Issue/Question
Title II ADA Compliance: Links
Why is it Important?
- Helps users understand link purpose, especially with screen readers.
- Improves accessibility and user trust.
- Enhances search engine optimization and usability.
Environment
- Use links in any digital content where users need to access additional resources, documents, or websites.
Cause
Title II ADA Compliance
Resolution
How To Use It
Insert hyperlinks with descriptive text that clearly indicates the destination or purpose. Avoid using vague phrases like "Click here," "more information," and "email."
Assistive technology, such as a screen reader, can search for all hyperlinks on a page.
- Make hyperlink text descriptive and meaningful so it makes sense out of its context.
- If a link is short and easy to understand, such as google.com or bhsu.edu, raw URL text is acceptable.
- When hyperlinking an image, provide both a description of the image and the destination of the link in the alternative text.
- Set hyperlinks to open in a new tab so the user's place in the current page is not lost.
Example
Instead of writing "click here for best practice tips" or using the raw URL text use descriptive text like "Best Practice Tips"
Tips for Checking Accessibility
Hover over links to ensure the text clearly describes the destination.
For additional information visit the links below:
Descriptive Links and Hypertext
Best Practices for Hyperlink Accessibility