Links
Do not use “click here,” “learn more,” “go here,” “visit website” - Instead, use a descriptive phrases such as “visit the Awesome page/site” or “more about how to be happy at the Awesome site/page.” It depends on where the link is found if it’s in a paragraph longer if it’s a button keep it short.
Graphics/Images
- Avoid placing a lot of essential text in front of a graphic. Text should be text. Graphics are for supporting the text.
- Describe it. Not a paragraph but a full sentence that supplies enough detail about what the image depicts.
Text Alignment
- Left-aligned text results in much better content readability – Preferred
- Center alignment: Only for call outs, titles, quotes.
- Right alignment: Don’t. Only used in logos or other creative projects.
- Justified: Don’t. Never use on a website. It’s hard to read for everyone.
PDFs, Word, PowerPoint, and other Non-HTML Content
Limit non-HTML content. Most can be turned into web pages. If these types of documents are essential, please make them as accessible as possible. The Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation offers E-Text services and descriptions that will help you create accessible documents at an affordable price.
Videos
All videos should be captioned. Open captioning makes it more accessible since most people view our sites using their smartphones. Audio Description add another layer of accessibility by providing vivid, concise, and objectively narrated descriptions of prescient visual content. It’s also recommended that you upload a transcript. The Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation offers captioning and described media services.
Color
Color can enhance comprehension but cannot alone convey meaning. That information may not be available to a person who is color blind and will be unavailable to screen reader users.