Web and document accessibility for SERC

Descriptive link text and link behavior

When adding links to web pages or documents, it's important not only to consider the appearance of the link (see color and contrast) but the clarity of the link text. Serckit allows you to make links, but it doesn't control what text you choose for the links. When writing link text consider the following:

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  How will the link text sound to someone using a screen reader? Be clear and concise about where the link will take the user.
• Does the link text make sense out of context?  Often while navigating using a screen reader, users will read from link to link without the surrounding text.
• Avoid non-specific, non-descriptive or redundant link text such as "click here" or "link" or "here."

Example link text

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Consider also that link behavior affects users as well.  When inserting a link on a web page, opening a new window may be unwelcome and should be avoided where possible.  If it is necessary include in the link text, in parentheses "opens in a new window", i.e. "Course Schedule (opens in a new window)."

For more detailed guidance on writing effective link text, visit WebAIM's Link Text and Appearance.