🌐 How to Create Accessible Website Content (Quick Guide)

1. Use Headings to Organize Content

• Use real headings (H1, H2, H3) — don’t just bold text
• Keep sections short and clearly labeled

👉 This helps screen readers and makes pages easier to scan

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2. Write Descriptive Links

• ❌ “Click here”
• ✅ “View the field trip form”

👉 Users should know where a link goes without clicking it

Note: Our website platform Smartsites enforces this.

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3. Add Alt Text to Images

• Add a short description to every meaningful image
• Skip alt text only for decorative images

👉 Example: “Students working together on a science experiment”

Note: Our website platform Smartsites enforces this.

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4. Make Videos Accessible

• Add captions to all videos
• If possible, include a transcript

👉 Captions help everyone—not just people with hearing loss

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5. Use Real Text (Not Images of Text)

• Don’t upload flyers or PDFs that are just pictures
• Make sure text can be selected and read

👉 Screen readers can’t read images of text

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6. Keep Layout Simple and Consistent

• Use the same structure across pages
• Avoid clutter, too many colors, or fancy fonts

👉 Simple = easier for all users to navigate

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7. Use Lists and Tables Properly

• Use bullet/numbered list tools (don’t type dashes manually)
• Add headers to tables

👉 This allows assistive tech to read content correctly

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8. Check Color Contrast

• Use dark text on a light background (or vice versa)
• Avoid light gray text or color-only meaning

👉 People need to be able to read content clearly

Note: Our website platform Smartsites enforces this.

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9. Use Clear, Simple Language

• Keep sentences short
• Avoid jargon when possible

👉 Helps all readers, including those using assistive tech

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✔️ Quick Checklist

Before publishing, ask:

• Are headings used correctly?
• Do links make sense on their own?
• Do images have alt text?
• Are videos captioned?
• Is everything readable (not an image)?
• Is the page simple and consistent?