Picture this: You’ve written a stellar article with top-notch quotes from reputable sources, double-checked your grammar, and sourced high-quality images to seal the deal. Your content may feel gorgeous and well-organized to you, but would someone using a screen reader have the same experience? Do you know how your video content would be presented to someone Deaf or hard of hearing?
With the research and writing under your belt already, it’s all too easy to entrust your accessibility responsibilities to the built-in accessibility features of common online drafting tools, like WordPress and Squarespace.
However, there are simple checks you can run yourself to see if your web content is accessible to a range of disabilities. Use these techniques to ensure your content is available to as wide an audience as possible.
How do I know if my online content is accessible?
The best way to test whether your content is accessible is to read through it yourself. Pay close attention to spelling, grammar, and clarity. If possible, check your draft on multiple devices, like a phone, laptop, or tablet.
Reading an article out loud is a good way to check for flow and syntax. Would your piece make sense if read aloud by a computer?
You can also test some standard AAC capabilities online. Some screen reader software, like Windows Narrator or NVDA, is free to download and use. When in doubt, ask for input from colleagues. Someone else’s perspective can help catch the little things we miss when we’re “too close” to our own writing.
If a colleague or friend who is disabled offers to proofread for you, that person is an excellent resource. However, don’t expect someone to check your work for accessibility simply because they are disabled. That puts undue pressure on one person with disabilities to represent the whole of the disability community. Only take this route when help is offered.
Alternatively, consider payment for someone’s review efforts. Sensitivity readers and other specialists can help you fix those easy-to-miss things that might exclude someone with disabilities. However, be appreciative of someone’s time, talent, and expertise. Don’t assume a team member will help you out simply because they are disabled.
Are there standardized guidelines for web accessibility?
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) maintains Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WGAC), international standards that address accessibility features in web sites, applications, and other digital content. W3C updates these guidelines often, helping individuals, media organizations, and businesses alike stay on the cutting edge of web accessibility.
W3C offers three WCAG rankings for a site’s accessibility:
Level A is the minimum level of compliance.
Level AA, which most organizations—including Ability Central—work to achieve, includes all Level A and Level AA requirements.
Level AAA is the highest ranking, including all A, AA, and AAA requirements.
Checking for accessibility features doesn’t have to be complicated. W3C’s guide “Easy Checks – A First Review of Web Accessibility” offers a step-by-step process for checking your page’s title, image alt text, text settings, and colors.
For more information about crafting web-accessible content, see 5 Basic Techniques to Make Online Media Accessible and What is Web Accessibility in Media and Journalism?
This article is part of our series The Journalist’s Guide to Disability in Media: An Overview of Disability Inclusion, Accessibility, and Representation.
Read the full series:
Writing About Disabilities: What to Include and What to Avoid
The Journalist's Guide to Disability in Media: Further Resources
For further information about disability-related media, or to get in contact with members of the Ability Central board and community who are available to speak about their experience or disability, reach out to the Ability Central team at hello@abilitycentral.org.
Additional Information
The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal, medical, or other professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date resources, some information may become outdated or incomplete. Always consult with your provider about personal medical concerns.
