Digital Accessibility
Digital accessibility means creating content that everyone can see, hear, navigate and use across different devices and assistive technologies. Whether you are posting an assignment in Schoology, sending a school newsletter or creating a document, making your content accessible ensures every SPPS student, family member and staff member receives the information they need.
A 4-Step Approach to Accessibility
Before creating or updating digital materials, follow this four-step process:
- Audit: Focus on high-traffic, public-facing and student-facing materials first.
- Delete or Archive: Remove outdated files, old lesson folders and redundant pages so you only spend time updating active content.
- Revise: Apply our formatting guidelines. Convert locked image PDFs into native web pages or accessible Google Docs.
- Republish: Share your updated content and verify it using built-in automated tools like GrackleDocs.
Core Accessibility Skills and Checklist
Using these core skills ensures all district digital content is accessible for students, staff and families. Review these guides as a quick checklist before sharing files, online lessons, emails or web pages.
Do you have Alt text on all of your images?
Describe image meaning for screen reader users. Write out text embedded inside flyers or Canva graphics, and summarize complex charts.
Have you checked your Color contrast?
Ensure text meets 4.5:1 contrast ratios and passes the black and white print test. Pair color with a secondary indicator like a label or symbol.
Are your links using descriptive text?
Write self-explanatory link text that answers "Where am I going?" and "What happens when I click?" without using "click here" or raw web URLs.
Did you use Heading styles?
Use native H1, H2 and H3 styles to establish page structure. Avoid skipping levels or using bold text as a substitute for headings.
Did you use built-in list formatting?
Use native toolbar buttons for bulleted or numbered lists to ensure screen readers announce items correctly. Avoid manual dashes, asterisks or emojis.
Did you use plain language and spell out acronyms?
Write clear, direct sentences using active voice and short paragraphs. Spell out acronyms on first use and avoid dense educational jargon.
Are your tables being used for data only, not for design?
Use tables strictly for structured data, never for visual page layout. Include designated header rows and avoid merged or split cells.
Do your videos have closed captions?
Add synchronized closed captions to pre-recorded videos, review auto-generated captions for accuracy and provide written transcripts for audio files.
In This Section
Digital Accessibility Updates
Digital Accessibility Newsletter - September 2026
A federal deadline is coming. Here's what it means for you.