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START Project

Accessibility and START Standards

The goal of this page is to provide tools to assist all those who create or disseminate materials or messages in print or electronically that represent START's brand or image.

Use of START Materials

Accessibility

It is START's policy to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in order to create an inclusive environment. Creating websites, documents, and other materials that meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA Technologies Accessibility Standards ensures everyone, including people with disabilities (auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech, and visual), can easily use and navigate them.

Digital accessibility is a requirement of the START Project and Grand Valley State University. As a result, all handouts, documents, and resources on the START website will need to meet accessibility requirements and standards. There is an expectation that EPLI Trainers will implement these standards.

Four Principles of Digital Accessibility (POUR)

1. Perceivable

Your content should be presented in ways people can access

  • Provide clear, concise alt text for images - under 155 characters (including spaces) and write like you're describing the image to someone over the phone. 
  • Use captions and transcripts for video and audio
  • Avoid using images of text when real text will work

2. Operable

Your content should be easy to navigate and use. 

  • All content can be accessed using a keyboard
  • Links and buttons have a clear focus state, making it easy to track where you are when using a keyboard
  • Avoid content that flashes

3. Understandable

Your content should make sense the first time

  • Use straightforward language and clear headings
  • Be consistent with language
  • Avoid surprising behavior (links should act like links, buttons like buttons)

4. Robust

Your content should work well with different devices and assistive technologies.

  • Use proper structure by applying headings in order (H1 → H2 → H3) without skipping, so screen readers can interpret the content
  • Save documents and media in accessible formats
  • Use real text (not images of text) and clear structure so your content works across devices and with new technologies

Quick Tips for Digital Accessibility

Descriptive Links

Make link text meaningful so users know where the link goes.

  • Avoid “click here”
  • Don’t use full URLs - a screen reader will say every single letter
  • Describe the destination clearly

Alt Text for Images

Include alt text for images that convey information.

  • Describe the purpose, not just the image
  • Mark decorative images as decorative
  • Avoid images of text

Clear Headings and Structure

Help users navigate your content quickly.

  • Use H1, H2, H3 to structure content
  • Keep paragraphs short
  • Use plain, straightforward language for public-facing websites – aim for a 8th grade reading level

Creating an Accessible Presentation

Coming soon!

START Formatting Standards

Formatting standards are key for several reasons:

  • It provides consistency and our audience will recognize the content was created by START.
  • It allows you to focus your time and effort on the creation of the content.
  • It creates a professional voice and brand.

General:

  • "START” written out: Statewide Autism Resources & Training Project.
  • START uses GVSU's style guide.
  • 1 space between sentences.
  • Use a consistent font and an appropriately sized font.
  • Avoid justified text. It creates uneven spacing between text/words.
  • Use headers and sub-headers
  • Utilize lists and bullets whenever possible
  • Avoid italics
  • To add emphasis, use bold. Do not underline or USE ALL CAPS.

Logos:

  • When you use START's name and logo, you communicate on behalf of the project. Clearly and prominently display the START logo.
  • Use the current START logo.
    • The START logo was updated in January 2021. We invite our partners and trainers to update their materials and resources as well.
  • Use the original file to avoid pixelation.
  • Do not stretch, distort, or rotate the logo.
  • Do not reverse the logo to a color other than white or black.
  • Use the logo with the tag when the logo is an appropriate size. When the tag is no longer large enough to read, use the logo without the tag.
  • The Peer to Peer logo has been created in different versions (full color, white, black, and versions with and without a tagline).

Colors:

  • Ensure sufficient color contrast.
  • Ensure color isn't the only way to convey information.
  • Many of our resources and tools are printed by the user. Use color mindfully.
  • Use START colors, when appropriate:
    • Blue: Hex #006699, RGB 0/102/153
    • Purple: Hex #6C3F88, RGB 108/63/136
    • Green: Hex #50AE1F, RBG 80/174/31
    • Light Blue: Hex #21AEDE, RGB 33/174/222
    • Light Purple: Hex #7C7FBD, RGB 124/127/189

Images:

  • Avoid excessive graphics.
  • START does not use puzzles, lightbulbs, or cartoon type images in materials or presentations.
  • Graphics that do not contribute to the understanding or knowledge of the presentation should be eliminated.

Presentation Design and Slides

Formatting and Design Tools and Resources

Design tools and resources:

Stock photography:

Icons:

START presents these resources for informational purposes only; no endorsement or recommendation is expressed or implied.

Page last modified September 22, 2026