How can you write web copy that is accessible to people with disabilities?

1 Use clear and simple language

One of the most important aspects of accessible web copy is the readability of your text. You want to avoid jargon, slang, idioms, and complex sentences that might confuse or frustrate your readers. Instead, use plain and simple language that conveys your message clearly and concisely. You can use tools like Hemingway Editor or Readable to check the readability level of your web copy and make adjustments as needed. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a readability score of 8 or lower, which means your text is suitable for most people with a basic level of education.

2 Provide alternative text for images

Images can enhance your web copy and make it more engaging, but they can also pose a challenge for people who use screen readers or have low vision. Screen readers are software programs that read aloud the text and other elements on a web page, and they rely on alternative text (alt text) to describe the images. Alt text is a short and descriptive text that explains the purpose and content of an image. You can add alt text to your images using the alt attribute in the HTML code, or using the options in your content management system. For example, if you have an image of a dog, you can write alt="A brown dog sitting on a couch" as the alternative text.

4 Use contrast and color wisely

The visual appearance of your web copy can also affect its accessibility, especially for people who have color blindness or low vision. You want to use contrast and color wisely to make your web copy easy to read and distinguish. Contrast is the difference between the brightness and darkness of the text and the background, and color is the hue and saturation of the text and the background. You can use tools like WebAIM or Color Contrast Checker to test the contrast and color of your web copy and make sure they meet the accessibility standards. A good rule of thumb is to use a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text, and to avoid using color alone to convey meaning or importance.

6 Test your web copy for accessibility

The final step to write web copy that is accessible is to test your web copy for accessibility issues and errors. You can use tools like WAVE or Lighthouse to scan your web page and identify any problems with your web copy, such as missing alt text, low contrast, or unclear headings. You can also ask for feedback from people with disabilities or use assistive technologies like screen readers or magnifiers to experience your web copy from their perspective. By testing your web copy for accessibility, you can ensure that you are following the best practices and meeting the needs and expectations of your diverse audience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?