Accessible links are crucial for making web pages and documents usable by everyone, including people using screen readers. Follow these simple rules:
Key Guidelines
- Use clear, descriptive link text.
Make sure the link text explains where it goes, even if read alone. Avoid vague phrases like “click here” or “read more.” Keep link text under 100 characters. - Don’t use ALL CAPS for links.
All-caps are harder to read and can confuse screen readers. - Don’t use raw URLs as link text.
Long web addresses are hard for screen readers. Use descriptive text instead (e.g., “Missouri Department of Education website”). - Don’t include the word “link” in your link text.
Screen readers already announce links, so it’s redundant. - Avoid tooltips or screentips for extra info.
Tooltips are often inaccessible and may not work for all users. Put important info in the visible link text instead.
Examples
Accessible Example:
For information on Missouri’s web accessibility policies, visit the Missouri Accessibility page.
Inaccessible Example (to avoid):
For details on Missouri’s web accessibility, click here.
Or: For more information, see https://www.mo.gov/accessibility/
For Printed Documents
If your document will be printed, you can put the URL in parentheses after the link text, but don’t make it a clickable link (so screen readers won’t read it letter by letter).
In summary:
Use short, clear, descriptive text for links. Avoid all-caps, raw URLs, the word “link,” and tooltips. For printed materials, show the URL in plain text after the link.