Why do links need to be accessible?
Users of screen readers can navigate digital content by skipping from link to link, so each one needs to be clear and unique. Imagine attempting to identify an important link for an assignment or project, and hearing the words “click here” repeated. Additionally, some users will visually scan the content to look for relevant links.
What is accessible link text?
Accessible link text should be meaningful, descriptive, and unique. Someone who uses a screen reader will have a difficult time determining where the link goes to.
Link text should make sense with or without context, and give the user a clear idea of where the link is going to take them. “HERE”, “Click HERE”, and “THIS LINK” are examples of meaningless, non-contextual text. Always try to select meaningful, intuitive language to embed your links in.
Don’t use long links and URLs in your text. Instead… EMBED! Embedding takes a long URL and makes it easier to read and view. Here are examples of embedded and non-embedded text:
- Not Embedded: Learn about UMD Hockey at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Duluth_Bulldogs_women%27s_ice_hockey
- Embedded: Learn about UMD Hockey
Tip! Keyboard Shortcuts
To quickly add links, you can use common keyboard shortcuts to make it easier to embed links.
Windows:
- Select the text that you want to turn into a link
- Press “Control + K” on your keyboard
- Type in the URL or copy and paste it from another source using “Control + C” and “Control + V”
Mac:
- Select the text that you want to turn into a link
- Press “Command + K” on your keyboard
- Type in the URL or copy with “Command + C” and paste, “Command + V”, the link from your source.
Where can I learn more about Links and digital accessibility?
- Join the Accessibility Pledge: 7 Core Skills Pledge - Join us for the February Presentation on Audio & Video Accessibility
- Check out the Accessible U links webpage
- Enroll in the Digital Accessibility Badging Program
- Join the Accessible Academic Technology Team is a group of staff, students, & faculty who are working to enhance and develop UMD’s commitment to accessibility and universal design. You can join our group by inquiring with [email protected]