In today’s digital-first world, ensuring that your online presence is accessible to everyone is not just a matter of compliance - it's, first of all, a responsibility. With an estimated 100 million people in the European Union living with some form of disability (European Disability Forum), the need for digital accessibility is more pressing than ever.
And as communicators, we have the opportunity to lead by example, making digital spaces welcoming and usable for all. Whether you're managing the website of an EU-funded project or curating social media content, integrating accessibility into your digital strategy is essential.
Why digital accessibility matters
Digital accessibility ensures that all users can easily navigate and interact with your online content. This goes beyond simple legal compliance; it aligns with the core values of inclusivity and equal access. When digital spaces are accessible, you widen your audience, foster user engagement, and build trust with your stakeholders. And for those involved in EU-funded projects, embracing accessibility is also a way to contribute to the broader mission of social inclusion championed by the European Union.
Website Accessibility
When considering website accessibility, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines should be your go-to resource. Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium, these guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities.
Here are some actionable tips to enhance your website's accessibility:
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Ensure text is readable: Text should have a strong contrast against its background to be easily readable by users with visual impairments. Tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker can help you test your colour schemes. Moreover, it ensures that users can easily resize text up to 200% without losing content or functionality. This is crucial for those with low vision.
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Provide alternative text for images: All non-decorative images should have descriptive alternative text (alt text) that conveys the same information as the image. This is particularly important for users who rely on screen readers.
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Use descriptive links: Avoid using generic link text like "click here" or "read more." Instead, use descriptive phrases that clearly explain the link's destination, benefiting screen reader users and improving SEO.
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Design for keyboard navigation: All functionalities should be accessible via keyboard alone, essential for users who cannot use a mouse. Ensure that focus indicators are visible, helping users keep track of their position on the page.
Social media accessibility
Social media is a powerful tool for engaging with your audience but often presents accessibility challenges. Here are some strategies to ensure your social media content is accessible to all:
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Use alt text for images and graphics: Most social media platforms, such as X (ex-Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, offer the option to add alt text to images. Just like for your website, always include alt text that describes the content and context of your images.
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Subtitle and caption videos: Videos are a great way to communicate, but they can exclude users with hearing impairments. Provide subtitles or captions for video content, ensuring that spoken words and essential sounds are accessible to everyone. Tools like YouTube's automatic captioning can be a good start, but manual editing is often needed to ensure accuracy.
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Limit the use of text in images: While images with embedded text might seem visually appealing, they are often inaccessible to screen readers. Instead, convey essential information through actual text in the post and use alt text to describe any necessary visual content.
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Consider hashtag capitalisation: For hashtags, especially multi-word ones, use camel case (capitalising the first letter of each word, e.g., #AccessibilityMatters). This practice makes it easier for screen readers to interpret the hashtags correctly and improves readability for all users.
Accessibility is an Ongoing Commitment
Achieving digital accessibility is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. Regularly audit your website and social media channels, gather user feedback, and stay updated with the latest standards and tools. Accessibility is not just about ticking boxes—it’s about opening doors. Let’s make sure those doors are wide open for everyone!
