1. Evaluation

2. Image description. Because providing a clear and concise description is helpful.

Sam, ALT TEXT is so important and easier than ever to include!  I am glad you are committed to this! 

Hi Sam, me too- this is an area that I am focused on as well. I appreciate the resources we have received to support this work. 

Sam,

I agree with you on clear descriptions for images. That's awesome you are already implementing the evaluation of content.  I am very excited to become more familiar with the evaluation components of OER.

I was already familiar with the S- structure piece, but had not implemented it yet into my work. My plan is to work through my syllabi over the summer to make the structure more accessible. I would like to explore the image descriptors more. I think this is important specifically for the model and images used in my research course.

Hi, Casey. We use a syllabus platform/software, and although I know we have a VPAT for that platform, we have not thoroughly evaluated the accessibliity of it within our LMS. This is a great idea.

Thanks,

Krista

That is a great idea! We require VPATS when we negotiate licenses but that documentation does not necessarily indicate an accessible usabiity experience. 

Hi Casey. I teach non-majors biology I and II. As with your research course, images are important in non-majors biology. Having accurate alt-text will be very helpful to students.

I think this is a great starting point.  Would love to get together this summer and work on syllabi together!

I am already doing a lot of evaluation, particularly within Word and PowerPoint. 

I am going to commit to focusing more on Styles. I learned a lot from Luis about how to make that a more automated process. 

Styles is something I would like to focus more on, too.  I use many Word and PDF documents in my courses, and going back through them to ensure that I am usings Styles to separate elements in those documents will be a worthwhile process.

Yolanda

Me, as well Yolanda. I'm thinking a lot about using headings (instead of enlarging text) and consistently using more accessible text. 

I think a lot of faculty look past the styles options and don't understand how those can help with accessibility. I plan to use those more consistently in my own work and share with faculty who come to sessions in our CTL.

I totally agree Julia. I found them a nuisance in my last job but I think that is because they were not used with accessibility mind. If I knew what I know from this course back then I would have been suggesting how to improve on what is place. My colleagues and I have alreday identified a template we are using (that students have compalined about) that we will be adapting into a document using styles.

Julia, I agree that it is important to understand the "why" behind the styles option and not just the "how."  We were talking in our group about perhaps some short video shares from our students so that faculty and staff can understand exactly how this is helpful for our students.  I know that when Luis shared how style options are helpful for students with ADHD it was something that I had not considered previously!

I agree, Julia, alot of faculty do look past the styles option, myself included.  I plan on spreading the word, as well. 

Hi Christina, 

I agree that automated processes for Styles are making course materials more accessible! 

TAO has a team  that Partners for using OER and accessability. There are acessibility Institues  and lib guides to work with the faculty. The Lib guides cover the SLIDE pratices.

Hi Deborah,

It took me a bit to understand that TAO stood for The Accessibility Office.

1) I use all the practices, but especially the Styles and teach our students how to do this on their documentation for their capstone project. 

2) Images - I don't always remember to put in the alternative text. I will be more concious about this in the future.

Hey, LouAnn! I also teach the basics of accessibility to my students in ENG 160 and expect the documents they create for me to be accessible.

Out of curiosity, do you think most of the faculty at our institution are familiar with accessibility? I seem to encounter folks who know a lot about it, and some who are completely new to it, but not a lot who are somewhere in the middle of those two extremes. My experiences are limited, though, so I just thought I'd ask if you had any further insight on it!

Hi Alicia, I really am not sure where most faculty are with the accessibility. I know here in our department I push the accessibility to my students due to the courses I teach. I think the best thing that we can do is to take a poll as to where everyone feels they are. I know that the IP's are ADA compliant but not sure about everything else.

Not sure if this helps or not. I just do not get as much exposure to anyone outside of our department to better answer your question.

I think that is a good idea

Alicia- we discussed today polling our department faculty when we get back in the fall. I imagine our faculty are similar to your thoughts- some are well versed and some aren't considering anything. Our plan of what to address will be built of this poll. 

I"m planning to do some faculty assessment as well Shawnee. We are lucky to have great instructional designers to support our online course design, but I think faculty practices around OER and accessibility have received less attention.

Hi Alicia,

In my experience, there is typically a range of familiarity among faculty members when it comes to accessibility. Some may have extensive knowledge and experience in implementing accessibility measures, while others may be relatively new to the concept. It's always beneficial to stay informed and engage in professional development opportunities related to accessibility to better support all students.

Hi Alicia, 

I couldn't agree more with your comment regarding the range of understanding as it applies to accessibility features. As someone who feels more novice, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn with and others on this journey. 

I'm so envious that you use these practices yourself AND incoprorate into a big project like the capstone. I'm excited to learn from you and our group to enhance our teaching impact!

I like how you teach students to do the work themselves in their own projects. I think that is important.

I have gotten to the point where I enjoy adding alt text to images, because it is an interesting exercise in thinking about how other people perceive images and what is actually important to convey about the image.

I found it very helpful to read some alt text from other sources for inspiration!

I was already using evaluation features.

I commit to exploring the Styles.

Leah, I've known how to use STYLES for years but I struggle to remember to use them.  Participating in this program has been really helpful.  I now remember every time I hope WORD to create a new doc!  

