Digital Accessibility Resources
Digital Accessibility
At Northeastern State University, we’re committed to making all digital content accessible to everyone. Whether you create web pages, presentations or documents, following accessibility best practices ensures that all students, employees and visitors can fully engage with your content.
Use the resources below to learn how to create inclusive, compliant materials across platforms.
What is Digital Accessibility?
Digital accessibility means designing and creating online content that everyone can use regardless of ability. This includes making websites, documents, and media accessible for individuals who use assistive technologies such as screen readers, captions, or alternative input devices.
Accessibility is required by law under the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) and Section 508, but beyond compliance, it reflects NSU’s core values of inclusion and equal opportunity.
Understanding WCAG
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) develops the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which are the international standards for digital accessibility.
They’re built on four key principles:
- Perceivable: Information must be presented in ways users can perceive (e.g., text alternatives for images).
- Operable: All functions must work through a keyboard and not rely on specific devices.
- Understandable: Content should be clear, readable, and predictable.
- Robust: Content should work well with assistive technologies and across browsers.
Aim to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards for all digital content.
Accessibility Tools
blurb about the different tools
Text-to-Speech vs. Screen Readers
Text-to-speech (TTS) tools convert written text into spoken words, allowing users to listen to digital text such as documents, web pages, or emails. These tools are often used for reading support or study convenience.
Screen readers, on the other hand, go beyond reading text aloud—they provide full navigation of a computer or mobile device for users who are blind or have low vision. Screen readers announce menus, buttons, and links, and allow users to control the device entirely through keyboard commands or gestures.
Recommended TTS Tools
- Read&Write (paid): A robust literacy support suite with TTS, word prediction, study tools, and visual aids. Institutional pricing and individual pricing available. This tool aligns strongly with UDL principles and supports a wide range of learners.
- Read Aloud Browser Extension (free): Solid option for reading webpages and online text.
- Natural Reader: A strong alternative to Speechify with a free option.
Recommended Screen Readers
- NVDA (Windows) – free, open-source, highly recommended
- JAWS (Windows) – industry standard, powerful, but not free to use.
ADA Tips of the Week
Our ADA Tips of the Week are short, practical reminders designed to help faculty and staff create more accessible digital content. Each weekly tip highlights one simple best practice; from writing alt text to improving color contrast, captioning videos, or using clear instructional language. These bite-sized lessons make it easy to build accessibility into your everyday work and ensure our materials are usable for all members of the NSU community.
other info here...
Make pages for:
- Web Accessibility
- Document Accessibility
- Video Accessibility
- Instructional Text Accessibility