How can you use assistive technology to make your writing accessible to everyone?

2 Why is accessibility important for writing?

Accessibility is important for writing because it ensures that your content can reach a wider and more diverse audience. It also shows that you respect and value your readers, and that you want to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for them. Accessibility is not only a moral and ethical responsibility, but also a legal and professional one. Many countries have laws and standards that require web content to be accessible for people with disabilities. Many industries and organizations also have guidelines and best practices for creating accessible content.

3 How can you use assistive technology to write accessible content?

Assistive technology can be a great way to write accessible content. For example, a screen reader can help you identify any errors or inconsistencies in your text, as well as understand the structure and formatting of your content. Speech-to-text tools can make writing faster and easier, while also improving your vocabulary and tone. A magnifier or zoom tool can improve visibility and reduce eye strain. Keyboard or mouse alternatives can help you control your computer more efficiently. Finally, a braille display or keyboard can help people who are blind or visually impaired write and read in braille, as well as learn and practice it.

4 How can you make your content more accessible for your readers?

Using assistive technology to write accessible content is not enough. You also need to make your content more accessible for your readers who may use assistive technology or have different needs and preferences. To do this, use clear and simple language, avoiding jargon, slang, idioms, and complex sentences. Make sure to explain any acronyms, abbreviations, or technical terms you use. Additionally, include alternative text for images, videos, and other non-text elements. This is a brief description of the content and function of a non-text element that can help people who cannot see or access the element understand its meaning and purpose. Furthermore, provide captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions for audio and video content. This will help people who cannot hear or see the content to access its information and context. Additionally, use color contrast, font size, and spacing to enhance readability. This will make it easier for people with low vision, color blindness, or dyslexia to read your content more easily and comfortably. Lastly, include keyboard shortcuts, links, and navigation aids to improve usability. This will help people who use keyboards, mouse alternatives, or screen readers access your content more quickly and conveniently.

5 How can you test and evaluate your content for accessibility?

Testing and evaluating your content for accessibility is an important part of the writing process. It can help identify any issues or barriers that could prevent readers from accessing your content, as well as improve content quality and performance. Utilizing accessibility checkers and validators can scan your content for common errors and warnings, while user testing and feedback can evaluate how your content works and feels for different people. Additionally, analytics and metrics can measure content performance and impact, allowing you to track reach, engagement, satisfaction, and conversion. All of these tips and examples can help you learn and apply accessibility best practices and techniques, discover any issues or gaps, and optimize your content strategy.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?