Hi Leah,

I fell the same. I wonder how to encourage other faculty to develop a positive attitude toward OER. Any thoughts?

I know we're planning a professional development around it to try and spark some more interest in it.

1. I have been using image descriptions for a long time, but I can do a much better job of creating concise, descriptive alt text.
2. I need to improve my links.  I rely heavily on them in my online course design, and I am realizing that some students might struggle to use them as they are currently deployed.

Yolanda Gonzalez

I use links in my courses as well. During yesterday's session, someone asked about underlining to help distinguish information, and it was shared that underlining is only used to help identify links. I didn't know that, so I'll have to make sure that only my links are underlined. 

Hi Yolanda, I also want to work on making sure that the alt text is actually meaningful for students, and in some cases I think it means that I need to re-evaluate the images I am using to determine if they really serve the purpose I intend.

Yolanda,

I certainly will need to pick your brain on alt text.  That is one of the areas that I know I can improve on more.  I teach math and there are some times that it is a challenge to come up with appropriate alt text.  I also utilize a lot of links in our online CBE programs as we are trying to ensure we use all OER or free access and this requires a lot of linking out to external sites.  I am excited to learn about the WAVE evaluation tool for sites.

1. I am already using styles, links and design. I did the accessibility checker in D2L and fixed all identified errors. 

2. I really need to focus on exploring alt text for images. I teach Human Anatomy and Physiology - so lots of images that are not for decoration. I just need to learn more about how to do effective alt text. 

1. Evaluate

2. Style--I learned a lot more from Luis on things that I am missing (or making more complicated) when creating documents! 

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? I have to admit I wasn't doing much of any of this before.

2. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why? I'd like to commit to all of it but especially headings and alt text for images. 

Richard,

I'm with you on this! I have given lip service to these practices but I am committing to finally put these into practice. Starting with headings and alt text is a good place to start.

Hi Richard,

I had really not given much consideration to the importance of headings. I have so many documents that I have modified through the years where there is just enlarged and bold text to indicate headings. I really need to find and spend the time to update with headings. 

I have been posting alt text for headings but realize now that it has been the minimum effort and lacking greatly. 

I have not really been doing the SLIDE strategies.  The only thing I have done consistently is make sure that any videos have closed captioning.

I will need to work on incoporating all of these in my Canvas Courses and when creating PowerPoints.  Lots of work to do!

Hi Julie!

Thanks for sharing how you are working towards accessible content.  I am wondering how you are creating closed captioning.  This came up in a previous webinar where some institutions have a software for closed captioning of videos but is not via YouTube's automatic captioning option. This kind fo tool could be helpful.  I have done both YouTube automation and manual transcribing for captions so more tools to learn about will be helpful. Appreciate your time!

Gio

1. Image descriptions (but not on all my documents so that is anothe next step for me)

2. I have also used Styles a few times but didn't realize how important it is to use it every time and the template feature is great so I will definitely explore that feature. 

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? As an Accessibility Software Test Analyst/Adaptive Technology Specialist, one of my responsibilities is ensuring PDFs and documents are accessible. I practice each step when evaluating the papers that come across my path.

2. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why? I will continue to imrpove my craft with trainings like this.

Hi Robert,

I was wondering, do you just use the accessibility checker within Acrobat to check the accessibility of PDFs or do you use any other evaluation tools or methods for PDFs?

Thanks,

Heather

When I work with PDFs, I use the tools within Adobe since most of our files are in this format. After completing the file, I check it with screen readers like JAWs, ZoomText, NVDA, and Read & Write. For PDF Training, I found this link from Section 508.gov very helpful.

How to Test and Remediate PDFs for Accessibility Using Adobe Acrobat DC

Thank you, Robert, for the quick reply and reference to the Section 508.gov training. I'll share this with others at CSU who care about accessibility and are working towards making documents more accessible.

I appreciate the link and resource, Robert. Much appreciation!

We have been working on overall Style and Design for several years and have recently started on Image description (including video transcriptions) and Link details in newer courses and courses where known students need accomodations. I would like to get more committed to going back into the older courses and making these changes, as well. 

Hi Erin,

This is a challenge I think many are addressing. It invites the conversation of how others (program directors, faculty) can contribute to the lift.  When faculty who teach the courses note opportunities to make inprovements, its helpful to be alerted to those opportunities.  It makes finding the needle in the haystack go a lot faster.  

If courses are updated on a routine basis, possibly updates could be become part of the planned cycle.  

Warmest regards,

Phyllis

Agreed, Erin!  We need to get some of our older courses and especially doctoral program courses accessible. 

The SLIDE practices that I am already doing pertain to alt-texting images, running the accessibility checker in Word, PowerPoint, and using Grackle to run accessibility checks in Google docs and slides.

While I have worked with the use of headings, Luis's presentation helped further and clarified my understanding especially as it related to numbering headings, subheadings, etc. Also,, I appreciated the connections to the UDL guidelines, and Luis sharing observations as to how accessible style benefits students who use screen reader software and students with executive functioning challenges, ADHD, etc.

Our group spent the breakout session discussing the need to create sample accessible syllabi to share with our faculty

This was such a helpful session and to think that it happened on Global Accessibility Awareness Day!  

Finally, another mnemonic that I find helpful is Accessibility THRIVES!

