H1: Accessibility Requirements

H2: Use correct heading structures

Headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) give your page structure, like an outline. They help readers scan quickly and tell screen readers how content is organized. Always use the built-in heading styles instead of just making text bold or larger

H3: Picking the right heading

Think of headings like chapters and subchapters in a book. The main title of the page is the H1. Big sections under that use H2s, and smaller sections within those use H3s. Ask yourself: “Is this a new main idea, a sub-point, or a detail?”

Do:

• Keep headings short, clear, and descriptive.
• Use the heading selector built in WordPress.

Don’t:

• Use bolds, italics, or manually make text larger for headings.
• Skip levels (jumping from H1 to H4).

H2: Make content easy to understand

Write so your content is easy to scan and understand. OFM audiences are a mix of users, so don’t assume the reader will understand. Plain-language and clear writing helps all users find content easier.

H3: Requirements for readability

1. Use plain language, short sentences, and everyday words.
2. Avoid jargon. If you need to use complex language, be sure to explain it.
3. Break up text with headings and lists for easy scanning.
4. Don’t rely on coloring or bolding to emphasize key points.

H2: Inserting links

Links should make sense on their own. Use clear, descriptive text that tells people where the link will take them.

• Correct: View the OFM Org Chart
• Incorrect: Click here for the OFM Org Chart

Avoid pasting long web addresses into the page. This makes it easier for everyone, especially people using screen readers, to navigate.

The same principles apply when linking a document that is for viewing/downloading. Use the same method as above to list a document within page text, or the example below with our downloads module

H2: Images and media

Images need to work for everyone, including people who can’t see them. Always add alt text that explains what the image’s meaning is. Keep it short and to the point.

The good news: Most of OFM images are considered “decorative” and don’t need alt text.

H3: Do I need to add alt text?

To determine if you need alt text, you need to first see if your media is considered a decorative image.

A decorative image:

1. is used as part of page design (like a border)
2. is part of link text (OFM website doesn’t use this functionality)
3. is described in the text to it
   • Example: “OFM is located in Olympia on the Capitol Campus” with image of the capitol.
4. is used as ambiance “eye-candy”.
   • Most of OFM’s stock imagery falls under this umbrella. It’s not anything meaningful, just creates our website ambiance.

If your image doesn’t fall under those four categories, add alt text. Things like maps and screenshots will need alt text.