August 26, 2025: Title II
Tip: You will hear “Title II” referenced a lot this year. Title II is part of the Americans with Disabilities Act and was revised in April of last year. In short, Title II requires that all public institutions (like WSU) meet specific standards for digital accessibility. These standards apply to all digital content, including web pages, emails, and electronic documents (including within D2L Brightspace).
September 9, 2025: Color Contrast
Tip: When designing digital content, make sure there's enough contrast between text and background colors. Low contrast can make it difficult for people with visual impairments or color blindness to read your content. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4½:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18pt+ or 14pt bold). Use free tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker to test your color choices.
September 23, 2025: DocHub
YuJa Panorama DocHub is a new accessibility tool available through D2L Brightspace and single sign-on. DocHub allows you to upload any file, check for accessibility issues, and resolve them. Check out the Knowledge Base for details and instructions. Note: Non-teaching faculty and staff will come into DocHub as "students". In order to use the remediation tools, TLT will need to switch your role. Please email TLT if you wish to do this.
October 7, 2025: Built-In Checkers
Did you know that all Microsoft tools have a built-in accessibility checker?! It is true! It is available for Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
Using the accessibility checker is simple…
Step 1. Navigate to the Review menu in the toolbar and select Check Accessibility.
Step 2. Review and address the findings.
Note: The accessibility checkers do not catch all accessibility issues, manual review may still be necessary.
October 21, 2025: More Learning Opportunities
Do you want to learn more about digital accessibility? Here are some free courses you can take!
November 4, 2025: Editing Captions
Initial captions are automatically generated when videos are uploaded to MediaSpace. However, they may not be fully accurate. Editing captions in MediaSpace is simple!
To ensure the best recording quality, use a good microphone (like that built into your laptop), record in a quiet space, and speak clearly.
November 25, 2025: Using Descriptive Links
Descriptive text in hyperlinks is essential for clarity, accessibility, and usability. Instead of using vague phrases like “click here” or “read more”, descriptive links provide meaningful context about the destination. By also providing format type (like PDF, Word) or by letting users know that a new window will open, users will know example what they will get after clicking.
Use “Visit the WSU website (opens in a new window)” instead of “Click here to go to the WSU website”.
Use “Download the course syllabus (PDF)” instead of “Syllabus: www.syllabus.com”.
January 13, 2026: Adobe Pro
Do you have PDF documents that need to be revised for accessibility? Adobe Acrobat can help! You can use Adobe Acrobat to make PDF files more accessible. Use the Accessibility Checker, then fix issues.
Do you want access to Adobe Acrobat? Follow these simple steps:
1. Submit a WarriorSpace Software Request for Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.
2. Install the Creative Cloud desktop app.
3. After you receive the welcome emails from Adobe, log into Adobe and follow the instructions in the emails.
January 26, 2026: Outlook
Check your emails before they go out! Outlook (like other Microsoft tools) has a built-in accessibility checker. From the Review menu, select Accessibility Checker.
February 24, 2026: Headings
Use headings in your Word documents (and other documents).
Headings are one of the most important components of accessibility. In Word, these are called Styles. Using Styles ensures that screen readers can more easily navigate a document. You can create your own look by creating or modifying Styles.
Want to learn more about accessibility and learning? Check out these LinkedIn Learning offerings:
Check out recordings of the NED's Accessibility Sprints:
March 17, 2026: Outlook
Check out the accessibility features in Outlook!
- Outlook will check your emails for accessibility concerns automatically - from the settings menu, select "Show me accessibility warnings while I work".
- Ask senders to ensure emails to you are accessible. This feature is available in New Outlook and the web version (but not Classic). Go to Settings and turn on this feature.
- Ensure your messages include inclusive language. Use Editor to check for biased language.
March 31, 2026: PowerPoint
Use subtitles when you present with PowerPoint!
PowerPoint offers live, automated, on-screen subtitles during presentations. Subtitles can be helpful for individuals with limited hearing, those less familiar with your language, and when terminology may be new to your audience.
To start the captions:
- Start your presentation in Slide Show mode.
- Navigate to the tool bar in the bottom left portion of the screen.
- Select the Subtitles option.
To have captions start automatically, use the Always Use Subtitles option.
To change the subtitle language, use the Subtitle Settings menu.
For more information, visit Microsoft’s help page on Captions and Subtitles.
April 14, 2026: YuJa Panorama and DocHub
Are you getting the most out of YuJa Panorama?
Teaching faculty - YuJa Panorama is built into D2L Brightspace and automatically scans your files for accessibility and gives you the tools to remediate.
All employees - Outside of D2L Brightspace, use YuJa's DocHub to upload, review, and remediate files.
April 28, 2026: MNIT
The Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) website include great resources for digital accessibility, including: training, quick cards, and in-depth information for creating accessible social media posts, documents, maps, meetings, and more!