We our group chatted about creating an accessible syllabus sample as well!

Hoping we can provide insight into each other's work!

Yes- I am going to be more intentional about this, as well Shannon!

Hi Mary,

Thank you for sharing the THRIVES acronym with us. I feel this and the SLIDE methods apply well to Word documents. When teaching how to create accessible PowerPoint presentations, I add in other formatting techniques. One is making sure the tab order makes sense to someone using a screen reader. I tell participants they can do this by going to Home tab > click Arrange > select the Selection Pane, and that the order is reversed in that the first element you want a user to hear should be at the bottom. I also tell them about the Reading Order pane which is under the Review tab > Check Accessibility > Reading Order Pane. With this, the first element to be read should be at the top of the list. There's other methods I include: add a unique title to each slide, set proofing language in mixed language documents, add captions to embedded video, and create a document title.

Thank you for sharing this information, Heather.  This is so helpful and I will make sure to bring these formatting techniques to the direction of our team members!

Well...I was abusing "s" -- I have been formatting, not styling. And I have been formatting-not-styling pretty aggressively. Lots of inspiration to rework so many of my materials this summer! I'm inspired to go back to my colleagues and share even just tips for making our syllabi more accessible....

Emilie,

I have no doubt many of us are guilty of formatting and not styling. Good for you tackling some of this over the summer! It will also help as you share some of these tips with your colleagues, because you can show them that it's not impossible work!  

1. Image description

2. Styles--I was already consistently creating headings to organize information but I had not been using Styles to do so. I was just formatting the text on my own. 

I was doing the same, I think the framework will be really helpful in the future!

1. I already use Word Styles to create headings in a Word document, create descriptive link text that makes sense when a screen reader users hears a list of links taken out of the context of the body of the text, create good alt text and long descriptions for images, and I use Colour Contrast Checker to make sure my text color has enough contrast against the background to meet WCAG 2.1 standards. 4.5:1 for regular size font, and 3:1 contrast ratio for larger font (14pt bold or 18pt and larger). I also use Word's built in accessibility checker.

2. I've already built document accessibility courses on creating accessible Word docs and PowerPoint presentations, so my next goal is to create training for basic formatting for accessibility in Pressbooks. We have a small textbook affordability grant that faculty apply for when they want to write an open educational resource. Many use Pressbooks. I think the training could help them out if they have time to go through it.

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? I've been doing all 5 of the slide practices but I can definitely improve since it's not always consistent. My images always have alt text but my links aren't always descriptive and meaningful.

2. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why? I need to improve my section headings and descriptive links.

1. I was already using styles to structure documents, adding image descriptions and using descriptive links.

2. I am going to start having the accessibility checker evaluate my work as I go.

Hi Lisa,

Some folks are bringing up good alt text and image descriptions. I thought I'd add a few resources that guide people in creating good alt text. WebAIM has a guide at https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/. The Web Accessibility Initiative has a guide that goes over the different types of images and how to handle them, see https://www.w3.org/WAI/tutorials/images/.

We have a Chemistry professor who is authoring an OER in Word in order to use its built in Equation Editor for accessibility. He has a lot of complex images that will need long descriptions. I asked him to create links on his Figure #s under the images. The links jump to a bookmark for that figure in an appendix with a long description of the image. It's one way to do it if there's not enough descriptive information in the body of the document around the image/figure.

The Diagram Center also has a nice guide for how to handle complex images at http://diagramcenter.org/table-of-contents-2.html

Thank you, Heather! I'll check out those resources!

Thanks for the resource Heather!  This is great.

Shannon

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? 

   1. I was already adding headers to documents and alt text. I also regularly use the guidance for using descriptive links. 

2. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why?

   1. I'll be adding long descriptions to my process. 

I do the same things! I was also interested in the adding the long descriptions. I am interested to seehow much they benefit my stufdents. 

1. Which SLIDE practice was I already doing?
   I have had the most practice with S - Styles and I - Image Description through my personal work and the work I do making LibGuides at the TAMUC Library.
2. Which SLIDE practice am I going to commit to exploring more and why?
   I want to make sure that I'm always creating meaningful Links. During the session today, as well as before the session when I was watching the video playlist, I reflected on the fact that I don't always avoid the pitfalls of "click here" links or using full URLs, and it helped to be able to get a better idea of how that is interpreted by a screen reader. I also want to get better at creating long image descriptions and descriptions for more complex images/charts.

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? 
   I was already using POUR for web accessibility and exploring document accessibility tools for the daily integration of accessibility.  I like the SLIDE concept as an approach to document accessibility.  I have been:

   • Using built in styles (I love styles and regularly promote the navigation panel in Word) 

   • Removed the concept of "click here" from my lexicon

   • Use Alt tags and high contrast colors

   • I have started using built in document accessibility checkers as a part of my daily practice

2. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why
   
   I plan to work more on thoughtful generation of alt tags and long descriptions.  I work with science content, so working with chemistry structures has been complicated (SMILES codes). I hope to establish a process for systematically addressing medicinal chemistry structures in alt and long descriptions.  It would be very helpful for future tutorial edits to make them more accessible.    

