CP 1 – Writing accessible text
Why is this important?
Correctly-coded, well-structured and sensitively-designed digital content is wholly dependent on excellent written content. Without clear, easily understandable information and instructions, users will soon encounter problems understanding or navigating content.
The keys to writing accessible content are:
• creating a helpful structure;
• using clear, simple, familiar language;
• communicating information in sections that are short and to the point;
• giving helpful guidance and instruction;
• providing content in a way that everybody can understand it, regardless of any impairment.
In this section
- Structure your content to help users scan for key information
- Use clear and simple language
- Provide alternatives for images, video and audio content
- Aim for maximum consistency
- Style to maximise readability
- Keep tables and data representation simple
- Provide meaningful links
- Provide simple form instructions and feedback
References for this section
WCAG 2.1
- 1.1.1 Non-text Content (A)
- 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Pre-recorded) (A)
- 1.2.2 Captions (Pre-recorded) (A)
- 1.2.3 Audio Descriptions or Media Alternative (Pre-recorded) (A)
- 1.2.4 Captions (Live) (A)
- 1.2.5 Audio Description (Pre-recorded) (AA)
- 1.2.6 Sign Language (Pre-recorded) (AAA)
- 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (A)
- 1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (A)
- 1.4.1 Use of Colour (A)
- 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (AA)
- 1.4.5 Images of Text (AA)
- 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (A)
- 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (AA)
- 2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only) (AAA)
- 3.1.4 Abbreviations (AAA)
- 3.1.5 Reading Level (AAA)
- 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (AA)
- 3.2.4 Consistent Identification (AA)
- 3.3.1 Error Identification (A)
- 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (A)
- 3.3.3 Error Suggestion (AA)
EN 301 549 v 2.1.2
- 9.1.1.1 Non-text Content
- 9.1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Pre-recorded)
- 9.1.2.2 Captions (Pre-recorded)
- 9.1.2.3 Audio Descriptions or Media Alternative (Pre-recorded)
- 9.1.2.4 Captions (Live)
- 9.1.2.5 Audio Description (Pre-recorded)
- 9.1.3.1 Info and Relationships
- 9.1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics
- 9.1.4.1 Use of Colour
- 9.1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)
- 9.1.4.5 Images of Text
- 9.2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)
- 9.2.4.6 Headings and Labels
- 9.3.2.3 Consistent Navigation
- 9.3.2.4 Consistent Identification
- 9.3.3.1 Error Identification
- 9.3.3.2 Labels or Instructions
- 9.3.3.3 Error Suggestion
Videos
Further reading
- WebAIM’s alternative text page
- WebAIM’s complex image tutorial
- WAI guidance on images
- WAI Alt text Decision Tree
- Text descriptions and emotion rich images
- Writing great alt text: Emotion matters
- 3 questions to Help Decide If an Image Doesn't Need Alt Text
- WAI Decorative Images
- 5 most annoying website features I face as a blind person every single day
- Deafness and the User Experience
- Accessibility according to actual people with disabilities
- Register of Irish Sign Language Interpreters
- Guidelines for Working with Interpreters, June 2021 (PDF)
- A guide to using subtitles, captions and transcripts for accessibility
- WAI guidance on Captions/Subtitles
- Google – Add subtitles and captions
- Why Consistency is Important to Accessible Design
- Readability (Yale University)
- Meaningful links (Princeton University)
- Links (Yale University)
- Making Accessible Links: 15 Golden Rules For Developers
- The Trouble with Tables: A Brief Introduction