Web Accessibility
Web Accessibility Standards (WAS)
In accordance with the SUNY Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility Policy, SUNY Cobleskill is committed to maintaining a website that is accessible to all individuals. Our web presence is designed and maintained to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards.
Core Web Requirements
To ensure a barrier-free digital experience, all campus web content must adhere to the following standards. They are organized by the four WCAG principles.
Perceivable Content
- Provide meaningful text alternatives (alt text) for all non-decorative images.
- Ensure synchronized captions are provided for all public-facing video content.
- Maintain sufficient color contrast between text and backgrounds.
- Do not use color alone to convey meaning.
Operable Navigation
- Ensure all functionality is available via a keyboard (no “keyboard traps”).
- Make sure the keyboard focus is always visible.
- Provide a “skip to content” link as the first tabbing option to bypass repetitive navigation.
- Use descriptive page titles and clear, logical heading structures (H1, H2, H3).
Understandable Interface
- Make link text descriptive of its destination (avoid “click here” or “read more”).
- Ensure that web pages and form controls behave in predictable ways.
- Give every form field a visible label and provide clear error messages.
Robust Design
- Ensure compatibility with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and magnifiers.
- Use clean, standards-compliant HTML code to ensure cross-browser and device compatibility.
Web Accessibility Resources
The following resources support our web editors and developers in maintaining compliance:
- W3C WCAG 2.1 Guidelines (opens in a new tab): The international standard for web accessibility.
- Deque University Training (opens in a new tab): Self-paced modules for web accessibility best practices.
- GSA Section 508 Checklists (opens in a new tab): Practical guides for testing web conformance.
Free tools for checking your pages:
- WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (opens in a new tab): checks a web page for common accessibility errors such as missing alt text, empty links, and heading problems.
- WebAIM Contrast Checker (opens in a new tab): tests whether your text and background colors meet WCAG contrast requirements.
- Keyboard test: put your mouse aside and use the Tab key to move through the page. You should be able to reach and use every link, button, and form field, and always see where you are.
Continuous Monitoring & Feedback
Web accessibility is an ongoing commitment. We regularly review our site for accessibility gaps and remediate issues as they are identified. If you encounter a web page or digital tool that is not accessible, please report the issue using the form below.
Community Support
Stay informed about emerging web accessibility trends and SUNY-wide updates:
- Subscribe to the SUNY EIT Accessibility ListServ (opens a new email message)
- SUNY EIT Policy and Final Report (opens in a new tab)