These notes were taken from http://library.ucok.edu:10020/IT1/designguides.htm in August 2001, a University of Central Oklahoma site.

Taken from WebCT "Train the Trainer Online Workshop"

In order to meet guidelines for individuals with disabilities, you should follow these simple rules:

Maintain a simple consistent page layout throughout your site or module

Although WebCT provides the navigation and frame formatting, a consistent page format within your content area will make it easier for students to go through your material. A clear consistent presentation will especially assist people with learning disabilities who have difficulty following disorganized presentations. 

Keep backgrounds simple. Make sure there is enough contrast between the background and/or the text and imagery

People with low vision or color blindness (15% of the male population has some form of colorblindness, mostly discerning reds from greens, but also discerning blues and browns), have difficulty reading information on busy pages, pages with busy backgrounds, and pages with dark background colors.

Use standard HTML

Hypertext Markup Language is the code used to create web pages. This code is designed to be a universal format outside the bounds of proprietary software and computer languages. While non-standard tags exist, using the standard HTML tags will guarantee your content will be accessible to all the students in your class. 

Design large buttons

Small buttons and images denoting links can be difficult targets for students with mobility impairments that result in restricted hand movement. Large buttons and link images make it easier for everyone to navigate links. 

Include a note about accessibility

Notify your users that you are concerned about accessibility by including a web access symbol or statement on the welcome page of WebCT, on any tool page in the header section, or on any of the content pages. Be sure to say that you will be happy to receive suggestions on how to increase accessibility for your students.

Discuss accessibility with other professionals

Post questions or comments in the area especially for this topic, Accessibility: Universal Design and Students with Disabilities, on WebCT's e-learning hub in the Online Teaching and Learning Community.