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Creating Links for Accessibility

Ensure your links are accessible

The words "click here" do not provide meaning to the screen readers used by the visually-impaired. Additionally, although not non-compliant, writing out URLs does not provide a good user-experience - the screen reader will read off the URL letter-by-letter. 

It is best practice that links use descriptive text; using precise wording allows the users to get a clear idea of the content at the link destination. 

  • Example: For more information, visit the CITS help page
  • Not: Visit www.umassd.edu/cits/help/ for more information
  • Not: Click here for more information

In the event that a URL must be written out, try to provide a shortened URL that also indicates where the link is pointing, and then hyperlink to the full page.

When referencing a URL in print, try to use the shortest possible URL. Confirm that the URL works before going to print.