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Accessibility in Writing

Accessibility considerations don’t begin with design and end with code. Authors, or content creators, can significantly impact the accessibility and usability of websites and other digital assets. The goal is to make your content easy to find and understand. Effective use of alt text, headers and plain language are among the key factors in making your content accessible to as many people as possible.

Decorative shape at the bottom of the sections

Writing accessible content extends beyond just making everything on the page available as text. Accessible writing also impacts the way in which you organize content and guide the reader through a page. Several WCAG success criteria address accessible content development, and when implemented, make a significant impact on the user experience.

Use informative, unique page titles

Distinguish each page from every other page with a short title that describes its content. In the title, put the unique and most relevant information first.

WCAG Success Criterion 2.4.2

Headings convey meaning and structure

Use both headings and subheadings to provide an outline of the page content. Use short headings to group related paragraphs.

WCAG Success Criterion 2.4.6

Meaningful image alternative (alt text)

For non-decorative images, be sure your alt text describes the meaning of the photo or the function of the image.

WCAG Success Criterion 1.1.1

Provide transcripts and captions for multimedia

For audio-only content, be sure to provide a transcript. For audio and visual content, provide captions – including audio descriptions.

WCAG Success Criterion 1.2.2

Keep content clear and concise

Use simple language, including short, clear sentences and paragraphs. Use lists when possible and spell out acronyms on first use.

WCAG Success Criterion 3.1.5

More WCAG success criteria for content authors

  • Authors

2.5.3 Label in Name (Level A)

Visual and programmatic labels should align.
  • Authors
  • Developers

1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus (Level AA)

This criterion addresses when receiving and then removing pointer hover or keyboard focus trigger additional content to become visible and then hidden.
  • Authors

3.2.4 Consistent Identification (Level AA)

Page components (for example links, buttons and icons) that have the same functionality should be consistently identified with labels, names, and text alternatives throughout your...
  • Authors
  • Developers

3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA)

If the language of a page or parts of a page is different from the default language of the website, the change needs to be...
  • Authors

2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA)

There needs to be more than one way to find a web page within your website.
  • Authors

2.4.2 Page Titled (Level A)

Each webpage should have a unique and descriptive page title that lets the user know the topic or purpose of the page.
  • Authors
  • Designers

1.4.5 Images of Text (Level AA)

Don't use images of text on your website except where absolutely necessary or for branding purposes, for example your logo.
  • Authors
  • Designers

1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (Level A)

Write clear instructions that incorporate multiple senses. No instructions should rely solely on the ability to perceive shape, size, visual location, orientation, or sound.
  • Authors

1.2.5 Audio Description – Prerecorded (Level A)

All prerecorded videos must have an audio description.
  • Authors

1.2.4 Captions – Live (Level A)

For all live video broadcasts real-time closed captions that identify speakers and include relevant sounds in the environment need to be provided.
  • Authors

1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative – Prerecorded (Level A)

For all prerecorded video files there must be either an audio description or a full text description.
  • Authors

1.2.2 Captions – Prerecorded (Level A)

For all prerecorded video files there must be synchronized and accurate closed captions (CC).
  • Authors
  • Designers

1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A)

Make sure images and other non-text elements on your website are accessible by including meaningful text alternatives (alt text).