Email (Microsoft Outlook) and Newsletters (GovDelivery, Constant Contact) Checklist
- Was the automated accessibility checker or Outlook accessibility assistant (Review > Check Accessibility) used?
- Were any errors found fixed?
- Is there only one Heading 1 present?
- Are all headings in order and nested properly?
- Are headings and email subjects clear and descriptive?
- Are the font choices clear, legible, and do they adhere to font size recommendations
(12 pts minimum)? - Are sans serif fonts used for the body text?
- Is all hyperlink text unique and descriptive?
- Do all images have meaningful and complete alt text (with the exception of decorative images which should be set as decorative)?
- Is
plain language used, avoiding jargon, and spelling out abbreviations the first time
they’re used? - Are all tables simple with no merged, split, or empty cells or multiple header rows?
- Does each table have a descriptive caption or associated title?
- Does the
color contrast between text and background, link text and background,
and graphics and background meet 4.5:1 for text and 3:1 for large text and images
minimum contrast requirements? - Are all interactive components actionable using just a keyboard? (tab to navigate,
space/enter to activate and typing or using arrow keys to complete fields)
Is keyboard focus visible with an outline around the element such as a link or
button? - Do focusable elements receive focus in a meaningful order left to right, top to
bottom? - Do all tables have a header row and/or a header column?
- Are tables avoided for visual formatting of content?
- Does the email signature or email footer also follow accessibility best practices?
