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Accessibility Examples

Accessibility Best Practices

MCCSC has a priority to transition all website content to the most accessible version possible. This will primarily mean that all graphics and PDFs will be created in a “web-first” format, using SmartSites components rather than simply linking to documents. Listed below are BEST PRACTICES and things to AVOID when making different types of web content.

  • ParentSquare/SmartSites has many built-in guardrails to aid with accessibility compliance - Always leverage the default settings and components.
  • The examples below are BEST PRACTICES, not set rules to follow. There may be more than one way to achieve accessibility.

For a brief overview of accessibility issues, you may visit ParentSquares checklist.

Accessibility Checklist

If you need any assistance or have questions, please feel free to reach out to Michael Richmond, Digital Outreach Manager.

Email Mike Richmond

Alternative Text

Examples and descriptions of BEST PRACTICES and things to AVOID in this area refer to the image below:

Multiple high school students practicing string instruments for a concert band performance.

Best Practice:

 

  • Alternatives to images should have a descriptor, such as “Chart of” or “Painting of.”
  • Details of the image need to be brought to life while keeping the description to one or two sentences.
  • Provide context of what is being shown in relation to the rest of the webpage.

Example:

  • A group of students practicing string instruments for the graduation performance.

Avoid This:

 

  • Using the words “image of” to convey what the user is seeing.
  • Being too generic or using only the file name.
  • Not providing any context to the related content.

Example:

  • Kids playing instruments.

Graphics

Best Practice:

 

  • Create web-first content, built into the website.
  • Remove important wording from images or provide detailed descriptions.
  • Write short, descriptive, informative alternative text.

Example:

Reading Hour

Join us at the Library on January 1st, 2026, from Noon to 1:00 pm

Explore the shelves and find your next book to read, or sit quietly and enjoy the atmosphere of the library while you read. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided!

Two elementary ages children reading books in a classroom.

 

Avoid This:

 

  • Using graphics as a primary communication tool.
  • Graphics and images containing wording that is important to the message.
  • Non-descriptive or incorrect alternative text.

Example:

Reading Hour

Links & Buttons

Best Practice:

 

  • Use descriptive wording to identify the link destination.
  • Explain or give context to the link.

Example:

  • The Visit Bloomington website highlights why we are proud to live in Monroe County.

Visit Bloomington

 

Avoid This:

 

  • Using non-descriptive wording for the link.
  • Placing links without an explanation or reason.

Example:

Monroe County

Lists & Tables

Best Practice:

 

  • Utilize the format lists with either the bullet or number tool.
  • Ensure that tables have descriptive headers for both rows/columns, if appropriate.
  • Content within the table makes sense when read from left to right and top to bottom.

Example (List):

 

  • Bullet points provide clarity for screen-readers and accessibility software to determine where lists are located.
  • Spacing and indentation are consistent and recognizable.
    • Tiered lists can be created for hierarchy purposes.
  1. These points are also reflected in the formatted numbering system.

Example (Table):

Period Start Time End Time
1 8:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.
2 9:05 a.m. 10:00 a.m.

 

Avoid This:

 

  • Using dashes or other symbols to create lists.
  • Creating tables without headings.
  • Merging or leaving empty spaces in tables.

Example (List):

- Avoid using dashes or alternative symbols; they are not read as lists.

~ Spacing and indentation are also affected when not utilizing the proper bullet-point system.

1 – Numbering is not reflected without the formatted list.

Example (Table):

 8:00 a.m.  9:00 a.m.
 9:05 a.m.  10:00 a.m.

 

PDFs

Best Practice for posting PDF content on the website is to create the material within the SmartSites framework, using images and text. However, this may not always be possible. If a PDF must be posted on the website, it must also be accessible. You may use the checklist below to help create accessible PDF documents, or view this Accessibility Checklist for additional details. 

  1. Start with a program that has accessibility options, such as Microsoft Word.
  2. Keep in mind all of the best practices when producing content on the website: titles vs paragraph text, bullet list, alternative text for images, high color contrast, etc.
  3. “Check Accessibility” – If using Microsoft Word, navigate to the “Review” section, then select “Check Accessibility” to preview any potential issues with the document.
  4. “Immersive Reader” – If using Microsoft Word, navigate to the “View” section, then select “Immersive Reader” to preview additional issues with the document.
  5. Export the document, do NOT “Print to PDF.”
  6. Utilize a PDF Accessibility Checker to review the document for any errors: INSERT ACCESSIBILITY CHECKER LINK

Best Practice for posting PDF content on the website is to create the material within the SmartSites framework, using images and text. However, this may not always be possible. If a PDF must be posted on the website, it must also be accessible. You may use the checklist below to help create accessible PDF documents, or view this Accessibility Checklist for additional details. 

  1. Start with a program that has accessibility options, such as Microsoft Word.
  2. Keep in mind all of the best practices when producing content on the website: titles vs paragraph text, bullet list, alternative text for images, high color contrast, etc.
  3. “Check Accessibility” – If using Microsoft Word, navigate to the “Review” section, then select “Check Accessibility” to preview any potential issues with the document.
  4. “Immersive Reader” – If using Microsoft Word, navigate to the “View” section, then select “Immersive Reader” to preview additional issues with the document.
  5. Export the document, do NOT “Print to PDF.”
  6. Utilize a PDF Accessibility Checker to review the document for any errors: INSERT ACCESSIBILITY CHECKER LINK

 

 

PDF - Best Practice

School Guide Book

Elementary children participating in an outdoor group activity, planning for a school garden.

 

Helpful Resources for Attending Elementary School

2026 – 2027 School Year

 

PDF - Avoid This

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