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Grain Valley Schools

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ParentSquare Guidance

ParentSquare and Accessibility

ParentSquare Basics 

Just like Email and Social Media Posts, all ParentSquare content will now need to be digitally accessible for all. This means that we must ensure correct color contrast, alt text captions, and accessible PDF’s. 

Alt Text Captions 

When creating a post, if you are using an image, that image must be ALT-text tagged. In order to tag an image in ParentSquare when creating a post, click on the image and select the “i” option. This will provide a text box for alternative text. If you are in the studio editor, you will be required to add an Alt Text caption to move forward with sharing your post. 

 

 

 

Graphics Vs. Flyers 

Rather than sharing a flyer with text in ParentSquare, it is recommended that you type the message you need shared directly in ParentSquare. Flyers with large amounts of text are very challenging for accessibility. That is why we recommend sharing a graphic instead of a flyer to increase the appeal of your post or newsletter while also remaining accessible. 

Now you may be asking how a Flyer is not accessible, but a graphic can be. The short answer is that flyers are too complex. They often have large amounts of text and design elements, and in order to make something accessible, it must have the correct settings to ensure the computer can relay the information in the correct order it should be shared. Flyers with text are also only accessible when exported correctly as a PDF. Because of this, a simple graphic is the best option. 

This still allows you to design and create an appealing look while meeting accessibility standards. Because there is limited text, these graphics are easy to write ALT text. Think of it like a billboard. You want to quickly grab someone’s attention while they are scrolling… a flyer does not do this, but instead can be an overwhelming feeling of too much information. Highlighted text grabs attention quickly. Let’s take a look at some examples! 

The GVHS Eagle and text that reads: Summer Athletic Camps.

Alt Text Caption: The GVHS Eagle and text that reads: Summer Athletic Camps.