Create email messages so all individuals, including those with disabilities, can easily read, understand, and interact with the content.
Why do we need to make emails accessible?
Whether you are creating content as part of your unit’s marketing message or to be sent out as a newsletter or email, we are obligated to provide accessible communication for the inclusion and participation of all students, employees, and members of the University community.
Email Best Practices
The best practices for emails may seem familiar, as they follow the general best practices for accessibility:
Prepare Outlook Settings
Writing your email
- Use descriptive subject lines
- Use clear headings and structured lists
- Avoid tables for layout
- Ensure sufficient color contrast
- Keep backgrounds simple and clean
- Use responsive templates
- Ensure transcribed audio and captioned video
- Add alt text to images and use descriptive link text
- Offer a plain-text version of text in images
Check Accessibility
Accessible Email Example
Subject: 🧠Boost Your Teaching Skills – Join Our New Faculty Workshop!
Introducing Our New Faculty Workshop
We’re excited to offer an example workshop designed to support faculty in enhancing their teaching strategies, engaging students more effectively, and exploring inclusive learning practices.
Workshop Details
- Title:Empowering Inclusive & Innovative Teaching
- Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Location: Big Al’s House
Why Attend?
- Discover practical tools to enhance student engagement
- Learn accessible course design principles
- Connect with colleagues and share best practices
- Walk away with actionable strategies ready for your next class
How to Register
Navigate to the registration form and reserve your spot. Space is limited, so sign up early!
Accessibility Matters
This email was designed using a responsive template with simple formatting and high contrast to support readability on all devices.
If you need accommodations to participate in the workshop, please email us at bigal@example.edu.
Ready to take your teaching to the next level? Let’s grow together. 🌱
Resources
Outlook @ UA
- Make your Outlook email accessible – Microsoft’s step-by-step instructions for Windows with pictures and links to relevant documentation.
- Make your Mac Outlook email accessible – Microsoft’s step-by-step instructions for Mac with pictures and links to relevant documentation.
- Create more accessible Outlook email messages – Microsoft’s accessibility video training.
- Accessibility support for Outlook – Microsoft help articles for assistive technology users.