span>low-contrast versions</span>](https://irlen.com/reading-problems-dyslexia-learning-difficulties-the-irlen-method/)<span> or </span>[<span>reverse-contrast type versions</span>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse-contrast_typefaces)<span>) — and advertise the availability of those alternatives.</span>

<span>You can also improve your print materials by following these tips:</span>

- [Fonts](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X4Ie-JuMbxWPZp0uXH9rImAI9Pj70bhe2H9em0LRd1c/edit)


- [Design](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aUOpKjkC3AZzaPfAkjE8_HuCuS1CLpZJihWDIYg_Ycg/edit)



**ADA Compliance at UMD** — Connect with the Accessibility team for more information on compliance across all mediums and experiences. <https://accessibility.umd.edu/>