Creating content that is accessible to all is not just a choice; it’s a responsibility. As a hosting company committed to fostering an inclusive online environment, we understand the importance of providing our clients with the tools and knowledge to make their content accessible. In this blog post, we will explore five essential “how-tos” for creating accessible content, empowering businesses to reach a wider audience and contribute to a more inclusive online space.
Crafting Accessible Text Content
Use Descriptive Headings and Subheadings
Structuring content with descriptive headings not only improves the overall readability for all users but also aids individuals using screen readers. Make sure headings accurately represent the content beneath them, providing a clear and organized hierarchy.
Write Descriptive Alt Text for Images
Images are a crucial part of content, but they can be a barrier for individuals with visual impairments. Include descriptive alternative text (alt text) for each image, conveying the information or context that the image conveys. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can understand the content.
Ensuring Multimedia Accessibility
Provide Closed Captions for Videos
Videos have become a powerful medium for communication, but they can exclude individuals with hearing impairments. Adding closed captions ensures that the content is accessible to a wider audience. Many platforms and tools make it easy to add captions, contributing to a more inclusive viewing experience.
Offer Transcripts for Audio Content
Whether it’s a podcast or any other audio content, providing transcripts is a simple yet effective way to make the material accessible. Transcripts assist individuals with hearing impairments, as well as those who prefer to consume content in a text format.
Designing Navigable and Inclusive Interfaces
Ensure Keyboard Accessibility
Not all users navigate websites with a mouse, and some rely solely on keyboards or other assistive technologies. Design your website to be fully navigable using a keyboard alone. This not only benefits users with disabilities but also improves the overall user experience for everyone.
Optimize Forms for Accessibility
Forms are a common element on websites, but they can pose challenges for users with disabilities. Ensure that forms are easily navigable and provide clear instructions. Utilize form validation and error messages that are easily perceivable by all users, including those using screen readers.
By implementing these “how-tos,” businesses can take significant strides toward creating content that is not only compliant with accessibility standards but also genuinely inclusive. As a hosting company, we are dedicated to supporting our clients in making their online presence accessible to all, contributing to a more equitable and diverse digital landscape.