Social Media Accessibility

As a social media manager at UNO, it's essential to create accessible content that complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and follows Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA.

Below are key best practices to ensure your social media posts are inclusive for all users.

Add Alternative Text for Images

• Always include alt text when posting images on platforms that support it (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram).
• Keep descriptions clear and concise, explaining the image’s key details.
• Avoid using “image of” or “photo of” in alt text.

Provide Captions and Transcripts for Videos

• All video content must have accurate captions, whether uploaded natively or shared from another platform.
• If auto-generated captions are used, review and correct errors before posting.
• When possible, provide a full transcript in the post or a linked document.

Use Hashtags and Emojis Thoughtfully

• Capitalize the first letter of each word in multi-word hashtags for screen readers (e.g., #MaverickPride instead of #maverickpride).
• Use emojis sparingly and place them at the end of a sentence, not in the middle.
• Avoid using emojis to replace words (e.g., “📢Join us” should be “Join us 📢”).

Ensure Text Is Readable

• Use plain, clear language and avoid excessive jargon or abbreviations.
• Break up long posts with line breaks or bullet points for easier readability.
• Use high-contrast colors for text in graphics (minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratio).

Make Links Accessible

• Use descriptive link text instead of “Click here” (e.g., “Register for the event” instead of “Click here to register”).
• Shorten long URLs using an accessible URL shortener (e.g., Bitly, TinyURL).

Avoid Relying on Color Alone for Meaning

• Ensure information is not conveyed only through color—use icons, bold text, or patterns for clarity.
• For example, instead of a red “X” for an error, add explainer text.