Social Media

• Add alternative text to every image
  Alt text should briefly describe the image's content and purpose. Keep it concise and relevant.  See United States Access Board Facebook posts and U.S. Access Board X posts.
• Use alternative text workarounds
  Where platforms do not support alt text on images, see NASA Instagram posts and National Park Service Instagram posts for alternative text examples.
• Describe text in images
  If an image contains important text (e.g., a flyer or infographic), include that text in the alt description or post caption. If there is not enough room, link out to the longer description or event (e.g., calendar post). Otherwise, use a text-first strategy, or avoid text-heavy graphics where possible.
• Use meaningful file names
  When uploading images, use descriptive file names (e.g., islander-launch-flyer.jpg) to support accessibility and searchability.
• Ensure good contrast and font readability
  Use high-contrast colors and legible fonts. Avoid placing text over busy backgrounds.

• Use descriptive link text
  Example: "View the schedule" instead of "Click here".
• Avoid long URLs in post text
  Use short URLs where the web address cannot be hidden behind link text or remove URLs where link previews are available.

• Provide transcripts
  Every podcast episode or audio clip should be accompanied by a full transcript that includes speaker names, spoken content, and relevant sound cues (e.g., [music], [laughter], [applause]).
• Use clear audio quality
  Ensure recordings are free of background noise and use clear, consistent speech. This benefits not only people with hearing impairments but also those using assistive listening devices.
• Avoid overlapping voices
  When multiple speakers are present, avoid talking over one another. This improves clarity for all listeners and makes transcription easier.
• Include descriptive introductions
  Start episodes with a brief overview of the content, speakers, and any accessibility features (e.g., "This episode includes a full transcript available at…").

Pre-recorded videos

• Include accurate captions
  Captions must reflect all spoken content and relevant sounds (e.g., [applause], [music], [laughter]). Avoid relying solely on auto-generated captions unless they are reviewed and corrected for accuracy.
• Provide audio descriptions
  For videos with important visual content (e.g., charts, gestures, on-screen text), include audio descriptions within the video (recommended) or a separate version with narration that describes visual elements.
• Use high contrast and clear fonts
  Ensure any on-screen text is easy to read with sufficient contrast and a legible font size.
• Avoid flashing or strobing effects
  Flashing content can trigger seizures in individuals with photosensitive epilepsy. Follow WCAG guidelines to avoid rapid flashing.
• Include a transcript
  Provide a full transcript of the video that includes dialogue, sound effects, and visual descriptions. This benefits users who prefer reading or use screen readers.
• Host on accessible platforms
  Use platforms that support captioning, transcripts, and keyboard navigation (e.g., YouTube with accessibility features enabled).

Live broadcasts

Examples: Facebook Live, Instagram Live, YouTube Live

• Enable live captioning
  Use live captioning services or platforms that support real-time captions (e.g., CART services). If automated captions are used, monitor for accuracy and correct errors post-event.
• Announce accessibility features
  At the beginning of the broadcast, let viewers know if captions, transcripts, or audio descriptions are available and where to find them.
• Provide a post-event transcript or captioned recording
  After the live event, upload a captioned version and a transcript to ensure ongoing accessibility.
• Describe visuals verbally
  During the broadcast, narrators or hosts should describe key visual elements for blind or low-vision viewers (e.g., "Behind me is the Islander Pavilion filled with students in blue shirts").
• Avoid background noise and music overlap
  Ensure speakers are clearly audible and avoid music or sound effects that interfere with speech clarity.

• Use emojis sparingly and place them at the end of posts
  Limit emoji use to one or two per post, and avoid placing them in the middle of sentences where they interrupt meaning. Placing them at the end prevents misinterpretations.
• Avoid emoji chains and use emojis with clear meaning
  Long strings of emojis can be confusing and frustrating for screen reader users. Choose emojis that reinforce the message visually and contextually, not just for decoration.
• Use camel case for multi-word hashtags
  Capitalize the first letter of each word to improve readability (e.g., #GoIslanders not #goislanders).

