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Accessibility Services

Social Media Accessibility

Accessibility on social media allows for an inclusive environment where all people can navigate and contribute to content. Click on the tabs below to learn more!

Guidelines

Content

  • Provide alt text or detailed image descriptions. This can be done using a platform’s alt text tools or by putting a brief description in the caption of a post.
  • Minimize the use of emojis and place a space between each one. Screen readers read out each emoji, so be mindful of how the emoji will translate to text.
  • Avoid overusing capital letters. Many screen readers read each letter aloud rather than the entire word if in all caps.
  • Provide clear wording, avoiding the use of abbreviations and acronyms.
  • Avoid special characters. Using special fonts decreases legibility for assistive tools.
  • Use shortened hyperlinks to allow easier navigation for users with screen readers.

Hashtags

  • All hashtags and mentions should be included at the end of posts to assist users of screen readers.
  • CamelCase should be used for all hashtags, where the first letter of all words is capitalized (e.g. #AccessToAll).

Images

  • Do not use text inside the image, since screen readers are unable to read it.
  • Do not rely on color to convey meaning in images.
  • All descriptions for images should go beyond labelling. Try to use details such as color, what object is being shown, and the purpose of the image.
  • Avoid flashing, flickering, or blinking items like GIFs. They are not compatible with most screen readers and can be dangerous for some.

Videos

  • All videos should have accurate open or closed captioning.
  • Use larger text for captioning with good contrast between the background and chosen captions.
  • When possible, avoid having videos play automatically.

Instructions

For platform-specific instructions on how to make content accessible, please visit the links below:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Twitter

YouTube

Outlook

Resources

WAVE Browser extensions- This extension allows for users to check any website and its content for accessibility.

Cliptomatic- This app automatically adds captions to Instagram Stories, TikTok videos and Snaps.

Contrast Checker- This webpage allows for users to upload an image to check for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards for color contrast.

YouDescribe- This webpage can be used to create descriptive audio for YouTube videos.

Readability Test Tool- This tool allows for users to input a web URL or text to check for readability to comply with standards for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

For more details on the industry standard for accessibility online, please visit https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/