Calendar of Events

Guide to Creating Accessible Graphics

As a vibrant, creative community, we encourage artistry and creativity in all endeavors.

However, once a graphic is utilized in a digital format, other than an online portfolio, the following guidelines apply.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 508, WCAG 2.2, as well as the Purchase College EITA Policy, all content must be accessible.

Why are graphics with text problematic?

  • When a screen reader encounters a graphic, it announces the alternative text describing the graphic to the visually impaired individual. It cannot decipher the text  in the graphic.* As a result, a barrier to the content is created.

  • When an assistive device is used to zoom in, text in a graphic becomes pixelated, making it hard to read.

* We will continue to update this guidance as AI technology advances.

Key Takeaways

  • Avoid text in graphics.
  • Communicate text through text fields.
  • You may have a highly stylized graphic for a flyer or poster and an amended graphic for digital use.
  • A logo may contain text. However, alternative text is required.
  • All College communication must comply with all laws and guidelines.

Download the cheat sheet: Guide to Creating Accessible Graphics (last updated 2025-04-29).

Broadcast Emails

  • Separate the text from the graphic. Add the text to the body of the broadcast email.

  • If the text cannot be separated from the graphic without a significant loss of integrity, repeat all of the text below the graphic in the body of the broadcast email.

Note: Do not add the text from the graphic as alternative text. Use the alternative text field for its intended use, i.e., to describe the graphic to visually impaired individuals using screen reading technology.

Purchase College Calendar

  • Use the CMS (content management system) fields for date, time, location, contact information, etc.

  • The CMS will size the graphic to 300 pixels wide. You are strongly encouraged to separate the text from the graphic or create an amended graphic for the Purchase College calendar.

Are QR Codes accessible?

Purchase College discourages the use of QR codes in graphics and as stand-alone images. They are not accessible. They, along with shortened urls, also present a security risk because the destination may not be clear to the viewer. If your department uses QR codes, please use an alternative link in the text.

All content posted on behalf of Purchase College must be accessible.

Guidelines outlined here and in all Purchase College training sessions
also apply to external websites and social media platforms. 

last updated 2025-04-29.