5: Make Your Own Workplace Accessible

Caption: Be sure to consider who will be affected and how when choosing an alternative format.

What if I can't make my electronic information accessible?

When accessibility compliance imposes a significant difficulty or expense or you can't make a document or software accessible, you must provide information and data through a different means of access without delay.

Alternative methods of access can include

  • other accessible document types (e.g., PDF)
  • braille,
  • large print,
  • captioning,
  • recorded audio,
  • or even live telephone support.

Valid HTML is usually the best choice for presenting information in an alternative format, but be sure to choose an alternate format appropriate to the needs of the requester.

Before choosing an alternative format, consult with your agency's accessibility coordinator and consider the following:

  • How will multiple versions of a document or presentation be maintained?
  • Is there one format that could meet everyone's needs?

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