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Web Accessibility

How-Do-I

Links

Word automatically creates a hyperlink when a user pastes a full URL onto a page. These may not make sense to screen reader users, so more information is needed.

Editing Hyperlinks

  • Select a hyperlink, right click, and select Edit Hyperlink or CTRL + K.
  • Change the text in the Text to Display field to a more meaningful description.

Unclear Hyperlink Text

Hyperlink text which is not meaningful, descriptive, and unique needs to be appropriately labeled. For example, a link titled Click Here does not provide enough information to a non-sighted user to understand the link's destination or purpose.

  • In addition to “Click Here,” do not use the following phrases as link text. These phrases are ambiguous when read out of context by a screen reader.
    • more
    • read more
    • find out more
    • click for details
  • Do not capitalize all text in links. Screen readers will then read the words letter by letter.
  • Avoid using URLs as link text. Screen readers will read the URL letter by letter which would be difficult to interpret for a user.
  • Keep link text as concise as possible while still being descriptive. Keep in mind that links could be read out of context by a screen reader, so the link text needs to make sense on its own.
  • Do not use the screentip to add additional information about the link. (For additional information about this, refer to guideline 5 at Create Accessible Hypertext Links.)

Examples:

Preferred Example – Single Link: 
This example demonstrates a good format for a link that is embedded within a paragraph of text within a document such as a memo or on a web page.

For additional information, visit the Guidance on APPR Law and Regulations page.

Preferred Example – Multiple Links: 
This format can be used if you have a list of resources.

Downloadable Resources:

Avoid: For additional guidance on APPR laws and regulations click here.

Avoid: For additional guidance on APPR laws and regulations, please see https://www.engageny.org/resource/guidance-on-new-york-s-annual-professional-performance-review-law-and-regulations.

Please Note: If, after reviewing these tools, you still have questions about the web accessibility procedures, you may contact your Web Content Manager or the SED Help Desk. You may also submit your question to the NYSED Web Accessibility Support Forum.