Website and Public-Facing Content Standards

Why this matters 

Headings allow users to scan, navigate, and understand page structure. 

WCAG alignment: Info and Relationships (1.3.1) | w3.org

EICC expectations 

Web pages must: 

• Use one primary heading (H1) 
• Use logical heading hierarchy (H2, H3, etc.) 
• Avoid skipping heading levels 
• Avoid using bold text in place of headings 

Headings improve usability for all users and assistive technology. 

Links must clearly indicate their destination. 

WCAG alignment: Link Purpose (2.4.4) | w3.org

Use: 

• “Apply to EICC” 
• “View program requirements” 
• “Access tutoring services” 

Avoid: 

• “Click here” 
• “More” 
• Raw URLs 

Descriptive links improve navigation and search engine performance. 

All meaningful images must include alternative text. 

WCAG alignment: Non-text Content (1.1.1) | w3.org

Alt text must: 

• Describe the purpose of the image 
• Be concise 
• Avoid repeating surrounding text 

Decorative images must be marked decorative when appropriate. 

Images must not contain critical information without text equivalents. 
  

Text must be readable and meet contrast standards. 

WCAG alignment: Contrast (Minimum) 1.4.3 | w3.org

Best practices: 

• Use approved brand color combinations 
• Avoid light gray text 
• Avoid text over complex images 
• Test contrast using a contrast checker 

Contrast checker tool | webaim.org

Important information must not be presented only as images. 

Avoid: 

• Posting image-only flyers 
• Embedding text within images without HTML equivalent 
• Replacing structured content with graphics 

If an image is used for design purposes, the same information must be provided in accessible text. 

Any document posted publicly must be accessible. 

This includes: 

• PDFs 
• Forms 
• Reports 
• Guides 
• Brochures 

Before posting: 

• Confirm document accessibility 
• Ensure tags and alt text are present 
• Consider whether content could be presented as a web page instead 

When possible, information must be provided directly on accessible web pages rather than through downloadable documents. 

All embedded video must include accurate captions. 

WCAG alignment: Captions (Prerecorded) 1.2.2 | w3.org

Expectations: 

• Caption all public-facing videos 
• Review auto-generated captions 
• Avoid uncaptioned embedded media 
• Provide transcripts when appropriate 

Video content must be accessible prior to publication. 

Web content must: 

• Be easy to scan 
• Use short paragraphs 
• Use bullet lists for clarity 
• Avoid unnecessary complexity 
• Be readable on mobile devices 

WCAG alignment: Reflow (1.4.10) | w3.org

Clear structure improves accessibility and user experience. 

Online forms must: 

• Include clearly labeled fields 
• Use clear instructions 
• Avoid color-only indicators 
• Provide error messages that are clear and descriptive 

WCAG alignment: Labels or Instructions (3.3.2) | w3.org

Accessible forms improve completion rates and reduce confusion.