Syllabus accessibility checklist

Checks your current draft for the sections a syllabus needs, the WCAG 2.1 criteria that matter most in a syllabus, and WCAG 3.0 readiness. Everything runs in your browser.

Your syllabus

Current draft: Untitled draft
Syllabus gallery — saved versions and comparisons
Start from the accessible syllabus starter (asks before replacing your text)

Syllabus sections (0 of 9 found)

Instructor information: No draft
Students need to know how and when to reach you.
Course description: No draft
States the purpose up front (WCAG 3.0 orientation).
Learning outcomes: No draft
Tells students what they will be able to do.
Course materials: No draft
Note ZTC/OER status and where to find files.
Schedule: No draft
Use a table with header row so screen readers announce columns.
Grading: No draft
Clear weights reduce cognitive load and anxiety.
Course policies: No draft
Plain-language rules students can act on.
Accessibility statement: No draft
Required at most institutions; points to Disability Services.
Getting help: No draft
WCAG 3.0 'help available' outcome.

WCAG 2.1 checks for syllabi

Perceivable

1.1.1 Non-text Content
Alt text on logos, charts and images.
No draft
Open in Perceivable audit W3C 1.1.1 (opens in new tab)
1.3.1 Info and Relationships
Real headings, lists and table header rows for schedule and grading.
No draft
Open in Perceivable audit W3C 1.3.1 (opens in new tab)
1.4.1 Use of Color
Don't mark due dates or required items with color only.
No draft
Open in Perceivable audit W3C 1.4.1 (opens in new tab)
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)
Text at least 4.5:1 against its background.
No draft
Open in Perceivable audit W3C 1.4.3 (opens in new tab)

Operable

2.4.2 Page Titled
A single H1 with course code and title.
No draft
Open in Operable audit W3C 2.4.2 (opens in new tab)
2.4.4 Link Purpose
Describe destinations — no “click here” or bare URLs.
No draft
Open in Operable audit W3C 2.4.4 (opens in new tab)
2.4.6 Headings and Labels
Descriptive section headings students can skim.
No draft
Open in Operable audit W3C 2.4.6 (opens in new tab)
2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum)
Buttons and links at least 24×24 px in HTML exports.
No draft
Open in Operable audit W3C 2.5.8 (opens in new tab)

Understandable

3.1.1 Language of Page
Set automatically in HTML exports.
No draft
Open in Understandable audit W3C 3.1.1 (opens in new tab)
3.3.2 Labels or Instructions
Assignment instructions are specific and ordered.
No draft
Open in Understandable audit W3C 3.3.2 (opens in new tab)

Robust

4.1.2 Name, Role, Value
No empty links or old presentational HTML.
No draft
Open in Robust audit W3C 4.1.2 (opens in new tab)

WCAG 3.0 readiness

Plain, readable sentences: No draft
Can readers understand the text on first read?
Abbreviations and jargon explained: No draft
Are unfamiliar terms and acronyms defined where they first appear?
Easy to find your place: No draft
Can readers skim, see where they are and jump to what they need?
Content in manageable chunks: No draft
Is information broken into short paragraphs, lists and sections?
Purpose and summary up front: No draft
Does the reader learn early what the document is for and what to do?
Clear, actionable instructions: No draft
Are steps ordered, specific and free of sensory-only cues?
Meaningful alternatives for images and media: No draft
Do images, charts and media convey the same information in text?
Help and next steps available: No draft
Do readers know where to get help or what to do next?

Full WCAG 3.0 checklist and history Complete WCAG 2.1 checklist

WCAG 3.0 is a W3C Working Draft; scores are readiness estimates.