1. Doing Canvas Accesiibilty check list 

2. Alt text for images 

Hi Alba, 

I find Canvas accessibility meter helpful too. I am striving to always keep it green (an indication that shows that a document is properly formated and that it passes the accessibility test) but I am frustrated when colleagues share documents that fail the accessibility test. 

Spyridon 

Teaching collouges is just that more teaching about our efforts. Some days can be more frustrating than others perhaps there will be less as institutions adapt workshops such as this one to teach us all. 

Have a great weekend! 

Hi Alba, 

We've added Pope Tech to our Canvas Instance and it is so much more accurate than the Canvas checker-- have you tried it? 

Sally 

Sally 

Thanks for your reply to my message no I have added Pope Tech and appreciate your suggestion. Will try it. 

Alba

I think I have done an adequate job (always room for improvement) on utilizing styles currently in my courses and documents.  I did learn about how to keep the formatting, so that is a breath of fresh air for me.  I also think that when I am being purposeful with course content, I utilize links appropriately. 

I think images and descriptions are probably my weakness.  Teaching in math, there are some concepts that are easily portrayed through images with some additional text or words.  However, there are times when using adequate alt text is challenging for me. 

Story time: When I inherited my current online math course, there were several test questions that were visual graphs.  The idea was that the students needed to identify the points on the graph and then trends and make a prediction as to what would happen in 10 years from when the graph ended.  However, the problem I ran into was trying to provide alt text from the graphic without providing the answer to where the points were located.  After meeting with several experts on our campus regarding accessibility, I ended up removing the question altogether as I could not find a solution to the problem. 

I think this story adds to the importance of being concise about the purpose and reason for the visuals and if in some cases they are even needed.  Maybe the solution is to ask the question in a different way, and use a table (which is what I ended up going with). 

Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? links

Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why? styles, because I haven't done it yet and know I need to.

1. I have already been using SLIDE, although I have never called it that.

2. My current job position requires that I follow accessibility guidelines as well as assist faculty and staff with accessibility. I will continue to encouarge and utilize appropriate styles, links, images (alt text), design, and evaluation.

It's the same with me, Krista. I've been doing it but not calling it SLIDE.

I need to do a better job critiquing my alt text descriptions, though.

1. Evaluation

2. Image description, and styles

Already use and teach these practices under the name of basic accessibility competencies. 

Always exploring more about alt text becasuse it is one of the easiest to do but hardest to master. The overarching questions is "what do I say?" :-D

I was already using styles but not constantly. 

I'm going to commit to exploring descriptive links. I have a habit of using Click Here. 

Hi Valarie - I just recently moved out of the "click here" habit. It's interesting to me how deeply engrained that behavior is across many marketing and web design folks that I know. It's a hard habit to break! - Julie

Since I don’t use word processors but text editors to create my everyday handouts (print or digital), I have been aware of the importance of document structure. I have been using markdown for headings, lists, block-quotes, links, images, etc. I avoid using tables for layout. I also try to avoid using images. For example, I never use decorative images. I want, however, to be more consistent with ALT text, in the rare occasions I use non decorative images in my documents. 

Appearance is not structure! Make this bold, size 20, and red! If I were to make a slogan T-shirt that would be it. Appearance is subjective and can be interpreted in so many ways, structure not so much.   

The acronyms are so helpful so thanks to the faciliator(s) for sharing/creating them.

1. I have been using all parts of SLIDE pretty regularly,  I only recently learned about the avoidance of "image of" for alt text so I am glad it was reinforced since its an easy one for me to forget about.
2. I am needing to use closed captioning and practice evaluation more.  There are a lot of things that can look accessible, but not be.  Other items might be known to be inaccessible but determining how to make repairs might be unknown territory.

I am already using the SLIDE practices but through this workshop I was able to learn several additional points regarding alt text. I will be improving my alt text now so that I am communicating better. Thank you!

Hi Sally -- I also found the advice about alt text very helpful! I thought I had a good grasp, but I learned some new things that will hopefully help me do a better job!

Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? 

Definitely Styles, Links, Image Description, Evaluation. Less (as it hasn't been needed as much) the design. 

Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why?

Using the checker more regularly as an additional layer to evaluate the documents I create.

1. Image description- The use of ALT text has been one of the few things I've known to do to ensure accessibility.

2. I have not had a systematic process for completing the evaluation piece. I want to become more consistent with that.

I was already using Styles, descriptive links, and alt-text. I am going to commit to exploring color contrast to ensure that text is perceivable. I would also like to start using the accessibility checker in Word and Googledocs. 

Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? 

I've been using headings religiously in documents for a while now, and only today did I learn NOT to use the title and subtitle, but instead to use Heading 1. So helpful! 

Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why?

I'm now very interested in the idea of decorative images. I've always used them--I just like a visual. That said, there are a lot of downsides, including accessibility. I'm going to be thinking about this as I develop material. Also, as we develop new web resources for our faculty, I want to be sure our resources really walk the walk and provide solid examples of accessible content delivery. 

This session was really helpful!

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? I am already incorporating styles and alt text.

2. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why?  I want to focus more on using the accessibility checker built in tools and contrast checker tools.

Hi Stacey,

I had started being intentional in using styles and alt text for graphics. I attempted to use all of them but not in an effective manner and not consistently.  Going forward I plan to be more intentional and consistent in using them but particularly being mindful of any graphics I add.  I will also explore the use of accessibility tools in other documents and presentations I create and not just Word versions.

