Accessibility
The Department is required by federal and state law to make information intended for the general public accessible to individuals with disabilities.Policy
The California Department of Education (CDE) website is compliant with California Government Code 7405, which requires that electronic and information technology developed or purchased by the State of California is accessible to people with disabilities. Additionally, the CDE website meets the CDE’s Web Accessibility standards.
Background
Users with disabilities may not be able to see, hear, or process some types of information; may have difficulty reading or understanding text; or may not be able to use a keyboard or mouse. Various estimates put the percentage of website visitors who have some type of disability at 10 to 30 percent.
California Government Code 7405
, requires all State agencies to comply with Federal Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended in 1989). Section 508
requires Federal agencies’ information and communications technology (ICT) to be accessible to people with disabilities.
CDE Website Features
The CDE website has features that are intended to make the experience of interacting with the Department's website positive and productive for all users, including those with disabilities.
Below is a list of some of the accessibility features included in the CDE Internet website, and where appropriate, how to find them and use them.
Common Look and Feel; Simple Design
Most pages on the CDE website have a similar layout, making site navigation easier. Overall, the site is primarily text-based and has a simple, straightforward design.
"Skip header navigation" Links
A special link is placed at the top of most pages on the site that allows assistive technology to skip or “jump over” the site navigation.
Accessible Images
Images that are included on the CDE website contain “alternative text,” which assistive technology can read to the user.
Adjustable Text Size
The CDE site is constructed using relative fonts, which allow site visitors to increase the text size on web pages.
Semantic Code
The CDE Web Standards require that correct HTML markup be employed to designate certain web page elements, thereby differentiating them on the page for users of assistive technology. For example, all page headings and subheadings are designated with HTML heading tags, which are announced to screen reader users.
Style Sheets
Cascading style sheets (CSS) are used throughout the website for layout, design, and style. This allows the CDE website to be displayed in a readable fashion on different browser-enabled devices.
Effective Search Engine
The CDE website search engine provides relevant and easy to use search results, allowing quick navigation to the desired content.
Effective Use of Tables
Tables used for the layout of Web page content are avoided on the CDE site. Additionally, data tables on the site employ HTML markup to differentiate table headings from data and to associate data with the appropriate table headings.
Video Captions
CDE video files have captions (open captions or closed captions) for the hearing impaired.
California State Web Accessibility Resources
Need Help?
The CDE strives to meet the needs of all individuals. If you are having difficulty accessing content provided on this website, please contact the CDE’s Web Services Office by email at ICT-accessibility@cde.ca.gov.