Integrating accessibility into your content
Co-authors: Erin Perkins and Nailah from The Content Witches
Throughout my life, I, Erin, have become accustomed to constantly adapting and adjusting due to the lack of built-in accessibility. From my earliest memories, I relied on an additional closed caption decoder for those bulky televisions. However, even then, not all shows were captioned. I would search through TV Guide magazine, looking for the CC icon to determine if the show had captions. To make matters worse, captions would often fail to function properly, which understandably would devastate me to no end. Once an episode is aired, it remains a fleeting moment, destined to be lost unless a rerun is granted. Today's generation, however, would never endure such deprivation.
Built-in captions are now available on TVs, but finding the option to activate them isn't always straightforward.
You may be asking, Erin, how does this relate to integrating accessibility into your content? Well, my story is an example of how accessibility has evolved over time and why it’s so important to make sure content is accessible for all viewers. It's easy to take accessibility features like captions for granted now, but they didn't come easily or without a fight from passionate advocates who wanted equal access for those with disabilities.
Building content everyone can use in one place is essential because it allows access to information and services for all individuals, regardless of their abilities, without having to take extra steps. When content is designed with accessibility in mind, it becomes easier for people with disabilities to navigate. It improves the user experience and also creates a more inclusive environment where people feel valued and welcomed!
When it comes to integrating accessibility into your content, consider the diverse range of assistive technology and resources that are available.
What are examples of assistive technology and resources?
Here are a few examples of common assistive technology and resources:
Screen readers
Captions
Transcripts
Speech recognition software
Text-to-Speech software
Braille displays
Colour modification
Need help finding the right tools for making your content more accessible? Check out my list of Accessibility Tools and Apps.
What is a non-integrated experience?
Non-integrated experiences refer to situations where:
Accessibility features are added to an existing platform or website rather than being incorporated into the design process from the beginning.
Hiding content from screen readers.
Ignoring keyboard navigation.
Not providing alt text for images or other media.
Poor color contrast, making it difficult to read.
Assistive resources only available on request.
Having to leave the platform to gain access.
This approach creates a disconnected and often ineffective user experience for people with disabilities. Non-integrated experiences can lead to inconsistent navigation, confusing layout, and difficulty in accessing important information.
Why should you create an integrated experience?
When we create an integrated experience, one where everyone can access content on the same page and space, not only are you creating a space for belonging but creating a whole host of other benefits:
More people can access your content
If people have to leave your content spaces, for example, to go to a third-party podcast app, it’s up to a third party to apply (or more often than not, not apply) accessibility requirements.
Repurposing content
Creating multiple ways to access your content means it’s easier to repurpose the content later, cutting down on content creation time and making your content go even further.
Keeping users engaged
People want content that isn’t a hassle to access. By making it easy to access your content, chances are, people will stay on your website a lot longer and consume even more of your awesome content.
3 Ways To Create A More Integrative Experience In Your Content
#1: Podcasts
Create a blog version so transcripts and audio are in one place. Need a free transcription tool? Try Tactiq, a free browser-based transcription plugin.
Use an accessible player e,g. ScreenPal or AblePlayer
Edit transcripts for grammar and clarity.
Incorporate accessibility into your marketing and promotion. For example, adding captions, image descriptions, and alt text to your promotional materials. When you include these, it’ll attract individuals with disabilities.
#2: Online Courses
Incorporate accessible design principles into your creation process (color contrast, properly labeled images and videos, etc.).
Offer alternative formats of course materials such as transcripts, audio descriptions, closed captions, and written versions.
Provide clear instructions for all activities and assignments.
Have a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate which includes simple menus, clear labeling, and consistent design.
#3: Websites
Use descriptive headings and labels.
Ensure color contrast. Try Colour Contrast Checker to test your contrast.
Provide alt text for images.
Use live text so it's navigable by keyboard and screen readers.
Include all assistive resources on a single page.
Don’t rely on third-party apps like accessibility overlays.
Are you ready to create an integrated, accessible experience for your business?
Here are some steps to help you get started:
Start by committing to accessibility today.
Take small, impactful steps.
Reap the rewards of being a business that has created an integrated, accessible experience.
Make specific content goals to help you to take action on making more accessible content.
Add accessibility to your content creation process. For example, create a blog/social media caption template on Google Docs and add fields for alt text and image descriptions.
Create content in multiple formats so your audience can access content in the forms that work best for them.
Want even more support? Join Successible!*
Successible will help you:
Jumpstart your accessibility journey.
Improve immediately with bite-sized tips.
Meet other inclusive business owners.
Get guidance from an accessibility pro.
Showcase to the world that you’re committed to creating a welcoming and accessible environment.
Join Nailah and Erin in Successible!*
*Affiliate link for Nailiah at no extra cost to you!
About Nailah and The Content Witches
Nailah King (she/her), Founder & Storytelling Strategist
I’m a Storytelling Strategist and founder of The Content Witches who works with conscious leaders to help them translate their unique impact into client success through conscientious storytelling.
I believe that you can enrich and support your audience and grow a thriving business by communicating purposefully, respectfully, and in a non-discriminatory way.
I have helped bring clarity, provided actionable comprehensive feedback, and crafted copy that has converted leads into aligned clients for talented changemakers making a big impact.
When I’m not crafting compelling stories for my clients, you can find me reading, writing a horror story or two, and working on my first full-length work (yes, finally).
