Web Accessibility
Web accessibility is the inclusive practice of reducing barriers on websites so people with disabilities can equitably use the web and web-based resources. Websites and web applications should be designed and developed to provide access to the widest population available, including individuals with disabilities.
Web Accessibility Standards
The CCC System is required to follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standard. The current version of WCAG is 2.2 and while not required, the Accessibility Center recommends coding to the WCAG 2.2 AA standards for enhanced accessibility.
Evaluating Web Accessibility
Accessibility evaluations help verify the accessibility of websites and web applications against the WCAG standard. Accessibility evaluations consist of two types - automated evaluation and manual (human) evaluation. The combination of both evaluation methods supported by accessibility tools will provide the most comprehensive picture of a website’s accessibility. Learn more about web accessibility evaluations.
Pope Tech Website Scanning Tool
The Pope Tech website scanning tool is an enterprise accessibility scanning and evaluation tool designed to crawl an institution's public-facing website and identify potential accessibility errors. It has several helpful features that include assisting with manual testing, website reporting and website scheduling. Learn more about the Pope Tech Website Scanning Tool.
Building Accessible Websites
Creating accessible web pages and web-based applications is most effective when it is addressed early in the design and planning stages. Whether it is building wireframe examples for web pages, publishing videos, or authoring electronic documents, incorporating accessibility principles and techniques during the creation period can ensure the final product is usable to a wider audience. Visit our web developer tutorial videos to learn more.
Support from the Accessibility Center
The CCC Accessibility Center supports the system by providing guidance, tools and support on web accessibility. If you need assistance, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Reporting & Complaint Process
Most websites provide the opportunity for site visitors to provide feedback or comments to the college. However, what is not always well defined is how to support feedback or complaints related to an accessibility issue on a website. A California State Audit of three California Community Colleges found a lack of documentation existed for addressing feedback and complaints related to website accessibility barriers. Creating and documenting a reporting process for website accessibility barriers is a necessary step towards embracing a cultural of access at an institution.
1. Create a Web Page
Colleges should provide a web page that outlines the institutional approach to accessibility as well as contact information or a response form for reporting an accessibility issue. This web page should include information on how to submit a complaint, offer multiple methods for reporting the issue, and who the designated entity may be at the college for addressing the issue. The most common strategy is to create a hyperlink in the footer of the website that directs users to the accessibility web page or website.
Examples
- CCC Technology Center Accessibility page
- CCC Chancellor's Office Accessibility information
- Santa Monica College Accessibility page
- Stanford University Accessibility site
- CU-Boulder Accessibility site
2. Document the Process
When an accessibility complaint or feedback is received, it is important to have a documented response process so that college staff understand their roles and responsibilities in resolving the accessibility issue and communicating with the reporting individual. While colleges may follow an informal process to resolve accessibility barriers, it is important to follow a documented process to ensure the reporting individual's needs are met and to identify if there may be recurring issues on the website (e.g., same or similar barrier keeps occuring).
The following documents are draft versions intended for colleges to edit and modify as appropriate for their institutional needs:
- Website Accessibility and Complaint Process template [docx]
- Accessibility Complaint Process Flow Charts [pptx]
Resources
Learn more about the following CCC Accessibility Center resources:
About Us
Meet Our Team
Mailing Lists
Accessibility Help Desk
Staffing Examples
Policy, Standards & FAQs
Complaint Processes
Procurement Strategies
Presentations & Handouts
Events Calendar
Accessibility Center Flyer
Mailing Lists
CCC Accessibility Center Mailing Lists
The Accessibility Center manages the following mailing lists. These lists can be used for announcements, awareness, and to engage with colleagues.
- CCC Accessibility Center : For general accessibility discussion, especially surrounding procurement of ICT, web accessibility, and digital content creation, including instructional materials and multimedia. Announcements regarding events and resources from the CCC Accessibility Center are posted to this list.
- Alternate Media: For discussions about the creation, use, and processes involving alternate formats, such as braille, e-text, and other media formats for students with print-disabilities.
- CCC-WEB-ACCESSIBILITY: For California Community Colleges staff to discuss web accessibility.
- LD Mailing List: For discussions related to learning disabilities.
- DEAF Mailing List: For discussions on deaf and hard-of-hearing issues.
- C4A2 (California Community Colleges Community of Accessibility Allies): For CCC staff and faculty interested in focusing on working together on systemwide accessibility improvements. Limited to participants with CCC-affiliated email addresses only. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to join.
How to Subscribe
To join a mailing list:
- Select the link of the list you would like to join. This will direct you to the Subscription page.
- Enter your name and email address.
- An email with a confirmation code will be sent to the address you specify. Follow the instructions in the email. If you do not receive confirmation, please check your spam filter and/or work with your information technology team for assistance.
Create a user name and password to modify your list settings or to view a list archive.
Please review the CCC Technology Center Listserv Code of Conduct document prior to subscribing to a mailing list.
Other Relevant CCC Mailing Lists
The following mailing lists are run by CCC-affiliated entities.
CAPED
The California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability had several mailing lists:
- CAPED Announcements: Announcements regarding CAPED events.
- CAPED AT CIG List: The CAPED Assistive Technology Interest Group.
- CAPED Counseling and Career Development: Counseling and career development communications for CAPED members.
- ID_DD_AUTISM: CAPED Interest Group for Intellectual Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, and Autism.
CCC DSPS Directors and WorkAbility III
- DSPS Directors List: For DSPS Directors to share and exchange information.
- Workability III: For discussion regarding WorkAbility III.
External Mailing Lists
The following mailing lists focus on accessibility in higher education. They are not managed by the California Community Colleges.
Accessibility Capability Maturity Model (ACMM)
Accessibility Capability Maturity Model (ACMM)
The CCC Accessibility Capability Maturity Model (ACMM) takes the broad concept of accessibility and breaks it down into achievable goals and milestones so colleges and districts can drive accessibility forward. The ACMM mitigates risk through iterative improvement and proactively addresses Office of Civil Rights (OCR) settlement requirements in a manageable timeline based on campus resources.
Learning Accessible Web Design
Learning Accessible Web Design
Headings, images, keyboard navigation, color contrast — these are just a few of the accessibility concepts and techniques to be aware of when creating accessible web content.
Accessibility Capability Maturity Model
Learn more about the ACMM and how it helps drive accessibility forward.
Training
Find online and in-person accessibility training opportunities for college staff and faculty.
Alternate Media Workflow
Learn more about alternate media best practices and the different types of alternate formats.
About the CCC Accessibility Center
The CCC Accessibility Center proactively assesses the California community college system's web and information technology accessibility needs and offers services, guidance and technical assistance to help colleges in realizing an accessible technology environment. Diversity and inclusion are core values embraced by the California Community Colleges. Accessible websites and information technology positively impacts individuals with disabilities, offering greater opportunity for engagement and participation in pursuit of lifelong learning throughout California's community colleges.