Webpages and Content
FOA websites are often the first place people turn for services, guidance and time-sensitive information.
Ensuring that our webpages are accessible helps make sure everyone can find and use that information, regardless of ability, technology or context.
Web accessibility is not primarily about technical complexity. In most cases, it comes down to clear structure, thoughtful writing and consistent use of tools already built into our content management system.
Much of the foundation is already in place through FOA's use of SiteFarm, which is an accessibility-aware system. Our current work focuses on reviewing existing content and addressing issues that naturally accumulate over time as websites grow and change.
Improving the Accessibility of Webpages
Most webpage accessibility remediation involves small, practical improvements, not redesigns or programming.
Current efforts focus on things like:
- Headings: Making sure headings are formatted correctly, in a clear, logical order.
- Images: Adding or improving alternative text for images.
- Links: Ensuring link text clearly describes where a link goes.
- Color: Improving color contrast and text clarity where needed.
- Simplicity: Reducing unnecessary formatting that can confuse screen readers.
These updates help assistive technologies interpret content correctly, and they also tend to make pages easier for everyone to read and navigate.
What Website Editors Can Do
Within each FOA unit, website editors are content experts who play a key role in accessibility. The good news is site editors already play a key role in accessibility. If you can write a clear email or memo, you already have the skills needed to create accessible web content.
Here are a few simple, high-impact practices:
- Use headings intentionally
Think of headings as part of an outline that follows a clear hierarchy. Start with a clear main heading (Heading 1, or H1), then use subheadings (Heading 2, or H2) to organize content, just like sections in a document. Learn more about Headers in Documents from Section508.gov; read our recent article "Accessibility Tip: Use Headings to Organize Your Content." - Write descriptive links
Links should make sense on their own. Instead of “click here,” use language that describes the destination or action. Learn more about Using descriptive text for links from UCOP. - Add meaningful alt text to images
Briefly describe what the image communicates. SiteFarm will prompt you to provide "alt text" when you add an image. Learn more about Alt Text from UC Davis Strategic Communications.. - Keep formatting simple
Avoid using bold, color, or spacing to replace structure. Let headings and lists do the work. - Think about clarity first
Clear, plain language benefits everyone and is a core part of accessibility. Learn more about Practical Tips for Good Writing from UC Davis SAMC.
You don’t need to fix everything at once. Incremental improvements, especially on high-traffic or high-impact pages, make a real difference.
How the Improvement Process Is Supported
FOA is using campus-supported tools, including Siteimprove, along with manual review, to identify potential accessibility issues on webpages.
These tools help flag areas for attention, but human judgment is always part of the process. Not every issue is actionable, and not every fix has the same impact. This approach prioritizes improvements that meaningfully improve user experience and access.
If you’re unsure how to address an issue or whether something needs remediation, help is available, and questions are encouraged! Reach out to FOA Communications via email at [email protected].