CUNY SPS Open Road

Did you know that OpenLab offers a built-in accessibility checker?

The Editoria11y Accessibility Checker works directly in the WordPress editor. As you create or update content, it scans your page and highlights potential accessibility issues.

It may flag things like:

• Missing alt text on images
• Links that are not descriptive
• Low color contrast
• Skipped heading levels

Instead of overwhelming you, it provides clear explanations and suggestions so you can fix issues quickly.

You do not need to be an expert in accessibility to use it. The goal is to make small improvements over time.

Making your site more accessible helps ensure that your work can be experienced by as many people as possible. It also reflects thoughtful and professional digital practice.

Looking for more information? We got you!

• Simple Accessibility Practices You Can Start Using Today on OpenLab
• Making Your Site More Accessible with the Editoria11y Plugin
• OpenLab Support Hours

Photo Credit: “abstract” by Carl Dunn, September 2017 via Flickr under the license CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Accessibility does not always require special tools. Often, it starts with simple habits.

Here are a few easy practices you can apply to any OpenLab site:

• Add clear alt text to every image describing what is shown

• Use headings in order, starting with Heading 2 under your title

• Avoid using color alone to communicate meaning

• Write descriptive link text such as “View the final project report” instead of “Click here”

• Break long paragraphs into shorter, readable sections

These small changes improve usability for screen reader users, mobile readers, and anyone scanning your content quickly.

Accessibility is about inclusion. When we design content with care, we create a more welcoming OpenLab community.

If you have questions about accessibility features or best practices, the OpenLab team is here to help.

Looking for more information? We got you!

• Making Your Site More Accessible with the Editoria11y Plugin
• Using the Editoria11y Accessibility Checker to Improve Your Content
• OpenLab Support Hours

Photo Credit: “abstract” by Cuba Gallery, June 2010 via Flickr under the license CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Did you know there’s a plugin on OpenLab that can quietly help make your site better for everyone?

It’s called the Editoria11y Accessibility Checker, and it works right inside the WordPress editor. As you build or update pages and posts, this plugin flags small issues that might make your content hard to access like missing alt text, unclear link labels, or color contrast problems.

You might also start seeing this plugin automatically when creating a new OpenLab site. Our upcoming site templates will have the Editoria11y Accessibility Checker already activated, making it easier for new sites to begin with accessibility in mind from the start.

What’s nice is that you don’t have to be a designer or a developer to use it. The plugin gives helpful explanations in real time and shows you where you can make quick changes. It’s kind of like having a friendly accessibility editor sitting next to you while you work.

This is especially useful if you’re creating a site for a project, club, or personal portfolio any space where others might visit and engage with your work. Making your site more accessible helps your ideas reach more people.

If you’re curious, the full plugin info is here, but the best way to try it is to activate it on your own site and explore.

Let us know if you want help getting started!

Looking for more information? We got you!

• Simple Accessibility Practices You Can Start Using Today on OpenLab
• Using the Editor11y Accessibility Checker to Improve Your Content
• OpenLab Support Hours

Photo Credit: “abstract” by Bahmad Farhan, August 2016 via Flickr under the license CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Want to showcase your work, track your progress, and stand out? OpenLab lets you create a personal portfolio where you can highlight projects, coursework, and achievements all in one place!

Why Build a Portfolio?

Display your best projects and assignments

Document learning experiences over time

Share your skills with employers & peers

How to Get Started

• Log in to OpenLab with your CUNY credentials
• Create a Portfolio – Go to My OpenLab > + Create a Portfolio
• Customize It – Add your bio, upload a profile picture, and personalize your layout

Make It Stand Out!

Organize by categories (essays, projects, artwork)

Use visuals – Images, videos, or slides to enhance your work

Keep it updated – Add new work regularly!

Whether you’re looking to connect, collaborate, or lead, OpenLab is the perfect place to start.

Photo Credit: “Abstract Wall” by casellx via Flickr under the license CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.