Links and Hypertext

• WebAIM highlights that making hypertext links accessible is a fundamental and essential part of web accessibility.
• WCAG 2.0 Guideline 2.4.4 (level A) - The purpose of each link should be clear from the link text alone or, if needed, combined with the surrounding context. This applies unless the link’s purpose would be confusing for most users.

Avoid These Link Words and Phrases

• Don't use click here to register for classes, instead use: register for classes
• Other words and phrases you should not use as links:
  • here
  • more
  • read more
  • link to (some destination)
  • info

Avoid Using URLs as Links

• Don't use: http://ung.edu/index.php, instead use: UNG home page
• Don't use: For a full schedule, visit http://ung.edu/student-involvement/weeks-of-welcome.php, instead use: For a full schedule, visit our Weeks of Welcome web page

Include Document Type within Link Text

It is a best practice to let your website users know when they select a link that it may lead them to non-HTML resources such as PDF files, Word or Excel documents. To do this you should add the document type within the link. Here is a list of the primary document types used on the UNG website:

• Microsoft Word Document - DOC or DOCX
• Portable Document Format - PDF
• Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet - XLS

Link Examples:

• One Document Type

  • Academic Syllabus (PDF)
  • Registration Form (DOCX)
  • Enrollment Data (XLS)

• Multiple document type - Include a heading

Academic Syllabus

• • 2016 (PDF), 2016 (WORD)
  • 2015 (PDF), 2015 (DOC)

Want to Learn More about Links and Hypertext?

• WebAIM - Introduction to Links and Hypertext
• PENNSTATE - Links on a Web Page
• Sitepoint.com - Making Accessible Links: 15 Golden Rules For Developers