Accessibility

SNOW values the three dimensions of Inclusive Design and the SNOW website has been designed following accessibility principles: Perceivability, Understandability, Operability and Robustness. Learn more about these principles in The Inclusive Learning Handbook on FLOE at handbook.floeproject.org/FollowAccessibilityPrinciples.html.

Below is a list of some of the features embedded in SNOW. If you encounter a problem accessing snow.idrc.ocadu.ca or would like to provide feedback, please don’t hesitate to email us at snow@idrc.ocadu.ca.

Personal preferences

The site can be customized by applying the multiple settings found in the User Interface Options (UIO). Settings include a variety of text and colour contrasts, font style choices and line spacing alternatives.

To access the settings select “+ show preferences” at the top right of any page.

To learn more and add UIO to a website visit https://fluidproject.org/infusion.html

Screen reader and keyboard navigation

The site is compatible with screen reading software and can be navigated using a keyboard or other assistive technology.

Alternative text

Images include alternative text. “Alternative text provides a textual alternative to non-text content in web pages.

Alternative text serves several functions:

  • It is read by screen readers in place of images allowing the content and function of the image to be accessible to those with visual or certain cognitive disabilities.
  • It is displayed in place of the image in browsers if the image file is not loaded or when the user has chosen not to view images.” WebAim

Find out more about alternative text here at WebAim

Clear and simple language

Text is written in clear and simple language where possible. Subheads are used to help navigate through longer texts and links are provided to further explain a concept or technology. “Unclear or confusing writing is an accessibility barrier to all readers, but can be especially difficult for people with reading disorders or cognitive disabilities.” WebAim

Find out more about clear and simple language here at WebAim