Impact
Using descriptive text in links helps people with dyslexia, cognitive disabilities and people who rely on screen readers to scan for important content.
Well-defined links also make content more discoverable and easier to navigate for all.
How to
Be descriptive
- Write link text so that it describes the content of the link target. The purpose of the link should be clearly displayed.
- Avoid using link text like, ‘click here’ or ‘read more’.
- Links should make sense out of context since tabbing from link to link is a way of skimming content with a screen reader. Use phrases like, “Chat with an agent”, “Services and resources”, or “Sign up to receive our newsletter.”
- Note the document type in the link, for example, ‘Proposal Documents (PDF)’.
Resources for State of Colorado Agencies
Siteimprove: Siteimprove’s software helps to improve State website usability and accessibility by automating the process of finding errors and problems. Siteimprove alone will not make websites accessible but is part of a holistic approach to managing web services.
For questions about using Siteimprove or Siteimprove Academy, please contact Theresa Montano, OIT Solutions Architect of Accessibility at theresa.montano@state.co.us.
Don't have access to Siteimprove? Use these free browser extensions:
- WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool, WebAIM
- Siteimprove Browser Extensions (Chrome and Firefox), Siteimprove
- Selecting Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools, W3C
Siteimprove Academy, Siteimprove (Requires a login)
To request accessibility testing:
- Open a ticket through the OIT Customer Service Portal
- Contact your agency IT Portfolio Manager or IT Director