Mona

Thanks Mona!  Something I am wrestling with is that although our syllabi are mostly accesible on our Canvas page, we upload PDFs for security reasons.  I think we need to re-think that practice.

We use BB Ultra.  What I like about it is that it allows the student to download the syllabus or any document in different versions (Word, HTML, PDF, etc.).  All they have to do is select the format.  It may adjust content slightly but not significantly.

I would say Style and Design is a big one for me. Alt Text and Captions

E is something I would like to commit to. The end result. Thinking that before courses are built. 

1. I was already using descriptive links.
2. I’m excited to start using style instead of just formatting my own word docs, and I’m going to start using better and more descriptive text for images (and really think about that ‘decorative’ part…).

Same here, Rachel! I have a new perspective on using images in OER materials. We spend a lot of time finding the perfect images...but if they're decorative, maybe we need to rethink that...

1. This is all very new to me. I have tried to use visually attractive design, but I was never consciously thinking of accessibility, and I will from now on. I learned a lot!

2. I want to explore the Styles and Design elements first and try to implement them to my materials. 

Sadly, I have not been doing any of these with any consistent. Over the summer I already plan to re-do many of my course materials so I plan to also now incorporate the style and design.

1.  While I already do image description, it's an area where I can certainly sharpen my skillset.  

2.  I'd like to focus more on styles.  Luis's presentation encouraged me to dive deeper.  

Hi Bethany,

Even though I use styles sometimes, I don't always use it. I think the presentation made me realaize that I will definitely be using it everytime I create a document. I need to focus more on using image description as well.

I have really been focusing on accessibility for a while, so I would say I have been using many of these SLIDE practices at some level, but I definitely have room to grow. I appreciated the details of the styles that Luis covered. I will continue to focus on these practices and find ways to educate instructors at my institution to use these practices regularly in their content building.

1. Citing pictures when placing in documents.

2. Headings usage when creating documents. 

I already use styles, links, and images, but could work explore more with design and evaluation.

Great point Breanne,

That's one aspect of SLIDE I had overlooked.

I thought I was incorporating Evaluation practices, but I definitely need to up my game.

Image description was where the lightbulb turned on for me.  Much room for improvement. 

1. I was already using all 5 areas of SLIDE.

2. I am going to go in and set up a default for Styles to reduce the time I spent customizing it after and make it more automated.

I was already practicing the methods of SLIDE, but I had not used the pneumonic SLIDE before. I am always looking for new ways to present the principles of accessibility in professional development sessions and using the term SLIDE will help people remember what they need to look out for when making materials accessible.

1. I am doing links well

2. I'm going to focus on tyles but also work to improve my image description

1. Using alt text and the checkers
2. Using better descriptions for alt text and use headers more often.

1. Structure

2. I am always looking for more tips and tricks with evaluation- I'd love to look at this further from an accessibility standpoint

I love the idea of using accessibility checker like you would a spell checker. I have not consistently been using accessibility checker in word documents. I also have learned that I need to use headers instead of selecting text and making bigger!

I ran two syllabi through the word accessibility checker, as modeled- I found image errors in the area of Styles and Images...so I plan to start with S and I. 

I have been doing all of them throughout my practice. I think I will focus more on I and S. I  liked the level headings and I am normally really lazy about checking links. 

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? Accessibility Checker

2. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why? How to make links accessible.

I was already running the check sometimes, but not always.

I learned the importance of images and their description. I would also like to learn how to use Word more in order to implement accessibility. 

Great ideas Stella,

I too want to find new ways to use Word in this capacity.

I believe that I have practiced all aspects of SLIDE, but in a more here and there kind of way. I have never put all aspects of SLIDE into a course before, which is what I should be doing. 

I am committed to learning and exploring all the aspects of SLIDE to gain more knowledge, but to also make sure that all my students have the same access to the course materials. 

I have not done SLIDE before taking this course.

Styles. I want my document to be text to speech.

1. Utilizing the accessibility checker in Microsoft, choosing accessible fonts, and using forms that are screen reader/immersive reader friendly. 2. Being more attentive when using images and applying styles when using headings.

1. Evaluation and image description
2. Styles and design - To be more proactive when making new documents.

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? 

• Styles, links and images are my "go-to" checks in my Canvas course pages and in my Word/PDF docs. I do use checkers to provide a minimal evaluation of my work. 

1. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why?

• I am going to commit to a greater focus on design. I learned some new tips on using tables and image descriptions (long descriptions) I hope to employ in an upcoming etextbook authroring project. Another important take-away for me was to collaborate with our team to get multiple perspectives on the design aspect, espeically. 

1. I was familiar with POUR, but not SLIDE.  Have been doing evaluation and design.

2. Styles is something I will start incorporating right away.  In addition to its accessibility impact, overall document formatting will be improved.

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? I have dabbled with all SLIDE practices but need to do so on a more consistant basis and incorporate each practice into my workflow.

2. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why? I am going to start with commiting more to Styles. I develop a lot of online content so it is important that it is accessbile to all users.

I agree Micaela, we create a lot of content in the library outside of just classes, so thinking of how to make our online content more accessible is super important. 

