{"id":55846,"date":"2026-04-21T16:11:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T20:11:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/?page_id=55846"},"modified":"2026-04-22T11:30:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T15:30:27","slug":"accessibility","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/social-media\/guide\/accessibility\/","title":{"rendered":"Accessibility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Social Media Guide<\/h1>\n\n\n<section class=\"cl-wrapper cl-menu-wrapper\"><nav id=\"\" class=\"cl-menu  \" data-name=\"social-media-guide\" data-show-title=\"0\"><ul id=\"menu-social-media-guide\" class=\"cl-menu-list cl-menu-list-no-js\"><li id=\"menu-item-55844\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-55844\"><a href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/social-media\/guide\/\">Overview<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-55845\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-55845\"><a href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/social-media\/guide\/branding\/\">Branding<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-55848\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-55848\"><a href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/social-media\/guide\/accessibility\/\">Accessibility<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/nav><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading section-title\">Accessibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"type-intro\">The University of Rhode Island is committed to making all social media content inclusive and accessible. Accessible content can be accessed and understood by people with different abilities, including those who use screen readers, have visual impairments, or process information in different ways.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/law-and-regs\/regulations\/title-ii-2010-regulations\/#subpartH#subpart10\">Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)<\/a> and meeting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/WCAG21\/#requirements-for-wcag-2-1\">Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards<\/a>, you can ensure your social media content is equitable and welcoming for all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list toc\">\n<li><a href=\"#alt-text\">Alt text for images<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#text-in-images\">Avoid text in images<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#captions-transcripts\">Captions and transcripts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#colors\">Colors<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#fonts\">Readable fonts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#flashing-content\">Flashing content<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#plain-language\">Use plain language<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#emojis\">Emojis<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#hashtags\">Hashtags<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#qr-codes-and-links\">QR codes and links<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.prod.website-files.com\/61fd76b8aaf78d220469b1c3\/65c2e05f361ea89d0fff3c7f_AS-Checklist.pdf\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>Accessibility checklist<\/h2><p>Double-check your content before posting<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">Download<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/www.canva.com\/design\/DAHDATDmFrQ\/xuthx3E5h_ObKZx1o7o2Lw\/view?utm_content=DAHDATDmFrQ&#038;utm_campaign=designshare&#038;utm_medium=link2&#038;utm_source=uniquelinks&#038;utlId=h4d80e737ad\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>Quick-start Guide<\/h2><p>Learn how to make common social media posts accessible.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">VieW on Canva<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Images and Videos<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alt-text\"><strong>Alt text for images<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Alt text describes images so users with screen readers can understand their meaning.&nbsp;Alt text should be short, clear, and focused on the most important visual details. Use plain language and avoid repeating information already included in the post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid writing \u201cimage of\u201d or \u201cpicture of\u201d unless it\u2019s an illustration or graphic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Do<\/strong>: \u201cThree students talk with an employer at a career fair in the Memorial Union Ballroom.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don&#8217;t<\/strong>: \u201cCareer fair.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Each platform has built-in features to add alt text:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Third-party tools like Hootsuite and Sprout Social support image accessibility in different ways. To learn how each platform supports alt text, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessible-social.com\/images-and-visuals\/platform-image-accessibility\">platform image accessibility<\/a> page from Accessible Social.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, automatically create alt text for images. However, this automatic alt text is often vague and cannot be checked for accuracy, so it does not meet accessibility standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For complex images like charts or infographics, provide a link to a webpage or document that explains the information in detail; or write concise alt text, then include a more detailed image description at the end of your caption.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"text-in-images\"><strong>Avoid text in images<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don\u2019t post flyers meant for print.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include important text in the post caption, rather than in an image. This improves readability and accessibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you add text to an image, keep it short. Include all important information in the alt text or, better yet, in the caption. Important information should also be available on a website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you put text over an image, use a solid background or outline so it\u2019s easier to read.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"captions-transcripts\"><strong>Captions and transcripts for video and audio content<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Include accurate captions for all video content, whether live or prerecorded.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Captions should include spoken words, speaker identification, and meaningful sounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always confirm auto-generated captions are accurate and free from errors prior to posting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer transcripts for audio-only content like podcasts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If a video shows important information, say it out loud in the video or through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.section508.gov\/create\/synchronized-media\/#:~:text=PRO%20TIP:%20When%20producing%20videos,Vintage%20Commercial%20for%20Paper%20Towels\">audio description<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"colors\">Colors<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Text and visuals must have a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for readability. Use URI\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/wordpress\/design\/color\/\">Brand Colors<\/a> page and tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/webaim.org\/resources\/contrastchecker\/?fcolor=FFFFFF&amp;bcolor=002147\">WebAIM<\/a> or Canva\u2019s built in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canva.com\/help\/using-design-accessibility\/\">accessibility checker<\/a> to test your design.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t rely on color alone to show meaning. For example, instead of saying \u201cdates in red are canceled,\u201d use a symbol like an asterisk (*) or another visual cue to show important information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fonts\"><strong>Readable fonts and spacing<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fonts should be simple and legible (e.g., sans-serif fonts like Arial or Lato are preferred)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid small font sizes. 12pt or larger is recommended.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure proper spacing between lines of text and letters for clarity.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid decorative or overly complex fonts that may hinder readability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"flashing-content\"><strong>Flashing content<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do not post content containing any element that flashes more than three times per second.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Writing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"plain-language\"><strong>Use plain language<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Write in clear, simple terms.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid unnecessary jargon, acronyms, or overly technical language.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make your content easy to read by breaking up long paragraphs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid using all caps, alternating upper and lower case letters, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessible-social.com\/copy-and-formatting\/alternative-characters\">decorative fonts<\/a>. Screen readers may not read them correctly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"emojis\"><strong>Emojis<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Excessive emojis disrupt screen readers and reduce readability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use one or two emojis at the end of a sentence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid using emojis as bullet points. Opt for simple dashes instead.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hashtags\"><strong>Hashtags<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use Title Case for hashtags. Capitalize the first letter of each word so they\u2019re easier to read and clearer for screen readers. For example, use #GoRhody instead of #gorhody<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use no more than five hashtags. Put them at the end of the caption.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"qr-codes-and-links\"><strong>QR codes and links<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Avoid using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.section508.gov\/blog\/accessibility-bytes\/qr-codes\/\">QR codes<\/a> on social media, and never as the sole access point to a link. Always provide an accessible link alternative if a QR code is used.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always include meaningful text that explains the link\u2019s purpose and where it goes.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Do<\/strong>: &#8220;View the full Homecoming schedule at the link in our bio.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don&#8217;t<\/strong>: &#8220;Click here for more: [link]&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not include links in Instagram captions, as they are not clickable. Instead, add the link to the bio section of your profile.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Social Media Guide Accessibility The University of Rhode Island is committed to making all social media content inclusive and accessible. Accessible content can be accessed and understood by people with different abilities, including those who use screen readers, have visual impairments, or process information in different ways.&nbsp; By following Title II of the Americans with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1338,"featured_media":0,"parent":54311,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-55846","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/55846","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1338"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55846"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/55846\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55868,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/55846\/revisions\/55868"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/54311"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/external-relations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55846"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}