Tools and Resources

This protocol addresses the needs of all users to access standard bulletin boards, blackboards, and white/dry-erase boards. Currently, ADA has guidelines for signage, but does not include bulletin board, blackboard, or white board guidelines. ADA requires that signs be hung at 60” to the mid-height of the sign (ADA, 2002). Although this is useful for signs, 60” places small boards too high for the reach of many users.

This posterette provides guidelines to make universally designed logos.

Before engaging in a remodeling project, here are some tips for accessibility. Specific examples included in this posterette are floor materials, types of windows, and thermostat height.

This posterette highlights the problems with ADA requirements and wall mounted controls and offers solutions (ADA standard vs.preferred standard). There are many wall mounted controls whose heights should be taken into consideration including light switches, thermostat controls, elevator controls, doorbells, automatic door openers, etc. ADA requirements are the minimum legal obligations that all builders must abide.

This short 2-page document provides the essential "bare-bones" of what needs to be included in an equivalent text description (EqTD) and where the EqTD should be placed in a document. Whenever you create a document, whether it is electronic or paper, any non-text based element (e.g., picture, graph, "eye-candy") is not accessible to many individuals, so EqTDs should be provided.

Description is the verbal depiction of key visual elements in media and live productions. Also known as “audio description” or “video description,” the description of media involves the interspersion of these depictions with the program’s original audio. "Description is the key to opening a world of information for persons with a vision loss, literacy needs, or loss of cognitive abilities. While description was developed for people who are blind or visually impaired, millions of others may also benefit from description’s concise, objective translation of media’s key visual components.

These guidelines are a key for vendors and cover a range of topics from preparing to describe to determining both what information needs to be described and how to describe it. The information is also applicable to vendors and other businesses [PDF] that provide description for broadcast television and other media. Some background information and rationale are included for the novice, as well as an evolving list of description resources to help improve the quality and efficiency of one’s description."

This web page includes a more detailed definition, philosophy and more.

More than just "disability" terminology, this glossary includes definitions of terms related to universal design, accessibility, web use, legal definitions, and many assistive technologies that people with disabilities depend upon for learning and more.

This website is a great resource for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

“Accessibility in a Digital Age” is a series published in the Chronicle of Higher Education and articles include a roundup of links to information about making digital resources accessible to all people. This article include links to several excellent resources.

This tip sheet from PEPNet provides a description of Deaf culture and suggestions for effective communication. Tips include the importance of American Sign Language, terms used in the Deaf community, and guidelines for communication.