Content provider's introduction and index
Content is king. It is what makes your site special and attractive for visitors.
Your content should always be clear, consistent and well presented to ensure that people at all levels of experience and ability can benefit from it.
The web is a very different medium from print and people interact with it differently. Content must be presented in a way that permits people to rapidly absorb and understand the information on offer.
In essence:
- Content should be specifically written or modified for the web - and you should not rely on just posting up PDF or Word;
- Content should be clear and concise
- Even more so than you would when writing for print;
- Content needs to be well structured, amenable for scanning and as consistent as possible between pages;
- The most important information needs to be prioritised;
- Images need to be used wisely and it is vital that you, as a content author, provide equivalent descriptions of all images for those who will not be able to see them;
- Any data presented in tables needs to be presented as clearly and simply as possible;
- Extra information about each page should be provided.
In this section:
- CP 1 - Aim for maximum consistency between content pages
- CP 2 - Write specifically for the web - use clear and simple language, provide 'metadata'
- CP 3 - Structure and style to maximise readability and scanning
- CP 4 - Provide accessible alternatives - don't rely on pdf/ word
- CP 5 - Make links meaningful
- CP 6 - For all images, specify alternative text to convey equivalent information
- CP 7 - Specify full descriptions for informational images
- CP 8 - Avoid using images to display text
- CP 9 - Use the correct image for the job
- CP 10 - Make data tables as simple as possible
Some of this will be familiar but review the information and implement it - good 'web appropriate' content is essential.
Tip: if you use a content management system, or are required to submit content in a particular template or format, read all the available documentation and help, and try the accessibility guidance out.
Whatever method you are asked to use to supply content, it should support you to deliver all of the accessibility guidance contained here (without the need for technical knowledge). If it cannot, this issue will need to be addressed.Refer those responsible for implementing your site to the guidance contained here.