1. Links

2. Styles

Three benefits to using styles :

a) Organize information/reveal structure

b) consistent design updated quickly

c) Navigation landmarks secreen reader users

1. I feel like I already use many links in my course.

2. I can improve on alternative text and streamlining documets with headings/subheadings, etcto make viewability better.

I was already doing all of the SLIDE practices, but not as well or as often as I should be. When it's a personal, informal document, it's sometimes easy to think accessibility doesn't matter as much, but that is incorrect and a bad precedent to set... as we discussed, it's easier to design documents proactively than go back and "fix" them later!

I commit to exploring and doing more with Evaluation in terms of improving documents in general -- accessibility goes beyond just the technical accessibility checker aspects and also includes ways a document could be improved in  terms of accessibility... for example, is it time to update the alt text on an image? Or perhaps a table could be reformatted to be more accessible even though it is already accessible from a technical standpoint. I need to work on constantly evaluating documents and looking for potential improvements.

Hi Alicia, 

I totally agree with the 'personal, informal document' part! I started thinking about that too...why, if accessibility is for everyone, was I not using accessibility tools in my day-to-day, or even non-work related documents? I've really started thinking about accessibility everywhere now...

--Rachel 

Prior to this webinar I wasn't aware of SLIDE prctice and so wasn't consciously using any of the strategies.

I'm going to start with exploring styles/structure because that seems achievable.

I have already been doing S or styles for quite some time. As a librarian and an avid user of LibGuides, we have had it drilled in to use the Styles in the guide and not deviate because it does mess up the built in accessibility features of the product. 

I plan to commit to exploring L or Links more. I have made great strides in getting away from Click Here type links, but I don't always take the time to shorten my lengths. Knowing that a screen reader will read through every character in a long link really brings home why a shorter link will be more accessible. 

Hi Dawn: I'm also a librarian and avid LibGuides user, but this training has made me realize that we need to do a SLIDE review of all of our LibGuides. I haven't been good at using Styles in LibGuides so need to start incorpoating that in my routine. Lots of work to do!

1. I already use Alt Text and Styles when creating content.  

2. I really feel like I can up my "Link" game by creating more descriptive link names and most importantly, I need to reach out to my friends who do this on the daily and ask them to CHECK my work.  

1. I already make sure to add alt text to images and to describe charts and graphs in the text of accompanying reports when I need to use visuals. I am also careful to use sufficiently contrasting colors (I like using coolors.io for checking whole color palates) and to not rely solely on color to relay information. So, I and D!

2. I am committed to getting better about using styles properly. I am already making a conscious effort to do so with new documents I create, even internal documents and notes.

Hi Sarah,

Both of these ideas are great things to include in our faculty training for OER! Perhaps also a workshop for the future!

mike

I practice style, links, images, design, and evaluation but I still feel that I am at “101” level. I believe there is so much more to learn, and that I have a lot of room for improvement. For examples, I would love to learn more about how to elaborate on alt text for complex images and learn more about HTML to better support accessibility.

Hi Angela,

Here is a great tool for learning how to write complex images: Diagram Center: Image Description Guidelines.  I have used these guideline for examples in training and also for my own knowledge when writing complex image descriptions. It is definitely tricky when you are writing descriptions for a subject you are not familiar with. I hope this helps!
 

Debbie

1. Within our OER texts, I have already incorporated a few of the practices, including the incorporation of header Styles and descriptive Links.
2. Working within the arts, including appropriate Image descriptions are the largest concern that I have and will commit to exploring more. For all our images we do provide alternative text, but the character limitation does have a tendency to oversimplify the complex iconography within the images. I am interested exploring the possibility of adjusting our alt text and providing an additional vivid description for the images to provide multiple options of image comprehension.

I try to use all 5 parts of SLIDE.  What I need to focus to use more consistently is the Evaluation practice.

1. Styles.

2. Image description. In my opinion, this is the absolute minimum to help out students.

I've been using all of the SLIDE practices, but I dd learn a few extra tips in this session. I think the Style and Evaluation steps are my strongest areas.

Of the things discussed, I think where I am weakest is in the Image Description area. I generally provide alt text, and have been a champion in my area for checking the alt text from publisher generated materials, as it is often useless. I encourage my colleagues to make sure the alt text is meaningful, but I still struggle with how much or how little information should be provided, especially in complex scientific diagrams. I think the long description option may be something worth exploring. 

1. I have already been implementing headers in Word documents (S for styles), giving images alt text (I for Images), and using some of the accessibility features in Adobe.
2. I struggle with link naming because I am so used to "click here", "use this link", or "visit our site." I am committed to becoming more aware and well-versed in this strategy. I am one of a team of librarians that frequently update our library webpages with in-text links.

Reading over your comment made me think more about what is appropriate for web links. I usually copy and paste the title of the journal article, book, or website as the link text, but perhaps that is not a good practice if the title lacks description. For example, should the subtitle be included if the title alone is vague? The question then becomes, how much is too much?

1. We already make sure to add alt text to every image in the OERs we publish. 

2. I didn't know about the checkers in Word and Google Docs, so now I will make sure to use them (and maybe set them up to run automatically!). 

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing?  Image Description

2. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why? Styles, because the information presented about automation was very useful!

