Creating Accessible Web Content
Overview
Web accessibility means ensuring that websites, applications, and online content are designed so that people of all abilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with them. Accessible design allows users relying on assistive technologies—such as screen readers, magnifiers, keyboard navigation, or captions—to fully participate in digital experiences.
Accessibility benefits everyone by improving clarity, navigation, and usability for all users. For a deeper introduction, see the WebAIM Introduction to Web Accessibility and W3C Web Accessibility Initiative Overview.
UC System Requirements
The University of California IT Accessibility Policy requires that all web-based information meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards. An update is in progress to adopt WCAG 2.1 Level AA, aligning UC policy with updated ADA Title II regulations.
All UC-managed websites must conform to these standards to ensure information and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Departments are responsible for verifying that their public and internal web content meets or exceeds these standards.
Continuous Evaluation with Siteimprove
UC Merced uses Siteimprove to continuously scan and evaluate university-maintained websites for accessibility issues, quality, and performance. Siteimprove automatically checks for WCAG errors and provides detailed reports to assist site owners with remediation.
Website owners can request a Siteimprove report or access to the dashboard by contacting the Digital Accessibility Office through the Report a Technology Barrier form.
UCOP offers a comprehensive Siteimprove Resource Center, including:
UC’s Siteimprove portal also includes accessibility e-Courses. To access them:
- Log in to UC’s Siteimprove portal with your single-sign-on credentials.
- Click the Help Center or Resource Center icon (question mark symbol).
- Select Frontier → then Accessibility topic to view available e-Courses.
Core Principles of Accessible Web Content
| Principle | Goal | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Perceivable | Information must be presented in ways users can perceive. | Provide alt text for images, transcripts for audio, and captions for video. |
| Operable | Interface elements must be usable via multiple input methods. | Support keyboard navigation, logical focus order, skip links, no time-limited input. |
| Understandable | Content and interface must be clear and predictable. | Use consistent layouts, descriptive link text, and simple language. |
| Robust | Content must work with current and future assistive technologies. | Use valid HTML, ARIA roles appropriately, and test with screen readers. |
Training & Learning Opportunities
There are multiple ways to learn more about web accessibility:
- UCOP Accessibility Training and Conferences
- WebAIM Workshops and Web Training
- W3C WAI Accessibility Training Resources
- UC Davis Web Accessibility (Brand Communications Guide)
- UC Davis Accessibility (campus-wide)
- UC San Diego Disability Resources / Digital Accessibility Council
Need Assistance?
If you have questions about your site’s accessibility or need help interpreting Siteimprove results, contact the UC Merced Digital Accessibility Office through the Report a Technology Barrier form. We can assist with testing, evaluation, remediation strategies, and accessibility training.
