Clearing the Trail: Accessibility
Every trail began somewhere. Someone or something first forged that path and, those who were able to, followed. In California, some of the first and most prolific trail makers were deer, who created extensive networks of paths through brush, forest, and steep terrain. Many of California’s human trails — including some Indigenous trails that later became modern hiking paths — originally followed deer trails. Figuring out the most efficient routes or creating multiple routes through challenging terrain, deer often followed the easiest grades and safest crossings, making passage safe for others who followed — smaller mammals like foxes, raccoons, and rabbits. Deer are instinctive accessibility designers, using their own bodies to test and build infrastructure for followers. In designing learning materials, you are laying down safe and efficient pathways for diverse users.
Beginning with the role accessibility plays, each chapter in this part addresses a specific accessibility standard used in our internal review process and aligns with standards outlined in the OER Publishing Review Packet. The standard is followed by opportunities to get to know those who will follow – what they need, why they need it – and steps for making as many parts of the trail accessible for them as possible. From themes and organization to images, multimedia, and formulas, you’ll find practical guidance and examples to help ensure your Pressbook meets accessibility goals. This section reflects a shared commitment to designing OER that are not only open, but welcoming and usable for all.
