As You Write, Consider the Following:

• Would this language make sense to someone who doesn’t work at St. Louis Community College?
• Could someone quickly scan this document and understand the material?
• If someone can’t see the colors, images or video, is the message still clear?
• Is the markup clean and structured?
• Mobile devices with accessibility features are increasingly becoming core communication tools. Does this work well on a mobile device? 

Important Information First

Put the most important information first. Place similar topics in the same paragraph, and clearly separate different topics with headings. This improves readability and encourages better understanding.

Use Descriptive Links

Links should provide information on the associated action or destination. Try to avoid “click here” or “learn more.”

Use Alternative (alt) Text

The alt tag is the most basic form of image description, and it should be included on images. The language will depend on the purpose of the image:

• If it’s a creative photo or supports a story, describe the image in detail in a brief caption.
• If the image is serving a specific function, describe what’s inside the image in detail. People who don’t see the image should come away with the same information as if they had.
• If you’re sharing a chart or graph, include the data in the alt text so people have all the important information. 

Closed Captioning

Closed captioning or transcripts should be available for all videos shared on social. 

Be Mindful of Visual Elements

Aim for high contrast between your font and background colors. Tools in the resources section should help with picking accessible colors. Images should not be the only method of communication, because images may not load or may not be seen. Avoid using images when the same information could be communicated in writing. When creating graphics, use minimal text on images. 

Helpful Resources

The Accessibility Cheat Sheet