Alternative text, often called alt text, is one of the clearest examples of the difference between technical accessibility and meaningful accessibility. Accessibility tools can often determine whether an image contains alt text. That information is useful because it helps identify images that may need attention. However, those tools cannot reliably determine whether the alt text […]
Alt Text Goes Beyond Checking a Box Read More »
The accessibility conversation often begins with reports, scores, and technical issues that need to be corrected. Those tools are important, but they only tell part of the story. At its core, accessibility is about creating course content that students can successfully access, understand, and use. As faculty become more familiar with Panorama Course Reports in
Accessibility Scores Only Tell Part of the Story Read More »
The accessibility conversation often begins with compliance requirements, accessibility checkers, and remediation workflows. While those topics are important, they only tell part of the story. At its core, accessibility is about creating learning experiences that help students succeed. This post is the first in a series exploring a simple idea: digital accessibility is not just about compliance.
Accessibility, Usability, and the Student Experience Read More »
Before summer semester begins, Information Technology (IT) would like to share a few reminders and best practice recommendations to help you wrap up the academic year smoothly and prepare for the upcoming year. Whether you are teaching this summer, returning in the fall, or stepping away for a well-earned break, a little cleanup now can save you time later. TABLE OF CONTENTS Reminders Return IT Assets
Wrapping Up Spring 2026 Read More »
Thursday, May 21, 2026, is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)—a chance to celebrate the progress made at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) and to reaffirm our commitment to creating digital experiences that work for everyone. GAAD reminds us that accessibility is about access and opportunity—not just compliance or deadlines. While the federal digital accessibility deadline has been extended, the work happening
Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2026 Read More »
Across Georgia Gwinnett College, collaboration is central to how we work—planning courses, supporting students, coordinating projects, and working across departments. As our work becomes increasingly digital, how we share files matters just as much as what we share. To support secure and effective collaboration, Microsoft Teams is the recommended platform for sharing files and working together—rather than creating new shared network
Collaborate Smarter: Why Microsoft Teams Is the Preferred File-Sharing Method at GGC Read More »
Accessibility checkers available in Microsoft products and MyCourses may provide different recommendations for improving the accessibility of digital content. It is not uncommon for content to ‘pass’ the Microsoft Accessibility Checker and then have more accessibility issues identified by Panorama after being uploaded to MyCourses. Accessibility checkers are often built to serve different purposes which can impact the recommendations offered by the checker. What
Variations Between Accessibility Checkers Read More »
Video content presents unique accessibility challenges. Video is typically paired with audio, so your audio (narration, interview dialogue, background music, etc.) and video must both be accessible. In the event someone is unable to view your video, the audio should provide the necessary content and context. If someone is unable to hear your audio, the video should provide the necessary content and context. Videos are made accessible primarily through captions and
Tips for Improving Video Accessibility Read More »
PDFs can be created in many ways: exporting, converting, “Save As”, scanning, “Print to PDF”, and even created intentionally through software like Adobe Acrobat. Due to the wide range of origin points for PDFs, the accessibility issues that arise can be incredibly complex, so much so that they are not a recommended file type in most cases. Information Technology (IT) generally does not advise using PDFs whenever possible. They are one of the least
Improving the Accessibility of PDF Files Read More »
Alternative text, also known as alt text, describes the content and purpose of an image, chart, or graph for people who have visual impairments or use screen reading technologies. All images, charts, and graphs require some form of alt text. The alt text should provide the information a person needs to know about the image, chart, or graph
Accessibility Tips: Dos and Don’ts for Alternative Text Read More »