I have used styles, image description, and descriptive links, but not as consistently as I should. I have started changing some course documents from formatted with font size/bold to styled with headings!

I feel the same - I think a big part of my issue is that I'll do well with much of SLIDE when I'm working on things during summer/break, but then in semester when I hit the wall and am scrambling to have content ready for class I'm not so good at all.  But I've been thinking about how frustrating that would be for a student, to think things are fine for you in a class, then suddenly they aren't.

1. I have been following a few SLIDE practices (Styles, Links, Images) but have learned in this session that I have a lot of room for improvement.  For example, I use Styles and headings in some programs (i.e., Softchalk) but have not been consistent with its use in some of my older Word and PowerPoint content. Additionally, I do post descriptive links instead of “Click Here” and I provide alternative text to images.
2. There are many slide practices that I am going to commit to and focus on exploring, including: 

• Styles: I am going to become consistent about using Styles such as headings (with nesting and table of contents), checking work, and I will also following table structure tips to make it easier to interpret screen reader devices and navigate the content. 
• Images: I will apply the 3 C’s (Context, Content, and Conciseness) and refer to the very helpful ALT Decision Tree. To avoid confusion, I will avoid posting images for the purpose simply making content look more attractive. I will also do a better job of conveying the meaning of images rather than stating “Image of…” Finally, I will follow the instructions for long descriptions for complex images. 
• Design: I will design my class content for multiple abilities such as providing multiple formats, proper color contrast, and compatibility with assistive technology. This has multiple benefits such ensuring equal access to content. 
• Evaluation: I will start with the Accessibility Checkers and use them frequently while working on and modifying class content.

Shannon, 

I like the outline of your response and how it addresses all of the SLIDE acronym.  I am in the same situation that you are in that I thought I was following SLIDE practices, but realized that I don't necessarily follow it across everything I create and that I am not as thorough in some areas (Style, Evaluation) as I am in others. I like that we are being given tools that will help us improve our accessbility practices. 

Hi Sarah, 

Thank you! This has been enlightening but also a bit overwhelming. I realize that I have so much work to do but definitely see the value in making the effort to do it.  

Shannon:

I wrote up my post and then in reading yours realized I never use a TOC.  This would be helpful to incorporate in some of my Labs.  Thank you for including in your post.

Hi Russell, 

The table of contents was really impressive and would be enough to motivate me to utilize headings. It is definitely a helpful one of the helpful features that would benefit all users. I can't wait to put it to use.  

I was familiar with SLIDE already and do apply it to student resources, such as PowerPoint slide and text resources.  I try to be consistent in doing this but sometimes I get overwhelmed when I look at the number of resources I have to update/revise etc.  So, I commit to becoming more consistent and working slowly through the resources I offer to students.

I have already been using Evalutation for the documents I provide for my students.

I actually want to commit to exploring both Styles and Images in more detail. I have always found providing good alt text for images to be challenging, and I would like to become more proficient. I did not realize what a huge difference have the correct heading styles made and how easy it is to format them and create tables of content. 

I've already been using the components of SLIDE without really knowing.  That being said, although I have been providing text description for images, those descriptions really need to be better.  I plan on working to improve those in the future.

 I was already doing all of the SLIDE practices, in particular utilizing styles.  I need to work on alt text for more complicated images.

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? 

The LMS and the tools built in already do an excellent job of applying the appropriate styles to the pages and content that is going into my courses.

1. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why?

I would like to focus on the E of the SLIDE acronym. The Canvas LMS that we use, and the Design PLUS tool that is added on both have accessibility checkers. I have not adapted the habit of going into those to check just yet, but I would like to be better about that.

1. Have done image description, but learned how to do it better. I knew there was a reason to use Styles, but couldn't remember why.

2. Evaluation. Link checkers, etc.

Some evaluation and styles. I've never liked when instructors include too many font colors, different style types, and the like. They may look visually attractive, but I have always found them distracting. Boring, but easy to see, black-and-white Calibri is the way to go.

I will try to do more with section headings. I've gotten away from using section headings in Word because they often give me trouble when editing assignments for the next semester. I realize now how useful they can be. I might need more practice.

I feel the same about styles and headings, but now that I know I can create a template to use every time I think it will be much easier. It's a pain to have to edit the font, etc. as you go for each style type but I just started setting them to be a fixed font size in Arial this week so it will be easier to use in the future.

1. I was already doing some image description, but I see now not enough!

2. The TOC and headers was a revelation to me. I worked on those mainly because I appreciate clean formatting, but I had no idea how important that was from an accessibility standpoint

Adding a TOC is a breeze if you use headers in the document.  There are so many benefits.

I have been using styles, without fully understanding their benefit for accessibility purposes.  This is a practice I will emphasize with faculty moving forward.  Image descriptions is something I do strive to do well, and can always learn more aout best practices.

Links will be an area improved practices will be applied.  In the past I have had a tendency to share the http: address thinking it would help students troubleshoot and work with IT service desk should a link go down.  

All excellent information shared regarding SLIDE.

I think I was doing a little bit from most of them, but none of them as fully as I could and should be.  I am probably doing best on the Links practice.

This summer I want to focus on the Evaluation aspect with the goal of identifying where I am falling short and correcting those issues.  I also want to work on my I as I know I am missing alt text in many places.

