Keeping Your Emails Accessible: Why It Matters and How to Do It
As businesses and individuals rely more on technology to communicate, email accessibility is becoming an increasingly important topic. When email communication is not accessible, it can prevent people with disabilities from participating in important conversations, accessing important information, and even making purchases or participating in events. In addition, inaccessible emails can also result in legal issues for businesses that are required to comply with disability discrimination laws.
What is Email Accessibility?
Email accessibility means that email content is designed to be easily useable and understandable by all individuals, including those with disabilities. This includes individuals who are visually impaired, hard of hearing, or have cognitive disabilities. When email content is accessible, these individuals can use assistive technology such as screen readers or screen magnifiers to access the information in the email.
Why Is Email Accessibility Important?
Email accessibility is important for several reasons. First, it ensures that people with disabilities can access and participate in important conversations, such as job interviews or business meetings that take place via email. Second, it ensures that people with disabilities can access important information, such as updates on healthcare benefits, emergency alerts, or event invitations. Finally, it ensures that businesses and individuals are in compliance with disability discrimination laws, which can result in legal penalties if they are not followed.
How to Make Your Emails Accessible?
Making your emails accessible is easier than you might think. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind:
1. Use Descriptive Subject Lines
Make sure that the subject line of your email provides a clear and concise summary of the email’s content. This helps visually impaired people who use screen readers to quickly identify the purpose of the email.
2. Use Alt Text for Images
Adding alternative text (alt text) to images in your email helps visually impaired people understand the content of the image even if they can’t see it.
3. Keep Your Message Simple
Simple, straightforward messages that are easy to read and understand are important for all readers, but particularly those with cognitive disabilities.
4. Use Headers and Lists
Using headers and lists can help organizing content, making it easier to understand and navigate. Make sure to also use descriptive text in headers and titles.
5. Test Your Emails for Accessibility
Finally, test your emails for accessibility with a screen reader, enlarger or other assistive technology. This will help you identify areas that need improved accessibility.
Conclusion
Keeping your email content accessible is important for ensuring everyone can access your messages regardless of any disability they have. By following the above tips, you can make your email content more accessible, simpler and clearer, and make sure that it complies with all accessibility regulations.
