How can you write accessible copy for people with disabilities?
Writing accessible copy is not only a good practice for inclusivity and diversity, but also a way to reach a wider audience and improve your SEO. People with disabilities may use assistive technologies, such as screen readers, magnifiers, or voice input, to access your content. Therefore, you need to consider how your copy can be easily understood, navigated, and interacted with by different users. Here are some tips to help you write accessible copy for people with disabilities.
One of the most important aspects of accessible copy is clarity. You want to communicate your message in a way that is easy to follow, concise, and relevant. Avoid jargon, slang, idioms, and complex sentences that may confuse or exclude your readers. Use short words, active voice, and simple punctuation. Break up your text into paragraphs, headings, and lists to create a logical structure and flow. Use transitions and signposts to guide your readers through your content.
Images can enhance your copy and convey information, emotion, or context. However, not all users can see or interpret your images. Therefore, you need to provide alternative text, or alt text, for each image. Alt text is a brief description of the image that screen readers can read aloud or display as text. Alt text should explain the purpose and content of the image, without repeating the surrounding text or using phrases like "image of". Use alt attribute in your HTML code to add alt text to your images.
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As we consider the impact of showcasing diverse representation via imagery, it's equally important to incorporate relevant descriptors in the alt text. For example, as someone who works in B2B beauty, I've often created educational content that outlines styling demos and tutorials. And depending on a person's curl pattern or hair texture, the technique could vary, which is why mindfully mentioning these hair attributes could better inform the person engaging with the content on what's being showcased.
Links are another way to enrich your copy and direct your readers to more information or actions. However, not all users can see or click on your links. Therefore, you need to use descriptive and meaningful link text that tells your readers what the link is about and where it leads. Avoid vague or generic link text, such as "click here", "read more", or "download". Use keywords, phrases, or titles that describe the link content or destination. Use title attribute in your HTML code to add additional information to your links.
Contrast and color can make your copy more attractive and readable. However, not all users can perceive or distinguish colors. Therefore, you need to use contrast and color wisely to ensure that your copy is accessible and legible. Use high contrast between your text and background colors, especially for headings and links. Avoid using color alone to convey meaning, such as highlighting or indicating status. Use other cues, such as text, icons, or patterns, to supplement color. Use color and background-color properties in your CSS code to control contrast and color.
The final tip to write accessible copy is to test and validate your copy with different tools and methods. You can use online tools, such as WebAIM, WAVE, or Lighthouse, to check your copy for accessibility issues and suggestions. You can also use assistive technologies, such as screen readers, magnifiers, or voice input, to experience your copy from different perspectives. You can also ask for feedback from real users with disabilities, or consult accessibility guidelines, such as WCAG, to improve your copy.
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Leve em consideração especialmente o seu público alvo. As deficiências não são todas as mesmas e ninguém melhor que a própria pessoa com lugar de fala para esclarecer as necessidades. Quando houver dúvidas do que é importante fazer para descrever uma imagem, o que colocar de legenda descritiva ou qual o tamanho ideal para um intérprete de Libras, busque se informar com as pessoas que irão se beneficiar diretamente com esses recursos diretamente. Melhor do que deduzir ou seguir um manual que pode não ter sido escrito por quem realmente se beneficia, é ir checar na fonte. E esteja aberto a ouvir mais de uma opinião sobre o mesmo assunto! É difícil agradar todos, mas é possível fazer com excelência sempre!
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