10 crucial considerations for making digital content accessible

With a new year ahead of us, and as PR professional across America begin their annual planning, let’s talk about what accessibility is, why we need it, and how we accomplish it in 2022.

As individuals, we often take for granted the usability and accessibility of everyday technologies. With digital services being so woven into our lives, and the pandemic ushering in an era of rapid digital transformation, it’s time we stop ignoring the conversation of accessibility and make a commitment to be more digitally inclusive.

When was the last time you scrolled through Instagram and didn’t think twice about whether or not a picture included alternative text, watched a video on YouTube without needing closed captioning, or designed a website based on brand colors or aesthetics rather than user interface?

Using these technologies without accessibility features means individuals are not afforded the same user experience. As PR professionals, we must be able to reach our targeted audiences effectively. In the same way brands are focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion, we mustn’t forget accessibility. Therefore, accessibility should be a crucial function as we move into a new year.