1. None...

2. Apply styles using "headings" when writing syllabus. It make sense to use headings since it will generate content map which provides more accessibility the students

I have used all of SLIDE but not effectively.  While we were instructed to limit the use, I like images and have used them but made them decorative instead of describing them.

I do image description in my daily work. I'm looking forward to embracing evaluation at the outset of everything I do. :)

- Julie

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? 
   
   We are currently doing Link and Image on anything we produce. I realized that even thoguh I thought we were doing all parts of the acronym, we are not doing it to the fullest extent we should be. Especially in the Style element. 

2. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why?
   
   I am going to explore STYLE and Evaluation more, because I feel that the foundation is the most imporant part of any type of resource and it is what supports everything else. Then evaluation so that you can check and continue to improve your work. 

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing?

Perhaps due to teaching Office for nearly 20 years and having the Master Cert back when it was known as MOUS, I have incorporated many of these elements already.
Styles: I have created my own template to use 
Links: I always use the Office screen tip and link settings.  In my LMS, I set the text for the screen tip and link to open in a new window.
Images: I edit image descriptions unless they are marke for decoration, but I use the decoration selection sparingly.  
Design: I follow simple design principles as I learned & practice them throughout my career.  Contrast is not an issue as my headings are consistent a dark blue and body text is always black.
Evaluation: Done through LMS, Adobe Acrobat, and Office.

1. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why?

Evaluation is the weakest link for me.  I would say 75%+ of my labs and pdf resources are good to go for screen readers.  However, that is not 100% and I do wish to have completely set documents.  Often, when creating a *.pdf from books or publisher resources, I need to go back and edit to make that document completely accessible.

Videos: I have tried to ensure all have closed captioning, but there are some, again from publishers, that are not.  When not closed captioned, I have transcribed the videos using the Office dictation tool by opening a new document while running the video.  That is time consuming due to editing for a final product but it is worth it.  I have a few of these to complete.

As an online Instructional Designer, part of my responsibilities are review and update of accessibility needs for all of our online courses during hte development process. I will commit to continue to do these with my own work as I move out of this position into faculty. I will also commit to continue being a vocal advocate to these processes and educating others in the value of these to all learners.

I evaluate, but I also need to consider styles that I use

I have done most of them on any documents, and I only run accessibility checkers on Canvas when creating any page. I am telling myself now that I should run the accessibility checker on other documents as well.

I've been committed to doing sytles and image description in my content creation for some time, but I feel like I learned important things in this session which will help me with this initiatives,

I'm going to renew my commitment to stylistic practices by not using the "Title" format for Word documents going forward. I will also be more reliant on saved Word Templates for ease of access and application overall!

Also, I did not realize that I was being too wordy with my alt image descriptions in the past. I should not be surprised by this really, as I tend to be verbose, but I will be taking a second look at how I approach these issues in future!

1. I've been really practicing and preaching about styles for a while, since I am a web content creator and the best practices for web writing have a lot of overlap with general accessibility principles, especially in terms of using elements for structure and meaning, and not just to change how something looks. 

2. I am going to get more adventurous with trying different evaluation tools and seeing what works best for the content I'm evaluating. I tend to get stuck on a single tool that I'm familiar with, but am not always sure that I'm using the best tool for the job.

You have been preaching about styles for a while. And this session has helped for it to hit home a bit more.

You have been preaching about styles for a while. And this session has helped for it to hit home a bit more.

1) Evaluation

2) Styles because I like what I saw and want to learn more

1.  Evaluation 

2. Upon reflection, I believe I have been more consistently applying formatting, but not so much being conscientious of styling.This session has definitely provided target areas for consideration and prompted thoughts already regarding ways in which I can adapt many of my course materials for this summer. 

1. Which SLIDE practice were you already doing? 
2. Which SLIDE practice are you going to commit to exploring more and why?

All, but need to reinforce Styles more for teacher education field experiences reflections.

Good Day, All, 

I am sure I used some of the SLIDE mnemonic in most of my online classrooms; I am now rethinking it. I use images but do not add descriptions. I use a large font to section headers but not in a particular style. I can definitely do better.

I am going to commit to using 

• Images have text descriptions.

I do a little bit of evaluation but would like to explore more in Style. SLIDE was good to learn.

I have been using all of the SLIDE techniques, but I'm definitely stronger in some than in others. I think I am strongest in evaluation, especially using the Ally for Accessibility tool in D2L, and image descriptions. The practice I most need to rethink and focus on is styles, especially in my power point presentations. My slides are too wordy and have too many unnecessary images that distract from the main message.

1. I'm already using the evaluation.

2. I defintley need to explore styles more, I'm aware of them but can forget to use them! 

1. Image description

2. I've learned some new things about image description and so I plan to improve upon them.

1. Better and descriptive links are already part of our practice

2. ALT Text is something I'd like to explore more of. It is a relatively easy change that can have a greater impact. 

Using most but did not really appreciate the impact they have on accessibility. The alt text is something I really need to embrace and therefore think more carefully about the descriptions. 

1. Styling and evaluation.

2. Using more alt-text with images. It's been added for some, but not nearly enough.

1. Links

2. Image text but really all of them!