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Web Pages

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Web pages can pose many accessibility challenges unless designed correctly. Text, links, navigation, and tables should be formatted properly so they don't create access challenges for students. These principles also apply to text typed into a Link opens in new window.course management system (syllabi, bios, class announcements, goals and objectives, webliographies, required readings, etc.)


Tip. If you include images—photos, illustrations, icons, etc.—in your Web pages you should also review the How-To: Images section of this Web site.


This section describes several techniques for creating more accessible Web pages:

Clear and Simple Writing Style
Concise writing is easier to read and improves comprehension.		 Students with specific learning disabilities.
Descriptive Link Names
Link names (i.e., the underlined text that you click to go to another Web page) that clearly describe the link destination make it easier to access related materials.		 Students who are blind.Students with specific learning disabilities.
Effective Navigation
Usable and readily available menus help students navigate effectively.		 Students who are blind.Students with mobility impairments.Students with specific learning disabilities.
Effective Text Styles and Colors
Text colors, sizes, and Link opens in new window.fonts should support students who cannot differentiate between colors or read small text.		 Students with low vision.Students who are color-blind.
Accessible Layout Tables
Accessible layout tables are interpreted in the correct order by Link opens in new window.screen readers and other Link opens in new window.assistive technologies.		 Students who are blind.Students with low vision.
Accessible Data Tables
Column and row headings, summaries, and captions make data tables understandable to students who cannot see the screen.		 Students who are blind.
Valid HTML
Standard language helps Web browsers interpret your Web page effectively.		 Students who are blind.Students with low vision.Students who are color-blind.Students with hearing impairments.Students with mobility impairments.Students with specific learning disabilities.Students with health impairments.
Accessibility Test
A final Web page evaluation catches any accessibility errors you may have missed.		 Students who are blind.Students with low vision.Students who are color-blind.Students with hearing impairments.Students with mobility impairments.Students with specific learning disabilities.Students with health impairments.


The techniques in this section include instructions for HTML, Microsoft FrontPage 2000, Macromedia Dreamweaver MX, and Netscape Composer 4+. If you use Microsoft Word to develop Web pages, use the HTML instructions to make your Web page accessible. One good place to learn HTML is the WebAIM Basic HTML Tutorial.

Netscape Composer and the Netscape browser (versions previous to 6) do not support many accessibility features. As a result, we recommend that you use another Web editor (for example, Microsoft FrontPage 2000) or, even better, learn a little bit of HTML.

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