Merge pull request #160 from coding-for-reproducible-research/accessibility-guidance

Guidance for accessible content and education

Author: liamjberrisford

contributing/developing_a_course.ipynb

@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
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@@ -41,8 +41,70 @@
     "- Assign values to variables and change these values later\n",
     "- Perform some simple operations on variables\n",
     "\n",
-    "Your course objectives should be longer-term strategic goals, with the learning objectives being smaller goals that are individually addressed shortly after being presented. \n",
+    "Your course objectives should be longer-term strategic goals, with the learning objectives being smaller goals that are individually addressed shortly after being presented. "
+   ]
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+   "source": [
+    "## Creating Accessible Content\n",
+    "\n",
+    "Ensuring that your content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is a key aspect of creating inclusive educational resources. Below are some guidelines and best practices to help you make your course materials accessible:\n",
+    "\n",
+    "### 1. Use Descriptive Headings and Labels\n",
+    "- **Headings**: Organize your content with proper headings (H1, H2, H3) to ensure a logical structure and easier navigation for screen readers. \n",
+    "- **Labels**: Use clear, descriptive labels for buttons, links, and forms. Avoid vague labels like \"click here\" or \"read more\", without explicit content describing what the link refers to. \n",
+    "\n",
+    "### 2. Provide Alt Text for Images\n",
+    "- Every image should have an `alt` attribute that describes the content and function of the image. Keep descriptions concise yet informative, especially for complex images like charts and diagrams.\n",
+    "\n",
+    "### 3. Ensure Sufficient Color Contrast\n",
+    "- Use high-contrast color schemes for text and background to make the content readable for users with visual impairments. Tools like the [WebAIM Contrast Checker](https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/) can help you ensure compliance with accessibility standards.\n",
+    "\n",
+    "### 4. Avoid Relying on Color Alone\n",
+    "- Don’t use color as the sole way to convey important information. For example, if you're using color to indicate correct answers, add additional text-based indicators are helpful, such as \"Answer Correct\" or \"Answer Incorrect\".\n",
+    "\n",
+    "### 5. Write Clear and Simple Text\n",
+    "- Write in plain language whenever possible. Avoid complex jargon unless it's absolutely necessary, and provide explanations for technical terms when used.\n",
+    "\n",
+    "### 6. Use Accessible Tables\n",
+    "- When creating tables, include clear headers and captions. Ensure that tables are not used purely for layout purposes, but only for presenting data.\n",
     "\n",
+    "\n",
+    "### Accessible Web Content Further Reading\n",
+    "\n",
+    "The following resouces provide additional material on creating accessible content for the web:\n",
+    "\n",
+    "- [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Overview](https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/)\n",
+    "- [Understanding Accessibility Requirements - UK Gov](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/accessibility-requirements-for-public-sector-websites-and-apps)\n",
+    "\n",
+    "### Accessible Education Practices Further Reading\n",
+    "\n",
+    "For those looking to explore accessible educational practices further, the following resources are helpful:\n",
+    "\n",
+    "- [Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines](https://udlguidelines.cast.org/)\n",
+    "- [Inclusive Teaching Strategies by the University of Michigan](https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/inclusive-teaching/)\n"
+   ]
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     "## Ensuring Understanding \n",
     "As part of the course, you should aim to ensure that you have some content that a student can use to assess whether they have understood the concept being discussed and outlined in the learning objectives. Two primary methods of doing this are coding exercises and multiple-choice questions. \n",
     "\n",