Social media is all about connection, so why not make your content accessible to everyone? It's crucial to craft social media posts with accessibility in mind because inclusion should be at the forefront of our digital interactions. Ensuring that our content is accessible means reaching a wider audience and making meaningful connections with diverse individuals. ??
- Captions play a vital role in making video content accessible. When a person is speaking in your video, ensure you have captions that are visible and easy to read. The best way to achieve this is by either outlining the text or incorporating a background behind the captions. Not only do captions enhance accessibility, but they also contribute to good design by allowing users to engage with the content regardless of their surroundings or ability to listen. Providing transcripts, when possible, further enhances accessibility, offering an alternative method for consuming the content.
- High-quality audio is essential for ensuring that everyone, including those who are hard of hearing, can fully engage with your content. Clear audio contributes to a positive viewing experience, so invest in good audio equipment and avoid distracting background music. Simple background music without lyrics allows users to focus on the content being shared without unnecessary audio stimuli.
- When it comes to design, smooth transitions are key. Abrupt or overwhelming transitions, as well as flashing effects, can be triggering for some individuals. Furthermore, be mindful of using extremely bright or dark colours, as they can make your content inaccessible to certain audiences.
- Pay attention to colour choices and ensure that graphics have sufficient tonal contrast. People with colour vision deficiency (CVD) may struggle with distinguishing between hues, so aim for clear tonal differences. Avoid colour combinations like red and green, and if necessary, opt for variations with distinct tonal contrast.
- Avoid using text within images whenever possible. Text within images can be difficult to read, especially for individuals using screen readers or with visual impairments. If text in images is unavoidable, provide the information in the caption to ensure accessibility for all users and use large minimal copy. It’s always a good idea to test and view your content on a mobile device because it can look a lot different on a phone vs. a laptop.
By implementing practices such as captions, high-quality audio, thoughtful design, and image considerations, you can ensure that your content is accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or limitations. Let's make social media a space where everyone feels welcome and included. ??
Please consider sharing this article for more awareness on digital accessibility for the upcoming
GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) Foundation
on May 16th.
