Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2026: H.E.A.L. Your Digital Content
The H.E.A.L. framework focuses on four simple accessibility practices
In recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), Technology and Learning encourages our community to H.E.A.L. Your Digital Content, an easy framework for improving digital accessibility across our learning and working environments.
Accessibility is not just about compliance. It is about creating digital experiences that are usable, inclusive, and welcoming for all members of our community.
The H.E.A.L. framework focuses on four foundational accessibility practices that can make a meaningful difference in emails, Canvas courses, websites, documents, presentations, and other digital materials.
H — Headings
Use headings to organize and structure content clearly.
Headings help create a logical reading flow and allow screen reader users to navigate content more efficiently. When using headings, follow a consistent hierarchy and avoid skipping heading levels for visual formatting purposes.
E — Explanatory links
Write descriptive links that explain their purpose or destination.
Avoid vague phrases like “click here” or “this website.” Instead, place links on meaningful text that clearly communicates where the link leads or what action it performs. Descriptive links improve navigation and usability for all users.
A — Alt text
Add image descriptions so visual content is accessible to all users.
Alternative text helps communicate the purpose and meaning of images, graphics, and other visual content to individuals using screen readers. When writing alt text, focus on the purpose, context, or information the image provides. Decorative images should be marked appropriately.
L — Lists
Use lists to make information easier to read and navigate.
Properly formatted bulleted and numbered lists help communicate structure and sequence to assistive technologies. Instead of manually creating lists with hyphens or asterisks, use the built-in list formatting tools available in your platform or application.
Sustainable Accessibility
Implementing the H.E.A.L. framework helps ensure that digital content remains accessible, inclusive, and sustainable across higher education environments. Small proactive accessibility practices often prevent larger accessibility barriers later.
Continue Learning with UDAIL This Summer
Interested in learning more about accessibility, inclusive course design, and AI-supported teaching strategies?
Technology & Learning’s Universal Design and AI for Learning (UDAIL) Summer Certificate Program will be offered this summer at the Calabasas campus.
For additional details and registration information, please visit the TechLearn Event Calendar.
We hope you will join us this summer!