Provide a pronunciation for words that are spelt the same, but mean different things when pronounced in different ways.
Accessibility
A series on accessibility topics for web writers. Covers the accessibility guidelines for text, images and PDF documents; using free tools to evaluate the accessibility of content.
Most recent articles
Pronunciation – accessibility for web writers
Reading level – accessibility for web writers
The accessibility guidelines require grade 9 readability for content. Otherwise we should provide supplementary content (visuals, for example), or an easy-to-read summary.
Abbreviations – accessibility for web writers
The accessibility guidelines require we expand or define any abbreviations in our content. Often it’s even better to avoid using abbreviations, especially acronyms and initialisms.
Unusual words – accessibility for web writers
The accessibility guidelines require that we explain or define any jargon, idioms or unusual words in our content. Often it’s even better to avoid using those words.
Language of parts – accessibility for web writers
If you use foreign language words or phrases in your content, you need to identify the foreign language using the lang attribute.
Section headings – accessibility for web writers
Use headings to organise the sections or topics within an article or document. Headings break content into more manageable chunks, making a page or topic easier to understand.
Headings and labels – accessibility for web writers
Write descriptive headings, sub-headings and labels. This will help users understand what your content is about, decide if it is relevant and go directly to the information they are looking for.
Link purpose – accessibility for web writers
Write links that clearly describe their purpose or content. Meaningful links are vital for making content more accessible to people with disabilities.
Page titles – accessibility for web writers
Write a descriptive title for your web pages and any documents you publish online. You’ll help people find your content if your title is meaningful to them.
Change on request – accessibility for web writers
Avoid opening links in new windows. If you must, include a warning within the link.
Images of text – accessibility for web writers
Use styled text rather than an image of text wherever it’s technically possible. An image of text is allowed when users can customise the text style or an image is essential.
Contrast – accessibility for web writers
Use colours that offer a sufficient contrast ratio between text and background colours, unless the text is decorative, incidental or part of a logo.
3 flashes or below threshold – accessibility for web writers
Don’t use images that flash more than three times per second unless the colours are dim enough to reduce the likelihood of causing a seizure.
Colour – accessibility for web writers
Don’t use colour alone to convey information because not everyone has normal colour vision. For most web writers, this means being careful about choosing images. But you may also need to be careful about applying colour to text.
Sensory characteristics – accessibility for web writers
Don’t write instructions that rely on things that can only be seen (shape, size, screen location, orientation) or heard. If you do, some of your users won’t be able to follow your instructions.