Fixing Issues and Monitoring Progress

Continued from Quick Start Guide: Silktide for Sites@UMBC

Step 4: Fix Your First Issue

Start with high-priority automated checks:

  1. Click on a check from your list
  2. Read the explanation and watch any associated video
  3. Click “View in the inspector” to see the issue on your actual page
  4. Make the fix in your Sites@UMBC editor
  5. Wait for Silktide to re-scan (usually happens within the week) OR you may press retest if you are feeling antsy! 🙂
  6. Check that the issue is resolved

Common First Issues to Fix

Missing Alt Text on Images

What to do: Add descriptive alt text to images

  • In Sites editor, click on the image
  • Add text in the “Alt text” or “Alternative text” field
  • Describe what’s in the image or its purpose

Missing Heading Structure

What to do: Use proper heading levels (H1, H2, H3)

  • Don’t skip heading levels (e.g., H1 to H3)
  • Use headings to organize content logically
  • Don’t use headings just to make text bigger or bold

Understanding Silktide Scores

Important: A perfect Silktide score doesn’t mean your site is 100% accessible, but it’s a great start!

Your score reflects:

  • WCAG 2.2 Level AA compliance
  • Automated checks that Silktide can definitively test
  • The percentage of issues resolved vs. total issues found

Keep in mind:

  • Some accessibility work requires human judgment
  • PDF documents need separate review
  • Manual testing is still important for full compliance

Tips for Success

Start Small

  • Fix one type of issue across your site before moving to the next
  • Focus on high-impact issues first

Check Daily

  • Silktide scans your site regularly
  • Log in to see your updated scores and any new issues

Use the Inspector

  • The “View in inspector” feature shows exactly where problems are
  • This helps you understand context and verify fixes

Ask Questions

  • If you’re unsure about a fix, submit a support request
  • The Silktide Academy has videos for most checks

Track Your Progress

  • Use the Overview dashboard to monitor improvements
  • Share progress with your team or supervisor

What’s Next?

After you’ve fixed your first few issues:

  1. Explore Assisted Checks: These require your judgment (e.g., checking if link text is descriptive)
  2. Review All Pages: Some pages might have unique issues
  3. Test PDFs: If you have PDF documents, review their accessibility separately
  4. Set Goals: Aim for steady improvement over time
  5. Stay Current: Check Silktide regularly for new issues

Additional Training (Optional but Recommended)

In Silktide Academy:

  • “What in the World is WCAG?” (1 hour): Fun, comprehensive guide to accessibility standards

Remember

  • Accessibility is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix
  • Every improvement helps real people access your content
  • You don’t need to fix everything at once
  • We’re here to help you succeed

 

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