Digital Accessibility

All resources on this page are free. Resources are subject to change.

What is the state requirement?

• Digital Accessibility Policy | WaTech
• WaTech is a Washington state agency that sets the standard for state government agencies. Their Digital Accessibility Policy is called "USER-01," and was previously called OCIO Policy #188.

What's the federal requirement?

• Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments | ADA.gov

Find Resources

Microsoft Accessibility Checker

• Learn how to use the Accessibility Checker built into Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and more!
  • Improve accessibility with the Accessibility Checker - Microsoft Support

• Alt Text

  • Tips: WebAIM: Alternative Text

  • How do I know if I need alt text?

    • An alt Decision Tree | Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) | W3C

• Color Contrast

  • WebAIM: Contrast Checker
  • Improve accessibility with the Accessibility Checker - Microsoft Support
  • Accessible color palette builder (toolness.github.io)

• Descriptive Links

  • WebAIM: Links and Hypertext - Link Text and Appearance

• Plain Language

  • Flesch-Kincaid: Get your document's readability and level statistics - Microsoft Support
  • List of plain language alternatives: Use simple words and phrases
  • Plain Language Quick Reference Guide
  • View our full page on Plain Language | Office of Equity
• Courses from the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges
  • Free modules - Web Accessibility: SBCTC's Library of Accessibility Resources

Disability Inclusion Network

• Digital Accessibility | Disability Inclusion Network BRG

Watch the workshop

• Video of November 2024 presentation from DIN BRG followed by Office of Equity's Digitally Accessible PowerPoints presentation.
• Disability Inclusion Network and Digitally Accessible Presentations – November 2024

Find Community

Join Digital Accessibility Community of Practice

• Email DEI@WaTech.gov
• This collaborative community is open to all current Washington state employees.

Advanced Resources for Web Developers and Accessibility Testers

• ANDI - Accessibility Testing Tool - Install from Social Security Administration (federal government agency)
• WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools from WebAIM (non-profit)
• WebAIM: Web Accessibility for Designers

• Screenreaders for Testing

  • NV Access | Download NVDA
    • This is an open-source screen reading software. It is free, and takes practice to learn how to use it.
• If you are a state employee, use of these resources may need approval from your agency.

Quick Reference

• WebAIM: Quick Reference - Web Accessibility Principles