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Links appear in nearly every online document. They redirect the user to another page with further information. It’s important to tag links properly for assistive technology users, so they know where they are going, and so all users can quickly get to the link destination.
Use Descriptive Text
When including a link in your content in a digital document, use descriptive text. For example, the link should say “Equidox Software,” rather than, “click here.” Often the URL assigned is not descriptive, and without descriptive text, the reader will have no idea where they are being taken if they click the link. Seeing a link that reads “https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-nJPFUYXE1NDFs-UGe3U_4MXv93-X_9HWA1YGKDiQYU” tells the user nothing about where the link is going, whether they are an assistive technology user or not. Additionally, you should ensure that the link works and that it correctly fits the description provided. “Equidox software” should not take you to the main Equidox page, but rather directly to the software page.
Size does matter
Your links should not be attached to tiny objects or only a few letters. Be sure the area that is clickable is large enough for someone with mobility issues, hand tremors, or low vision to perceive and successfully click. This includes desktop and mobile. Mobile apps can have notoriously difficult elements with which to interact. Make sure that that the physical aspect of the link is accessible to everyone as well.
Keep it simple
Flashing content is always ill-advised. It runs a risk of causing seizures in susceptible persons, and it’s distracting for everyone else. Use simple to read, sans serif fonts that everyone accessing your content visually can easily read. It is helpful to define links visually with a blue font and an underline. This is an expected format and helps users quickly find and use links in large areas of content.
Auto-detect links with Equidox
If you are using Equidox to remediate PDFs, links will often be auto-detected and the URL assigned.
To learn more about how to easily remediate PDFs and tag links automatically using Equidox, watch our videos showing Equidox in action!
Tammy Albee
Tammy Albee | Director of Marketing | Equidox Tammy joined Equidox after four years of experience working at the National Federation of the Blind. She firmly maintains that accessibility is about reaching everyone, regardless of ability, and boosting your market share in the process. "Nobody should be barred from accessing information. It's what drives our modern society."