• Use plain language
  Avoid jargon, acronyms, or overly technical terms unless they are clearly explained. This helps users with cognitive disabilities and those unfamiliar with university terminology.
• Break up long text
  Use short paragraphs, bullet points, or numbered lists to make content easier to scan and understand.
• Avoid all caps and excessive punctuation
  Text in all caps can be harder to read and may be interpreted as shouting. Limit the use of symbols like “!!!” or “~~~” which can confuse screen readers.
• Ensure good color contrast
  Text should be easy to read against its background, especially in graphics or images. Use high-contrast combinations and avoid placing text over busy visuals.
• Use descriptive link text
  Instead of "Click here," describe the destination (e.g., "Download the Islander Launch Schedule"). This helps users understand where the link leads.
• Make documents accessible before posting
  Ensure Word files and other linked documents use proper heading structure, alt text for images, readable fonts, and tagged elements for screen reader navigation. Where possible, convert PDF documents to these other more accessible formats.
• Avoid scanned images of text
  Scanned documents are often unreadable by assistive technologies. Use text-based formats whenever possible.
• Use accessibility checkers
  Run tools like Microsoft Word’s Accessibility Checker or Adobe Acrobat’s accessibility features to identify and fix issues before sharing documents.

• Agorapulse: How do I add alt-text?
• Agorapulse: How to Use Alt Text to Optimize Social Images and Win More Search Visibility
• Agorapulse: Can I add subtitles to my videos?

• Hootsuite: Accessibility
• Hootsuite: Social Media Accessibility: Inclusive Design Tips for 2024

• Sprout Social: 9 guidelines to make social media posts more accessible
• Sprout Social: Accessibility
• Sprout Social: How do I use Generate by AI Assist?
• Sprout Social: Content accessibility should always be top of mind. [Instagram]

• Facebook: Accessibility Page
• Facebook: Accessibility for People with Disabilities
• Facebook: How to Make Your Facebook or Instagram Posts More Accessible

• Instagram: How do I use a screen reader for Instagram?
• Instagram: Improved Accessibility Through Alternative Text Support
• Example profiles showcasing alternative text in post descriptions
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  • Western Washington University

• Pinterest Takes Steps Toward Accessibility

• X: Accessibility
• Twitter: How to make images accessible for people
• Accessible Social: Good Alt Text

• YouTube: Manage accessibility settings

• Accessible Social
• W3C WAI Tips: Use headings to convey meaning and structure
• W3C WAI Tips: Make link text meaningful
• W3C WAI Tips: Write meaningful text alternatives for images
• W3C WAI Tips: Provide clear instructions
• W3C WAI Tips: Keep content clear and concise
• W3C WAI Tips: Provide sufficient contrast between foreground and background
• W3C WAI Tips: Don’t use color alone to convey information
• W3C WAI Tips: Ensure that interactive elements are easy to identify
• W3C WAI Tips: Ensure that form elements include clearly associated labels
• W3C WAI Tips: Include image and media alternatives in your design
• W3C WAI Tips: Include alternative text for images
• Section 508 Best Practices Webinar in Archives: Essential Strategies for Creating Accessible Social Media Content
• Digital Gov: Federal Social Media Accessibility Toolkit Hackpad

• WCAG 2.1 Guideline 1.1 - Text Alternatives
• WCAG 2.1 Guideline 1.3 - Adaptable
• WCAG 2.1 Guideline 1.4 - Distinguishable
• WCAG 2.1 Guideline 2.4 - Navigable
• WCAG 2.1 Guideline 3.2 - Predictable

• Tommy Edison: How Blind People Use Instagram
• Tommy Edison: How Blind People Use Facebook on the iPhone 4S
• Tommy Edison: How Blind People Use YouTube & Twitter on the iPhone