Creating Google Sites That Are Accessible

When creating a Google site it is important to make the pages and content accessible to screen readers whether the content is set to allow anyone to view the website or if it's just for internal or classroom use. Follow these guidelines to make content accessible. 

• Use header formatting -  Add header formatting by highlighting the text to be made into a header and using the "Normal Text" drop down when editing text blocks. Google sites is limited to two heading levels outside of the site title at the top of the page.

  

  • More information on correct heading layout and structures.
• Use proper text sizes - Text size should be 11 point or larger.

  

• Include alt text on images - Alt text should be delivering important and pertinent information to those using screen readers.
  • Select the image  that is already added to your Google site page. Select the three dots to the top right and select "Alt text".

    

• Use high contrast colors - Contrast is the difference between the foreground (text) to your background (the color of the area behind the text). Check the contrast of the colors you are using.
• Use informative link text - Text that is linked should be descriptive. Type the title of the document or the purpose of the document, highlight the text and select the link tool in Google sites. Do not place links over "click here" or similar phrases.

  

• Check text alignment - Text alignment should be primarily left aligned and center alignment only used on text that is less than 1 sentence.
• Use number and bullet list formatting - Use the built in formatting for creating lists by highlighting the text to be included in the list and selecting the list option form the editing tools. Do not type dashes or numbers to create bullets manually.

Managing Google Site Access

Publishing and Unpublishing Google Site

Access your Google Site from Google Drive or Google Sites directly. 

Publishing:

1. Select "Publish" at the top right of the page. 
    

1. Select either to "use the existing site address" listed at the end of that option, or to "Create a new address". (Selecting Create a new address will let you alter how the web address displays.)
2. Select “Manage” under Who can view my site.

   

3. Set the privacy of the site using the “Published site” drop down below General Access and select “Done” when you have customized your access settings.

   

   1. Restricted - Only those you add to People with Access will be able to access your site.
   2. Lane Community College - Only those with the Link and those that are logged into their Lane Community College emails (student or employee) can access your site.
   3. Public - Anyone on the web can find your website both through searching and with the direct link, no sign in necessary. 
      

      Changing Access Settings for already Published Google Sites

      For updating an already published site follow these steps: 

       
4. Select Publish at the bottom right.
    

Unpublishing:

1. Select the down arrow to the right of the Publish button.
2. Select "Unpublish".

   

3. Select "Got it" to confirm your site will no longer be live.

Ensure Your Site is not Editable by Others

1. Access your Google Site from Google Drive or Google Sites directly. 
2. Select the Share with others button at the top right.

   

1. Under General Access ensure the "Draft" drop-down is set to restricted.

   

2. Select Done.

If giving editing access for someone to edit your site it is best to add them directly using the "Add people" field at the top of the Share pop-up by entering their email address and selecting done.