We recommend you start at the top and read the full Accessible Content Guide. However, if you are in a rush, or need a recap - here are some quick "Dos" and "Don'ts" relating to web accessibility guidelines.
DON'T |
DO |
Link |
|---|---|---|
| Copy and paste content directly from Word or existing webpages |
Paste using 'plain text' - CTRL+SHIFT+V |
Copying and pasting |
| Use Headings based on size or how it looks | Use Headings in a logical, hierarchical fashion (e.g. you can only use Heading 3 if you have already used Heading 2, and the new heading is part of that section) | Headings |
| Use Heading 1 on the page (the page title is Heading 1) | Use Heading 2 as your first section on the page | Headings |
| Add a Header format to introductory text to make it stand out | Use bold, or ask Frank Support for a custom format | Headings |
| Assume the Heading set for an accordion is correct | Check where the accordion appears e.g. does the accordion appear within a section that is already Heading 2? If so, the accordion should be set to Heading 3 | Accordions |
| Add images to your site without adding alternative text | Add descriptive, specific alternative text to describe images used in your site | Images |
| Add images with text on them | Create the content in the web editor instead. Or use a combination of the image and a full description of everything that can be seen on the image. | Images |
| Add vague links like, 'for more information click here' | Write the destination of the link clearly into the content, for example 'for more information about the service, visit NHS mental health services' | Links |
| Create telephone links leaving the spaces in the 'phone number' field | Remove the spaces in the 'phone number' field so that the number makes sense to screen readers | Links |
| Force links to open in a new tab (it causes issues for visually impaired users) | Follow gov.uk and NHS.uk best practice by leaving the link as the system default (to open within the existing tab) | Links |
| Copy and paste bullets or numbered lists from Word | Use the bullet and numbered list functions within the web editor | Lists |
| Use different formatting from the examples provided in your designs (this includes colours and fonts, or putting anything format related in the Source code) | Use the formats available in the web editor and displayed in the Content page of the demo area on your site. If you are unsure, or need a new format, contact Frank Support | Formatting |
| Use acronyms or abbreviations | Write words out in full so everyone can understand them | Content writing |
| Write lengthy, wordy content | Write shorter content that is easy to digest. Use sections, lists and tables to break information up. | Content writing |