Accessibility Requirements

Ensure course materials meet WCAG 2.1AA standards by incorporating:

  • Alternative text for images 
  • Captions and transcripts for multimedia 
  • Proper heading structures for screen readers 
  • Adequate color contrast 
  • Accessible document formatting (PDFs, Word)      

For URI Institutional ADA compliance reach out to the Office of Equal Opportunity

Tool Specific to Promoting Accessibility

Additional Information and Support

Training | Related Resources and Tools

Brightspace/Engage Accessibility Features

The Accessibility Checker, built into Brightspace, helps instructors and content creators spot and fix accessibility issues in course materials. It scans for issues in images, headings, and color contrast, then offers practical suggestions to ensure all content meets accessibility standards.
Learn more about Accessibility Checker >>
View URI guide for Accessibility Checker >>

ReadSpeaker, integrated into Brightspace, is a text-to-speech feature for HTML content, assignments, and quizzes, automatically available to instructors. It transforms text into natural speech, aiding learners with visual impairments or reading difficulties. With support for various languages and adjustable playback, it improves accessibility for a wide range of students.
View URI FAQ Guide for ReadSpeaker >>

Microsoft 365 Accessibility Features

Microsoft 365 offers a range of built-in accessibility tools that empower users to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and accessibility.

Microsoft Guide to MS Accessibility Checker >>
Microsoft Accessibility Assistant in Microsoft 365 >>

Learn more about accessible Microsoft 365 >>

Google Accessibility Features

Google boosts accessibility through a variety of features in hardware, online tools, and Workspace. With features like Live Transcribe and Voice Access, interacting with devices becomes effortless. Screen readers and magnifiers simplify web navigation, while Workspace products come with integrated accessibility features, ensuring a universally inclusive digital experience.

Google’s accessibility success stories>>

Adobe Accessibility Features

Adobe provides a range of accessibility tools and features across its products to empower users with disabilities. These features facilitate easier interaction with PDF documents and forms, both with and without the help of assistive technologies like screen readers, screen magnifiers, and text-to-speech software, as well as speech recognition tools.

Explore Adobe’s accessibility features >>

Related Resources and Tools

Resources on ADA Compliance (from URI Office of Equal Opportunity)
https://web.uri.edu/equal-opportunity/ada-compliance/

Web Accessibility at URI
URL: https://www.uri.edu/wordpress/accessibility/

Brightspace Accessibility Interest Group
D2L’s initiative to collaborate with like-minded individuals toward ensuring Brightspace remains usable for all.
URL: https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/group/4-accessibility-interest-group

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA)
Numerous free and open-source screen readers cater to Windows users, among which NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) stands out as a popular option.
URL: http://www.nvda-project.org/

Adaptech Research Network –
The Adaptech Research Network offers a range of free or low-cost software beneficial for individuals with disabilities.
URL: http://www.adaptech.org/en/downloads

Captioning Capabilities in URI Systems

Captioning is required for ensuring accessibility and enhancing user experience in higher education’s digital landscape. Review the different technology systems and applications supporting captioning to provide inclusivity across URI platforms.

View captioning in URI systems