Launching the Newsletter
Welcome to the first edition of the NCDPI Digital Accessibility Newsletter! I am Donna Murray, the Digital Accessibility Specialist at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. I am excited to launch this bi-weekly newsletter as a resource for anyone interested in staying informed on topics related to digital accessibility in NC education and beyond.
Each issue will bring you news, resources, and insights on accessibility, along with topics like understanding WCAG standards, user experiences, and upcoming events. Whether you are just starting to learn about digital accessibility or you are looking to deepen your knowledge, this newsletter has something for everyone.
Anyone is welcome to subscribe to the newsletter. If you have ideas for topics you'd like to see covered, or you would like to contribute to a future edition, please reach out via email.
Yours in accessibility,
Donna
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Resource Spotlight:
NCDPI Digital Accessibility Website
Designed for NCDPI staff, PSU leaders, and classroom teachers, the NCDPI Digital Accessibility website includes information about how to design and procure accessible digital content, tools to assist with planning and implementing an accessibility plan, and more. Be sure to visit often for updates!
Highlight: Resources for planning
- Check out the Digital Accessibility: PSU Resources webpage, which offers tools for supporting ADA Title II compliance efforts, including a project timeline and strategic plan template, digital content inventory templates, and more.
- The Digital Accessibility: NCDPI resources page provides tools for DPI staff involved in creating or procuring digital content. Resources include a digital content inventory template and an audit spreadsheet, as well as a document aligning digital accessibility with NCDPI, state, and national goals and standards.
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Accessibility Insights:
External Events and Resources
Events
- 2024-25 South Carolina’s webinar series with USDE OCR National Digital Accessibility Team: The South Carolina Department of Education's Access Academy provides resources and virtual learning sessions focused on accessibility in education, supporting educators in creating inclusive learning environments.
- February 25-27, 2025: Deque Axe-Con: A free virtual conference dedicated to digital accessibility, featuring industry experts who share insights, tools, and best practices to help attendees create accessible digital experiences.
Articles and resources
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Understanding WCAG:
Using Headings for Structure
In each newsletter, we will focus on an accessibility topic and its relevant WCAG 2.1 standard(s).
Effective Use of Headings in Digital Content
Proper use of headings in digital content—whether in documents, presentations, videos, PDFs, or webpages—is essential for accessibility, structure, and overall user experience. Headings provide more than a convenient way to format text; they offer critical navigational benefits, especially for those using assistive technologies. Screen readers use headings to create a structured outline of content, allowing users to jump between sections with ease. However, clear and descriptive headings benefit all users by improving content scannability, enhancing comprehension, and supporting accessibility on both visual and non-visual levels.
Additional Reasons Headings Are Important
Headings are a valuable aid not only for users of assistive technologies but also for everyone, by organizing content into digestible sections. Clear and descriptive headings allow users to quickly identify relevant sections without needing to read the entire document or webpage, which is especially helpful in long-form content or complex documents. Headings also help search engines better understand the structure and relevance of the content, improving search engine optimization (SEO) and potentially increasing visibility.
Why Use H1-H6 Instead of “Title” and “Subtitle” Styles
For accessibility and consistent structure, use heading levels (H1-H6) rather than the “Title” and “Subtitle” styles. The “Title” and “Subtitle” styles are typically not recognized as part of a document’s heading structure by assistive technologies, meaning users who rely on screen readers or other assistive tools may miss key sections or context. H1-H6 headings create a clear, consistent hierarchy that is universally recognized, providing a better experience for all.
Tips for Using Headings Effectively
- Use built-in heading styles: Always apply heading styles (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2) rather than bolding or resizing text manually. Built-in styles are programmed to be recognized by assistive technologies.
- Follow a logical order: Start with Heading 1 (H1) for the main title, followed by Heading 2 (H2) for primary sections, Heading 3 (H3) for subsections, and so on. This hierarchy ensures that the content flows in a logical, easy-to-navigate manner.
- Be clear and descriptive: Make headings informative, so they convey the essence of the content they introduce. Users should be able to understand the main points of a section based solely on its heading.
- Stay consistent: Use the same heading structure throughout your document or webpage to maintain clarity and readability for all users.
Relevant WCAG Standards
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WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (A): This standard ensures that information, structure, and relationships conveyed visually are also available to users relying on assistive technologies. Proper heading use supports this by defining clear, accessible content sections.
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WCAG 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (AA): This standard requires that headings and labels describe topic or purpose. Descriptive headings help all users, including those navigating with assistive technologies, find and understand content sections quickly.
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Digital Accessibility Through Lived Experience
Making Digital Information Available to All: Continuing the Story With American Foundation for the Blind’s Diary Study
Insights from a study by the American Foundation for the Blind, exploring the lived experiences of blind users with digital information. This study captures real experiences of blind users interacting with digital content, providing valuable insights into ongoing accessibility challenges. Highlights include specific barriers in online education and employment settings, underscoring the importance of accessible design practices.
NCDPI Digital Accessibility:
Building A11y Champions!
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References/links to external websites or tools do not constitute endorsement.
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