Resource Guide for Making an Accessible Classroom
This resource guide was created for USM institutions in support of the digital accessibility goals. For more information or resources, please contact the MDOD IT Access Initiative via email at: mdod.nva@maryland.gov or via their website mdod.maryland.gov.
The Center for Excellence in Nonvisual Access of the National Federation of the Blind is an excellent resource for learning more about nonvisual accessibility. They can be contacted at access@nfb.org.
Most laws and guidelines in place are built on the international standards, known as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The explanation of these standards and the various versions and upcoming updates can be found on the WCAG 2 Overview page.
Document Accessibility
These resources should help consumers learn the requirements and techniques for making various electronic documents accessible for both Microsoft Office and Adobe PDF.
- MDTAP Document Accessibility Webinar
- Washington University Guide
- W3C PDF Techniques
- Microsoft Support accessibility center
- Adobe Support pdf Guide
- MDTAP Accessible Graphic Design Webinar
- gov PDF Guide
- gov PowerPoint and Presentation Guide
Video & Audio Accessibility
The first two links will give instructions as to what is needed for content to be considered accessible. 3PlayMedia has a free checklist available for ensuring new content meets these standards. The Audio Description Project has several links for learning how audio description is created and offered.
- W3C Media Accessibility Guidelines
- gov Media Guidance
- 3PlayMedia Accessibility Checklist
- The ACB Audio Description Project
General Accessibility Questions
Maryland Department of Disabilities
MDOD has other resources listed for any questions regarding digital accessibility and offers monthly webinars on various digital accessibility topics. The Maryland Assistive Technology Program (MDTAP) is also a great resource for learning more about types of assistive technology and seeing demonstrations.
National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility hosts a variety of programs each month, called Accessibility Boutiques, which cover a wide array of topics from document and web accessibility basics to evaluation of educational technologies and other productivity software. You can learn more about them at www.nfb.org/cena. The Accessibility Switchboard provides a variety of resources and guides for learning about many areas of accessibility: www.accessibilityswitchboard.org.
