Why Does Formatting Matter in Terms of Accessibility
Web content can be displayed in various ways, such as tables, charts, and diagrams, to convey information. Proper spacing, headings, and hyperlinks contribute to making content more accessible, especially for individuals with visual impairments using screen readers like NVDA or JAWS. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) follow a layout called POUR.
Must Follow WCAG POUR:
- Perceivable - available by sight, hearing, and touch.
- Operable - easily navigated and operated.
- Understandable - both content and interface.
- Robust - usable by multiple user agents, including assistive technologies.
Accessible Formatting
There are several things to consider in creating accessible link text.
Learn the difference between accessible, usable, and universal design.
The article, "The Veil of Ignorance", challenges readers to imagine awakening in a new reality in which they are no longer the person they were with a potentially new social/economic status, gender, ethnicity, appearance, disability or combination. How would this impact the readers approach to design, from building and devices to the Internet?
Inaccessible Formatting
There are several things to consider in creating accessible link text. learn more.
Click here to learn the difference between accessible, usable, and universal design.
The article, "The Veil of Ignorance", challenges readers to imagine awakening in a new reality in which they are no longer the person they were with a potentially new social/economic status, gender, ethnicity, appearance, disability or combination. How would this impact the readers approach to design, from building and devices to the Internet? https://example.com/veil-of-ignorance
Source: Adapted from University of Minnesota's Accessibility Guidelines
Avoid using "Click Here" or "Link" as hyperlink text. Instead, use descriptive text for the link's purpose to make the web more accessible to everyone, especially users who rely on screen readers.
| Poor Accessibility | Optimized/Accessible |
|---|---|
| View my profile on LinkedIn | |
Click Here to Download |
Download the brochure |
| Watch the video on YouTube |
These simple changes will ensure access for a larger audience and reduce possible issues. They also make your content more user-friendly for everyone, whether they are visually limited or not.