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Accessibility Guidelines

Our community is primarily comprised of Chromebook users. As such, it is imperative that we employ the highest standards of Web Accessibility guidelines to ensure that our content is accessible to a variety of users.

The information below is divided into two areas:

an overview of web design with consideration for accessibility guidelines and accessibility features of Chromebooks.
design recommendations when designing with Google Sites.

Chromebook Accessibility
ChromeVox Screen Reader ChromeVox is the built-in screen reader for Chromebooks.	ChromeVox allows users to navigate complex sites and apps, including those that utilize Web Accessibility Initiative's ARIA (Access to Rich Internet Applications). ChromeVox is enabled with simple keyboard commands. Users move their focus with either a mouse or keyboard. Watch this video to learn more about ChromeVox and how it is used so that you can inform your design process. Since we are primarily designing for Chromebooks, websites should be tested specifically with ChromeVox, as its behavior can differ from other screen readers like NVDA or VoiceOver. Make sure all interactive elements are properly labeled for ChromeVox interpretation. The Bureau of Internet Accessibility provides guidelines for developers and content creators who are creating content that may be accessed via ChromeVox.
Keyboard Navigation Users who have physical limitations to using a mouse rely heavily on keyboard navigation.	Ensure all interactive elements are reachable and operable via keyboard Test tabbing order and focus indicators specifically in Chrome browsers.(What is Tabbing Order?)
Touch Optimization Many newer Chromebooks are equipped with touchscreens.	Ensure click or touch targets meet a minimum size or have sufficient spacing around them. This is important because some people with physical impairments cannot click small buttons that are close together. With some exceptions the requirement for touch targets is that they be at least 24 x 24 CSS pixels in size. The full list of requirements and exceptions can be found at the WCAG 2.2 document.
Chrome Extensions Compatibility	Chromebooks have built-in accessibility features like high-contrast mode. Many users with disabilities rely on Chrome extensions for accessibility. Ensure your site works well with popular accessibility extensions. Here is a useful list of accessibility extensions for Chrome, from Colorado State University's Assistive Technology Resource Center.

Google Sites, Google's proprietary website building tool, offers a quick way to set up a website. Here are some considerations when working with Google Sites.

Designing with Google Sites
Theme and Color Selection When you choose from pre-existing page design themes select one that offers sufficient color contrast. Even when you are designing without Google Sites, it is a recommended practice to consider the contrast ratio. Use this tool to determine whether your color choices follow accessibility recommendations.
Alt Text Always add alternate text to describe your image to screen readers. A good practice is to include "decorative image" for images that don't add any value to the content. For images that are part of the content and/or intended message, include "Alt text" that describes the image. For example: "Educational Content Website Logo."
Tables Google Sites doesn't support proper table headers. Keep tables simple and include text descriptions. For more complicated table structures or data tables, embed Google Sheets into your web page.
Accessibility Checker Use the WAVE extension or Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools For more complicated table structures or data tables, embed Google Sheets into your web page.

Accessibility Guidelines

Chromebook Accessibility

ChromeVox Screen Reader

Keyboard Navigation

Touch Optimization

Chrome Extensions Compatibility

Google Sites, Google's proprietary website building tool, offers a quick way to set up a website. Here are some considerations when working with Google Sites.

Designing with Google Sites

Theme and Color Selection

Alt Text

Tables

Accessibility Checker

Web Accessibility Guidelines