How can you use content management to improve accessibility in digital products?

1 Understand accessibility standards and guidelines

The first step to improve accessibility is to understand the standards and guidelines that apply to your digital products. The most widely recognized and adopted standard is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide a set of principles and criteria for making web content accessible to people with disabilities. The WCAG covers four aspects of accessibility: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. You can use the WCAG as a reference and a checklist to evaluate and improve your content. You can also consult other sources of guidance, such as the ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) specification, which provides techniques and best practices for enhancing the accessibility of web applications.

2 Use content management tools and features

The second step to improve accessibility is to use the content management tools and features that can help you create and deliver accessible content. For example, you can use a content management system (CMS) that supports accessibility features, such as semantic markup, alt text, captions, transcripts, headings, lists, tables, and forms. You can also use a CMS that allows you to customize and optimize your content for different devices, screen sizes, and browsers. You can also use a CMS that integrates with accessibility testing tools, such as validators, checkers, and simulators, that can help you identify and fix accessibility issues in your content.

3 Apply accessibility principles and techniques

The third step to improve accessibility is to apply the accessibility principles and techniques that can make your content more inclusive and user-friendly. For example, you can use clear and concise language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and provide definitions and explanations for technical terms. You can also use consistent and logical structure, navigation, and layout, and provide multiple ways to access and interact with your content. You can also use contrast, color, and font size to enhance readability and visibility, and avoid relying on color alone to convey meaning. You can also use multimedia content, such as images, audio, and video, to enrich and diversify your content, but make sure to provide alternative text, captions, transcripts, and descriptions for them.

4 Test and evaluate your content

The fourth step to improve accessibility is to test and evaluate your content with different tools, methods, and perspectives. For example, you can use automated tools, such as validators, checkers, and simulators, to scan and analyze your content for accessibility errors and warnings. You can also use manual methods, such as keyboard navigation, zooming, resizing, and changing settings, to check how your content behaves and responds to different user inputs and preferences. You can also use assistive technologies, such as screen readers, magnifiers, and voice control, to experience how your content is perceived and operated by people with disabilities. You can also involve real users, especially people with disabilities, in your testing and evaluation process, and collect their feedback and suggestions for improvement.

5 Learn and improve continuously

The fifth step to improve accessibility is to learn and improve continuously. Accessibility is not a one-time task, but an ongoing process that requires constant learning and improvement. You can keep yourself updated with the latest accessibility standards, guidelines, and trends, and learn from the best practices and examples of other content creators and developers. You can also monitor and measure the performance and impact of your content, and identify the areas and opportunities for improvement. You can also seek and share feedback and ideas with your colleagues, clients, and users, and collaborate with them to create and deliver more accessible and engaging content.

6 Benefits of accessibility for content management

The sixth step to improve accessibility is to recognize and appreciate the benefits of accessibility for content management. Accessibility is not only a legal and ethical responsibility, but also a competitive advantage and a source of innovation. By making your content accessible, you can reach and serve a wider and more diverse audience, and increase your customer satisfaction and loyalty. You can also improve your content quality, usability, and SEO, and enhance your brand reputation and credibility. You can also foster a culture of inclusion and diversity, and create a positive social impact.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?