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Accessibility

At Sinclair Community College, accessibility is a core component of our commitment to inclusivity. Our goal is to ensure all communications, both digital and print, are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Following these guidelines will help make Sinclair’s brand materials universally accessible, reflecting our mission to create an inclusive environment for all.

Digital Accessibility Standards

To meet the highest standards of digital accessibility, we follow WCAG 2.1 guidelines. All web and digital content should:
Maintain Contrast Ratios: Text and graphics must meet at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for standard text, ensuring readability for those with visual impairments.
Provide Alternative Text: Every image should include descriptive alt text to convey the visual content meaningfully to screen readers. Alt text should be specific and relevant, especially for images that convey critical information.
Keyboard Navigation: Ensure that all interactive elements, such as buttons and links, are accessible via keyboard for users who rely on assistive devices.
Closed Captions and Transcripts: All videos should have closed captions, and audio-only content should be accompanied by a text transcript. This ensures access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and aids comprehension for non-native speakers.

Print Accessibility Standards

Accessible print materials are essential to communicating effectively with everyone, regardless of format or medium. Key print guidelines include:

  • Clear, Readable Fonts: Use Sinclair’s approved fonts with a minimum size of 12 points for body text. Larger font sizes should be used for headings and essential information.
  • Color Usage: Avoid relying on color alone to convey meaning. Use patterns, textures, or labels alongside colors to differentiate content when necessary, ensuring clarity for color-blind readers.
  • Simple Layouts: Avoid cluttered designs and complex layouts that may confuse or overwhelm readers with cognitive disabilities. Use ample white space and simple formats to enhance readability and navigation.

Testing and Review

Prior to publication, all materials—digital and print—should be tested for accessibility. Resources like Microsoft’s Accessibility Checker and Adobe Acrobat’s Accessibility Tools can assist in identifying and correcting accessibility issues. For web materials, tools such as WAVE and Axe are recommended for identifying common issues like contrast, navigation, and ARIA roles.

Resources and Assistance

For more detailed guidance on accessibility practices or to request an accessibility review, please contact the Marketing or IT departments. Sinclair is committed to ongoing training and support, helping our team stay current with accessibility standards and best practices.