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Dicapta
Accessibility Tips

Refine your documents with accessible hyperlinks

a Word document with a phrase highlighted, a pop-up menu  appears over the document and includes the hyperlink option


Accessible hyperlinks

The way websites present links can significantly impact the user experience for individuals with disabilities. Screen readers, a vital tool for those with visual impairments, can read an entire page, but users often prefer to listen to a concise list of links rather than the surrounding text. That's why clear and meaningful link text that independently conveys the function and purpose is important.


Keep these recommendations in mind while crafting link text:

  • Steer clear of generic phrases such as "Click Here," "More," and "Read More" as they can be confusing when read out of context by a screen reader. A more precise text could be "Read the full article on this link". 
  • Opt for unique link text whenever feasible, as duplicated link text may lead to a suboptimal experience for users relying on speech recognition software.
  • While linking a complete sentence is acceptable, it is advisable to avoid excessively long link texts.
  • Exercise discretion when linking full URLs, considering users who may need to vocalize the URL or rely on a screen reader to announce it. Nobody wants to hear "www.website.com/article/example" when they are trying to find a link. 

Additionally, colorblind users face challenges in perceiving color cues, often used to distinguish links from surrounding text. Remember to include underlines or other non-color indicators to enhance accessibility.

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