How can you write accessible copy for readers with disabilities?
Writing accessible copy is not only a matter of ethics and inclusion, but also a way to reach a wider and more diverse audience. According to the World Health Organization, more than a billion people live with some form of disability, and many of them use the internet to access information, products, and services. If your copy is not accessible, you might be missing out on a huge potential market and alienating potential customers. In this article, we will share some tips on how to write accessible copy for readers with disabilities, based on the principles of web accessibility and plain language.
One of the most important aspects of accessible copy is to use clear and simple language that is easy to understand and follow. Avoid jargon, slang, idioms, and complex sentences that might confuse or exclude your readers. Use short words, active voice, and simple punctuation. Explain any acronyms or technical terms that you need to use. Use headings, subheadings, and paragraphs to break up your text and create a logical structure. Use bullet points and lists to highlight key points or steps. Use transition words and phrases to connect your ideas and guide your readers.
Images can enhance your copy and convey meaning, emotion, or information. However, not all readers can see or interpret your images, especially if they have visual impairments or use screen readers. To make your images accessible, you need to provide alternative text (alt text) that describes the content and function of the image in a concise and accurate way. Alt text should not be longer than 125 characters and should not repeat information that is already in the copy. You can use the alt attribute in HTML to add alt text to your images.
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Carla Rodrigues
Consultant @ CH Business Consulting | Tender Management Expert | Copywriter
I started using alt text relatively late in my career, and came to understand its significance the more I integrated accessibility principles in communication resources. Using alt text is as simple as describing an image with words. It's like painting a picture in people's minds, ensuring that everyone can understand and be a part of the conversation. But alt text is still often overlooked. Just like any new technique, the more we use alt text, the more second nature it becomes. Soon enough, it'll be the norm instead of the exception as long as it is smartly used - crystal clear copy, providing context and capturing the essence of the image it represents.
Links and buttons are essential elements of your copy, as they invite your readers to take action or access more information. However, if your links and buttons are not descriptive, they might be confusing or inaccessible for your readers, especially if they use keyboard navigation or screen readers. To make your links and buttons accessible, you need to use meaningful and specific text that tells your readers what they can expect when they click on them. Avoid vague or generic terms like "click here", "read more", or "submit". Instead, use terms that describe the destination or purpose of the link or button, such as "download our ebook", "sign up for our newsletter", or "contact us".
Contrast and color are important aspects of your copy, as they can create visual appeal, emphasize information, or convey emotion. However, if your contrast and color are not appropriate, they might make your copy hard to read or inaccessible for your readers, especially if they have color blindness or low vision. To make your contrast and color accessible, you need to use high contrast between your text and background, avoid using color alone to convey meaning, and choose colors that are compatible with different types of color blindness. You can use online tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker or Color Blindness Simulator to test your contrast and color choices.
The final tip for writing accessible copy is to test and evaluate your copy with different tools and methods. Testing and evaluating your copy can help you identify and fix any issues or barriers that might prevent your readers from accessing or understanding your copy. You can use online tools like WebAIM's WAVE or AChecker to check your copy for web accessibility errors or warnings. You can also use readability tools like Hemingway or Readable to check your copy for clarity and simplicity. Additionally, you can ask for feedback from real users with disabilities or use user testing platforms like UserTesting or Loop11 to observe how your readers interact with your copy.
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