10 Tips for Creating Accessible Content

1. Choose Accessible Fonts and Sizes

• Use sans serif fonts, which are generally more legible than embellished, serif fonts. Some accessible fonts include Arial, Tahoma, and Helvetica
• Choose a legible font size (12pt or more for documents – 14pt when feasible, 24pt for presentations, 22pt for social media).

2. Pick High-Contrast Color Combinations

• Using sufficient color contrast so everyone, including those with low vision or color blindness, can access your content.
• Use a tool like the HTML Color Picker to choose appropriate color combinations at different font sizes.

3. Position Text Appropriately

• Avoid layering text over images.
• Text embedded in an image is generally inaccessible for screen readers and requires alt text. Images such as text-only social media posts, flyers, and infographics all require alt text.

4. Use Plain, Inclusive Language

• Write in plain language. Avoid jargon and acronyms. Learn more at the NHCDD Information Access for All Library.
• Use inclusive language. Visit the Disability Language Guide for examples of words to use and to avoid. 

5. Provide Alt Text for Images

• Provide a short description that describes images in your content.
• If you’re asking another organization to promote your content, write the alt text for them. Visit the Harvard Digital Accessibility website to learn more about alt text.

6. Only Use All Caps When Necessary

• Use font choice, font size, and/or color to differentiate titles, headings, or subheadings from body text rather than capitalizing multiple words.
• Capitalizing entire words reduces the overall readability of the content for all users and is often misinterpreted by screen readers.

7. Clearly Label Links and Provide Direct Links

• Label links with calls to action like “Sign Up Here” for clarity. Avoid vague labels such as “Click Here,” which are inaccessible for screen readers.
• Reduce barriers to participation by providing a direct link to events. QR codes alone are not sufficient, and should be accompanied by links.

8. Use CamelCase for Hashtags

• Write hashtags in CamelCase for screen reader accuracy and increased legibility for all (#GetOutTheVote vs. #getoutthevote).

9. Provide Captions and Transcripts

• For video, podcast, and other multimedia content, provide captions and/or transcripts. If possible, edit automatic captioning for accuracy.

10. Don’t Use Emojis

• Emojis and emoticons are not accessible to screen readers.