CP 1 – Writing accessible text

Why is this important?

Correctly-coded, well-structured and sensitively-designed digital content is wholly dependent on excellent written content. Without clear, easily understandable information and instructions, users will soon encounter problems understanding or navigating content.

The keys to writing accessible content are:

• creating a helpful structure;

• using clear, simple, familiar language;

• communicating information in sections that are short and to the point;

• giving helpful guidance and instruction;

• providing content in a way that everybody can understand it, regardless of any impairment.

In this section

    • Structure your content to help users scan for key information
    • Use clear and simple language
    • Provide alternatives for images, video and audio content
    • Aim for maximum consistency
    • Style to maximise readability
    • Keep tables and data representation simple
    • Provide meaningful links
    • Provide simple form instructions and feedback

References for this section

WCAG 2.1

    • 1.1.1 Non-text Content (A)
    • 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Pre-recorded) (A)
    • 1.2.2 Captions (Pre-recorded) (A)
    • 1.2.3 Audio Descriptions or Media Alternative (Pre-recorded) (A)
    • 1.2.4 Captions (Live) (A)
    • 1.2.5 Audio Description (Pre-recorded) (AA)
    • 1.2.6 Sign Language (Pre-recorded) (AAA)
    • 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (A)
    • 1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (A)
    • 1.4.1 Use of Colour (A)
    • 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (AA)
    • 1.4.5 Images of Text (AA)
    • 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (A)
    • 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (AA)
    • 2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only) (AAA)
    • 3.1.4 Abbreviations (AAA)
    • 3.1.5 Reading Level (AAA)
    • 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (AA)
    • 3.2.4 Consistent Identification (AA)
    • 3.3.1 Error Identification (A)
    • 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (A)
    • 3.3.3 Error Suggestion (AA)

EN 301 549 v 2.1.2

    • 9.1.1.1 Non-text Content
    • 9.1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Pre-recorded)
    • 9.1.2.2 Captions (Pre-recorded)
    • 9.1.2.3 Audio Descriptions or Media Alternative (Pre-recorded)
    • 9.1.2.4 Captions (Live)
    • 9.1.2.5 Audio Description (Pre-recorded)
    • 9.1.3.1 Info and Relationships
    • 9.1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics
    • 9.1.4.1 Use of Colour
    • 9.1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)
    • 9.1.4.5 Images of Text
    • 9.2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)
    • 9.2.4.6 Headings and Labels
    • 9.3.2.3 Consistent Navigation
    • 9.3.2.4 Consistent Identification
    • 9.3.3.1 Error Identification
    • 9.3.3.2 Labels or Instructions
    • 9.3.3.3 Error Suggestion

Videos

Further reading