How-to guides for creating accessible digital content at the University of Georgia, including accessible Word documents, PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, and more. These guides provide practical, step-by-step guidance to support inclusive access and compliance with ADA Title II and WCAG 2.1 AA.
At this time, the guides are hosted in the EITS Knowledge Base and are linked here for easy access. As the Digital Accessibility Services Hub continues to develop, these guides will be migrated to the DASH website.
Creating Accessible Word Documents
This guide provides essential practices for creating accessible Word documents at UGA, including the use of headings and styles, clear document structure, alt text for images, accessible tables, readable formatting, and exporting tagged PDFs. These practices support inclusive access and help meet ADA Title II and WCAG 2.1 requirements.
Heading Structure and Styles
This article explains how effective heading structure improves clarity, readability, and organization in digital content. It demonstrates how well-structured headings help users scan content, understand relationships between topics, and navigate pages more efficiently. Practical guidance and examples are included to support consistent, high-quality content across UGA digital platforms.
PDF Accessibility: Best Practices
This guide outlines core best practices for creating accessible PDFs, including exporting tagged documents, ensuring text is selectable, applying proper structure and metadata, and using Adobe Acrobat accessibility checking tools. These steps support inclusive access and align with ADA Title II and WCAG 2.1 expectations.
PowerPoint Accessibility: Best Practices
This guide covers key practices for creating accessible PowerPoint presentations, including slide titles, logical reading order, sufficient color contrast, alt text for images, captions for media, and the use of live subtitles. These practices support inclusive teaching and learning at UGA. A more detailed UGA-specific “Creating Accessible PowerPoint Slide Shows” guide is currently in development and will be published on the Digital Accessibility Services Hub.
Social Media Accessibility
This guide covers key practices for creating accessible social media content, including alternative text for images, captions for video, plain language, accessible links, color contrast in graphics, and platform-specific steps for Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok. These practices support UGA’s commitment to inclusive digital communication and help ensure that university information is accessible to all audiences. Additional guidance and training resources are available through the Digital Accessibility Services Hub.
Integrating Library Resources into Your Course (UGA Libraries Guide)
This guide from the University of Georgia Libraries provides guidance on accessing and using library resources in ways that support digital accessibility and compliance with ADA Title II and WCAG 2.1 AA.
It explains how library materials fall into two main categories: licensed resources, such as databases, e-books, and journals provided by third-party vendors, and digitized collections created from the University’s physical holdings. Because many licensed resources are developed externally, accessibility may vary across platforms.
The guide outlines practical steps for improving access, including:
Linking to library resources instead of uploading files when possible
Prioritizing HTML versions of content, which are typically more accessible than PDFs
Using course reserves to request accessible versions of required readings
Reviewing vendor accessibility information, including VPATs and available remediation services
It also highlights available support. Students who encounter barriers can request assistance, and instructors can work with the Libraries to identify or create more accessible course materials.
This resource is especially important for instructors, as it connects course design decisions with accessibility outcomes and reinforces a shared responsibility between faculty, Libraries, and accessibility services.
Ongoing Updates
This page is actively being updated. Additional digital accessibility guides and resources will be added as they become available.