Creating Links for Accessibility
Ensure your links are accessible
The words "click here" do not provide meaning to the screen readers used by the visually-impaired. Additionally, although not non-compliant, writing out URLs does not provide a good user-experience - the screen reader will read off the URL letter-by-letter.
It is best practice that links use descriptive text; using precise wording allows the users to get a clear idea of the content at the link destination.
- Example: For more information, visit the CITS help page
- Not: Visit www.umassd.edu/cits/help/ for more information
- Not: Click here for more information
In the event that a URL must be written out, try to provide a shortened URL that also indicates where the link is pointing, and then hyperlink to the full page.
- Eg. To see accreditation award recipients, visit
- Rather than: To see accreditation award recipients, visit
When referencing a URL in print, try to use the shortest possible URL. Confirm that the URL works before going to print.