Link to previous pageLink to home pageLink to next page

Designing Accessible Web Pages

Use the clearest and simplest language appropriate for a site's content.
 

Using clear and simple language promotes communication. Access to written information can be difficult for people who have cognitive or learning difficulties. Using clear and simple language also benefits people whose first language differs from your own, including those who communicate primarily in sign language.

Techniques:

  1. Strive for clear and accurate headings and link descriptions. Link phrases should be brief and make sense when read out of context or as a part of a series of links. Headings should be informative so that users can scan a page quickly for information.
  2. State the topic of the sentence or paragraph at the beginning.
  3. Limit each paragraph to one main idea.
  4. Avoid slang, jargon, and specialized meanings of familiar words, unless defined within your document.
  5. Favor words that are commonly used. For example, use "begin" rather than "commence."
  6. Use active rather than passive verbs.
  7. Avoid complex sentence structures.
Example of clear and simple language