There are many technical rules and standards for making online materials accessible/universally designed. Luckily, most of these can be encompassed by the acronym POUR:
P is for PERCEIVABLE
Can all learners see and hear this content?
Do visuals have alternative text?
Do videos have closed captioning and/or transcripts?
Is there sufficient color contrast between text and background?
Does content rely on color alone (it should not)?
O is for OPERABLE
Can all learners interact with this content using a variety of tools?
Does your content have clear structure with properly marked-up headings?
Are your links descriptive? Do they make sense out of context?
Is there sufficient time for learners to interact and respond to content/fill fields?
Does the content have any visuals, such as flashing lights, that may trigger seizures (it should not)?
U is for UNDERSTANDABLE
Can all learners understand this content and enjoy a predictable experience?
Are expectations clear and modeled for learners?
Does the content use conventions to ensure a predictable and consistent experience?
Does the content use plain language?
R is for ROBUST
Will this content work well with current and future technologies?
Does the content have metadata to make it easier to find and use?
Has the content undergone an accessibility check?
Is the content compatible with assistive technology?
National Center on Accessible Educational Materials. (n.d.). Designing for Accessibility with POUR. Retrieved March 30, 2020, from http://aem.cast.org/creating/designing-for-accessibility-pour.html#.XUSckvlKhaT
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