Writing for accessibility

It is important when writing content that it is done with a consideration for accessibility to ensure everyone can understand and perceive that information correctly. We want people to understand the information we provide first time around.

When writing your content use plain English. Communication is in plain English if its wording and structure are so clear that your intended readers can easily read it, understand it and use it. Writing in plain English can help children and adults:

• with literacy issues as 1 in 6 adults in the UK have difficulty reading basic texts
• with reading impairments as 1 in 10 people across the world have dyslexia
• who are not a native speaker of English

Everything you write should be:

• Accessible and readable - the style and tone should be suitable for the target audiences and appropriate structure and layout should be used
• Clear and easy to understand - use plain English in a professional style so that users cannot misunderstand the information
• Concise - no padding, waffle and unintended repetition

Which is easier to read?

1. You can complete the suggested check below to determine if a leak may explain a higher-than-usual water meter reading.
2. If your water-meter reading is higher than usual, you might have a leak. Find out with these easy checks:

The 2nd option is clear and concise. It is easy to understand what steps need to taken.

Some people will use a screen reader to have your content read out to them. When writing content you should:

• Ensure content has clarity by avoiding shortening words and phrases especially when the extra context is needed or useful. 
• The structure is very important, especially for long blocks of text. Make use of headers and concise paragraphs.
• Consider the wording you use as screen reader users won't know where the placement of elements are. Rather than saying "Click the OK button below to continue" say "Next, select OK to continue."
• Avoid using colour to convey a message. Those with colour blindness or no/low vision won't being to take the meaning from the colour used. 

Screen readers will read the text in the order it is set out. Due to this, you need to consider the order in which you put text, especially instructions. For example, if you have a password field that has specific criteria, having that information below the field won't help someone using a screen reader as they'll have not had it read out yet.

People will be interacting with your website using a variety of methods. You should describe the action rather than the behaviour to be inclusive to all users no matter how they interact with your website. Avoid using action-based works such as click and tap. Instead, use choose and select. 

• Structure - Use of heading styles and ensuring heading hierarchy is correct.
• Colour and contrast - Use strong colour contrast between text and background colours. Also, don't use just colour to convey information.
• Use of images - Ensure ALT (alternative) text is used on images.
• Links - Describe your links and never link the words 'click here'. Links should also have good focus and tab order.
• Plain English - Use clear language and avoid jargon.
• Table structure - Use simple tables without merged or split cells.

Everyone can SCULPT accessibility by AbilityNet

Write as if it's a conversation. As we naturally change our tone and level of formality, we can use this as a starting point and tweak where necessary for the medium. Make it sound natural and write in 1st person (if possible) as this is more engaging and feels like a conversation.

Use terms that are familiar to reader and call it what your readers call it to avoid confusion. Avoid jargon and over-formal language.

Which version is more engaging?

1. Anxiety is a natural reaction to threats or fears which could be real or imagined. The heart beats faster and there may be breathlessness. 
2. Anxiety is a natural reaction to threats or fears. These could be real or imagined. When you feel anxious, your heart beats faster and you may feel out of breath.

Option 2 is in a conversation format resulting in them feeling as if they are being spoken to.