• Check with your technology coordinator to confirm that all of the technology you are using is accessible to and usable by students with disabilities.
  • Seek out professional development on inclusive and accessible classroom practices, including creating accessible emails, videos, worksheets, and presentations.
  • Set high expectations for achievement and participation. If a digital tool isn’t accessible, students should have timely access to a remediated or alternative version, rather than being excused from the activity.
  • Help young students who are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind get early exposure to using computers alongside their peers.
  • Learn about students’ experiences with digital learning during the pandemic through AFB's research on the educational impact of COVID-19.

Resources for Teachers

Links to resources, including those listed below, are available on the AFB Toolkit Resources page.

  • Accessibility with Google Docs and Slides
  • Accessibility with Microsoft Office
  • Color Contrast Checker
  • Basic Accessibility Testing for Websites

And more!

Getting Started with Digital Accessibility in the Classroom

  1. Check accessibility before assigning any materials or technology.
  2. Add image descriptions to all images and graphics.
    • Use built-in alt text tools to convey the meaning or content.
    • Avoid images with lots of text.
    • If a graphic is complex, provide a textual version.
    • If an image is purely decorative, mark it as such.
  3. Make sure videos have audio descriptions and captions.
    • Have speakers in a video describe key visual information.
    • Add descriptions to YouTube videos with YouDescribe.org
    • Use accessible videos from the Described and Captioned Media Program: dcmp.org
  4. Give documents and files meaningful titles and file names.
  5. Use built-in headers, styles, and lists to create structure in documents.
  6. Use descriptive links. Avoid “click here.”
  7. Ensure tables have headings and labels.
  8. Make sure forms have proper labels and can be used with a keyboard.
  9. Avoid using only color to convey information. Use high color contrast.
  10. Use good meeting practices during online calls.
    • Have everyone identify themselves before speakers.
    • Limit cross-talk.
    • Avoid overusing the chat function. Screen reader software can announce anything put in chat, making it hard to hear the speaker.
  11. Share materials and slides in advance, so students can follow along.


  Download the Teachers Toolkit (PDF) Download the Vision Professionals Toolkit (PDF)

Next Tips for Families