Social Media Accessibility: Empowering Inclusive Engagement

Social Media Accessibility: Empowering Inclusive Engagement

Introduction

Social media is a powerful tool for connection, allowing us to share, communicate, and reach a broad audience instantly. However, accessibility on social media is essential for inclusive communication. As the Digital Accessibility Coordinator for the University of Virginia and a CPACC-certified professional with years of experience in the field, I aim to guide you in creating accessible social media content, empowering you to make inclusive choices that broaden engagement and enhance user experience.

Why Make Social Media Accessible?

Accessibility in social media isn’t just a legal requirement; it's a commitment to inclusivity. Accessible content allows everyone to engage, regardless of their abilities, fostering a more inclusive community and broadening our audience. When content is designed with accessibility in mind, it often becomes clearer and more effective, enhancing overall engagement and making our messaging stronger.

Key Accessibility Guidelines for Social Media Platforms

  1. Emoji and Emoticons
    Emojis have become a universal language on social media, but they pose accessibility challenges. Text-based descriptions of emojis, accessible through Unicode, help screen reader users understand their meaning. Avoid complex emoji designs and overuse; limit the number of emojis in posts and provide information before emojis to maintain clarity. Emoticons, often made of keyboard symbols, should be avoided, as screen readers may not interpret them correctly. For more information on how to use Emojis correctly checkout Emoji's do's and don'ts guide.

  2. Using Hashtags Correctly
    Hashtags are a vital part of social media, but they can hinder accessibility if not formatted properly. Use CamelCase (capitalize the first letter of each word, e.g., #AccessibilityMatters) to make hashtags screen reader-friendly, allowing each word to be read clearly. For examples on and additional information on hashtags here at UVA checkout our our Hashtag section on our Social Media page.

  3. Managing Large Blocks of Text
    Large text blocks can be overwhelming and hard to navigate. Break text into smaller, manageable paragraphs and provide a link for additional information if needed. This structure helps readers engage with your content more effectively.

For more information check out our Social Media Resource Guide.

Platform-Specific Accessibility Features

Each social media platform has unique tools to improve accessibility. Here are some key features for the platforms we’ll cover:

Accessibility Considerations

When planning social media content, consider these core accessibility principles:

  • Use Clear Language: Avoid jargon and complex language. Aim for readability to ensure content is accessible to all.
  • Add Context for Media: Before using visual elements like GIFs or videos, provide context in text. This practice helps individuals who may not have access to visual content engage fully with the material.

Building a Culture of Accessibility

As accessibility advocates, we are partners in this journey. Moving forward, we must create accessible social media content, continuously adapting our approach to meet the evolving needs of our audience. Each effort we make toward accessibility not only strengthens our commitment to inclusivity but also enhances the overall quality and effectiveness of our communication.

Conclusion

Accessible social media content ensures everyone can participate in and benefit from our digital communications. By making small changes, like adding alt-text to images or using CamelCase hashtags, we can make a meaningful impact. Let’s work together to create an inclusive online space for everyone.

For more training or guidance on digital accessibility, please contact the University of Virginia's Digital Accessibility Coordinator for additional support.