Make web content legible for all
Test your color contrasts
Follow basic WCAG guidelines for color contrast to support users with challenged vision and those using devices in high glare environments.
Describe your visual content to the unsighted
Always provide ALT tags that describe the meaning and context of your images for people who can’t see them or that rely on assistance.
Communicate content value with your page structure
Group content into clear, logical sections using simple HTML layout tags to help screen readers, keyboard users, and mobile readers navigate your site with ease. The benefits all your users and helps with search engine optimization.
Hide decorative content from screen readers
Help the users of assistive devices silence unnecessary content. Mark non-essential visuals with alt=”” or aria-hidden=”true” so screen readers can skip them and help users get on to the good stuff.
Use plain, approachable language
Always try to use short sentences, active voice, and clear words so your content is easy to digest. There are many good tools that can help you assess reading levels, but it is most important that you understand your audience. It’s generally recommended to serve an 8th grade reading level, but your knowledge of your community should always shape your voice.
Make embedded content discoverable
Make PDFs searchable
Always display PDF pages as real text and not as images. This ensures that assistive devices and search engines can communicate their content to everyone.
Structure PDF documents to communicate importance
When authoring PDFs, use tables of contents, headings (not just styled text), and structured lists to help assistive devices deliver content in a meaningful way.
Test your PDF contrast
Just like web pages, PDF content must be legible for all users. Verify that text, icons, and charts inside your PDF files meet contrast standards.
Give PDF embedded images alt tags
Include clear alt text for embedded PDF images and figures so screen readers can describe them efficiently.
Check video captions
Always double check auto-generated captions on YouTube or Vimeo to guarantee accuracy for deaf viewers. Edit misspellings or errors so that your important topics are clearly translated.
Always add video transcripts
Offer an alternative for users who prefer reading or use screen readers by adding a text-only transcript link below your videos.
Deque has a great 4-part series on PDF accessibility that goes further into the PDF topic. It outlines what you need to do in order for your documents to be considered accessible.
Always seek to meet user expectations
Communicate what is required
Always indicate required inputs with visual indicators (like *) and the required HTML attribute. Make sure you also take time to consider what is really essential. Being overzealous with required fields creates extra labor for folks who struggle with data entry, and many users may abort a form if they feel you are asking for too much detail or wasting their time.
Make sure content is keyboard navigable
Every navigation point should be discoverable with a keyboard or assistive device. Test your pages carefully to make sure tab focus works for all navigation. Also ensure that focus rings are clearly discernible active navigation points so that users can track where they are.
Avoid color-only cues
Always combine color indicators with text and/or icons to signal errors, links, and system alerts. Failing to do so will lead to confusion for people with color and sight issues.
Label forms clearly
Keep clear, permanent text labels above form fields instead of relying on disappearing placeholder text. Don’t assume that everyone navigates the same or is as familiar with your content as you are.
Be a responsible steward
As content owners, it’s vital that we do our best to serve every user on the web, not just some users. This is especially true of non-profits and social good organizations that aim to improve the conditions for all regardless of ability. Help the broadest community and do your best to stay current with WCAG standards, regardless of the requirements of legislation. If you need a hand figuring out where to start, the Design Allies can be great partners in helping you get there.
