Click with Clarity: Descriptive Links
Summary: Descriptive links clearly communicate the purpose or destination of a link, making navigation easier for all users.
Who it helps: Users who rely on screen readers, neurodivergent learners, and individuals with cognitive and visual processing disabilities.
Additional benefits: Improves usability for all, including those who scan content quickly, using mobile devices, or anyone who benefits from clear and concise instructions
Links are an essential part of digital content, but users who rely on screen readers often navigate by links alone. Non-descriptive links such as “click here” or “learn more” do not provide enough context for these users. Many people with cognitive disabilities also cannot understand the purpose of these links. Using descriptive links ensures that every user knows what to expect when they follow a link. Learn more about accessible link practices from Link Text (ta11y).
Creating Descriptive Links is simple. Focus on clearly communicating the destination or purpose.
Be specific. (e.g. Download the Week 3 Math Worksheet)
Keep it concise. Avoid long complicated link text.
For example: Download the Week 3 Math Worksheet
Instead of: Click here to download the Week 3 Math worksheet for students to complete at home.
Include context. Make sure the surrounding text supports the link so users know why it is relevant.
For example: Students should review the materials before Friday’s quiz. Download the Week 3 Math Worksheet to practice the skills we covered in class
Instead of: Download the Week 3 Math Worksheet
Remember to include information for links attached to images and other visual links. If an image serves as a link, make sure it includes descriptive alt-text that conveys that link’s purpose. For example, an image of the worksheet that links to the sheet could include alt text that says ”Download the Week 3 Math worksheet” Learn more about creating accessible images from Images that Convey Content (ta11y).
Actionable Item: Review one of your documents or another piece of content that has hyperlinks. Replace any vague hyperlinks such as “click here” with clear, descriptive text and make sure image links have meaningful alt text. This can be completed very quickly and immediately improves accessibility