In the communications industry, accessibility is essential for compliance and ensuring that your message truly reaches and resonates with everyone. Designing with accessibility in mind from the outset helps create more inclusive, equitable experiences, strengthening your overall impact.
Here are some key practices to consider:
- Descriptive Alt Text: Adding meaningful alt text to images allows users with visual impairments to understand the content and context of visuals. Rather than generic phrases like “image of a chart,” describe what the chart shows and why it matters.
- Captions and Transcripts: Providing captions for video and transcripts for audio content supports individuals with hearing impairments and people in environments where audio isn’t accessible or preferred. It enhances the overall usability of your content.
- Readable Fonts and High Contrast: Use clean, legible fonts and make sure the text has strong colour contrast against the background. This helps those with low vision or colour blindness navigate content more easily. Tools like contrast checkers ensure you’re meeting guidelines.
- Keyboard Navigation: Ensure websites, e-learning platforms, and forms are fully navigable using only a keyboard. This is crucial for people with motor disabilities or those using assistive technologies, but good keyboard accessibility improves overall usability for everyone.
- Plain Language and Clear Structure: Writing in simple, direct language with a logical flow helps users with cognitive disabilities and benefits anyone scanning for key information. Use clear headings, short paragraphs, and bullet points to improve readability.
- Accessible PDFs: PDFs often lack accessibility features, so ensure they are tagged, properly formatted for screen readers, and follow a logical reading order.
Integrating these practices from the start ensures compliance and reflects a commitment to inclusivity. Accessibility isn’t a checkbox—it’s an ongoing approach to ensuring everyone has a seat at the table regardless of ability.
