Accessibility

The UC Master Gardener Program is committed to ensuring that digital content is accessible to all. As part of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), the UC Master Gardener Program is responsible for meeting university accessibility requirements across websites, documents, images, videos, emails, and other digital communications.

Digital accessibility is a federal legal requirement and a core part of how UC ANR delivers equitable, research-based information and services to the public.

Why Digital Accessibility Matters

Digital accessibility ensures that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with digital content. Accessible content also improves usability for everyone, including people using mobile devices, assistive technologies, captions, screen readers, or limited internet connections.

UC Master Gardener digital content is subject to federal law and University of California policy, including:

These requirements apply broadly to public-facing digital content and extend beyond websites to include documents, media, and digital communications.

Accessibility Statement

Including an accessibility statement on digital content helps ensure that users know how to request assistance if they encounter barriers. This statement signals UC ANR’s commitment to access and provides a clear path for follow-up when content cannot be accessed.

Official Statement

If you are unable to access this content due to a disability, please email [insert email address] for assistance.

When to use it

Use this statement on documents, event materials, and digital communications that provide essential information or services.

Source: Digital Accessibility Resources

Archived Content

Content may be archived if it meets all four of the following criteria, in which case it is not required to comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA:

  1. The content was created before the date the state or local government must comply with this rule, or reproduces paper documents or the contents of other physical media (audiotapes, film negatives, and CD-ROMs for example) that were created before the government must comply with this rule, AND
  2. The content is kept only for reference, research, or recordkeeping, AND
  3. The content is kept in a special area for archived content, AND
  4. The content has not been changed since it was archived.

Official Archived Content Statement

This section contains archived content made available for reference, research, or recordkeeping purposes. These materials are not actively maintained and may not meet current accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.1 Level AA. If you need assistance accessing this content or require an accessible format, please contact [insert contact information]. We are committed to ensuring access for all users and will provide accommodations promptly upon request.

What Content Is Affected

Accessibility requirements apply to all digital content created, shared, or maintained by the UC Master Gardener Program. The sections below outline some of the important elements that are critical to ensure our digital content is accessible.

Websites

Websites must be designed and maintained so content can be accessed using assistive technologies such as screen readers and keyboard navigation. This means greater attention to page structure, heading hierarchy, link text, color contrast, form labels, and overall readability. Content that relies on visual cues alone or inconsistent structure may need to be revised.

Links to resources

Social Media 

Social media content must be created with accessibility in mind. Images need meaningful descriptions, videos require captions, and posts should be written clearly so key information is available to users relying on assistive technology. Information should not be communicated through images, emojis, or formatting alone.

Links to resources

Images, Charts, and Graphics

Images, charts, and graphics must include text alternatives that convey the same information available visually. Decorative images should be identified as such, while informational graphics require clear descriptions. Data presented in charts should also be explained in text so users do not need to interpret visuals alone.

Links to resources

Documents and PDFs

Documents and PDFs must be readable by screen readers and other assistive technologies. This requires using proper heading structure, readable tables, descriptive links, and tagged PDFs. Scanned or image-only documents will need to be replaced or remediated so content is accessible.

Links to resources

Videos, Recordings, and Webinars

Video and audio content must include captions and, when appropriate, transcripts. Presenters should describe important visual information verbally and avoid relying on slides or visuals alone to convey key points.

Links to resources

Newsletters and Digital Communications

Email newsletters and other digital communications must follow accessible formatting practices. This includes clear headings, descriptive links, accessible images, sufficient color contrast, and logical reading order so messages can be understood using assistive technology.

Links to resources

Event Announcements and Flyers

Event announcements and flyers must be accessible in both digital and downloadable formats. Event details should be available as text, registration links must be accessible, and any attached documents or images must meet accessibility standards.

Links to resources

eCourses and Online Training

eCourses, online modules, and other digital training materials must be fully accessible to participants using assistive technology. This includes accessible navigation, properly structured headings, captioned videos, transcripts for audio content, accessible quizzes, readable slide content, and clear instructions. Interactive elements such as buttons, forms, and embedded media must be operable using a keyboard and compatible with screen readers.

Links to resources

Excel Spreadsheets and Data Files

Excel spreadsheets and other data files must be structured so they can be interpreted by assistive technology. This includes using clear column and row headers, avoiding merged cells when possible, labeling worksheets clearly, providing meaningful file names, and ensuring that color is not the only way information is conveyed. Data tables should be organized logically and include descriptive titles where appropriate.

Links to resources

Additional Training and Resources

The following resources provide guidance, standards, and training to support accessibility work across all types of digital content:

Accessibility is an ongoing commitment across UC ANR. By applying accessibility practices consistently and using available resources, the UC Master Gardener Program can better serve all Californians.

If you do not find the information you are looking for, or would like to request a resource be added, please email Barbra Braaten at bbraaten@ucanr.edu.

 

Source URL: https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardener-coordinators/accessibility