D3 - Descriptive Links

How Links Are Handled by Screen Readers

Most screen readers and talking browsers scan a Web page for all the links and then create an alphabetized list of them for the user. Good link text provides a clear description of the page that will load when following a link (so the link is understandable out of context).

Link text that begins with keywords is easier to skim efficiently and works better for alphabetizing. When links begin with nondescriptive words—such as " All about creating accessible web pages Links to an external site." or " Learn how to check the color contrast on a web page Links to an external site. "—skimming is slowed and the alphabetized links list is not useful. A better approach is to use only the keywords for link text: "All about creating accessible web pages Links to an external site." and "Learn how to check the color contrast Links to an external site. on a web page."

Because screen readers typically say "link" before each link, the phrase "click here" is unnecessary, even if it precedes a more meaningful phrase. (We all know what to do with a link, even those of us using screen reader devices. )

While there is no maximum allowable length of link text, keep in mind that long text links are not user-friendly. Alternatively, too short a link (a single letter or very small graphic) can be problematic for users with motor control difficulties to click. For practical purposes, the descriptive link text needs to be long enough to convey the purpose of the link and no longer. 

Examples

Using URLs as Links

In most cases, it's better to use a descriptive phrase rather than the URL. The readable text: Screen Reader Demo is more user-friendly (for both sighted users and screen readers) than the link to watch the video on YouTube, which consists of a 43-character link full of numbers, slashes, and text that is not easy to read: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEbl5jvLKGQ. If the URL is relatively short (such as a site's homepage or a simple email address), the URL may be used as the link text.

Another exception is when you're certain the page will be printed; it's helpful to include the URL (though perhaps not as the live link) so the reader will be able to copy and paste it into their browser, like this: Learn more about gladiolus Links to an external site. [http://www.americanmeadows.com/flower-bulbs/gladiolus-flower-bulbs/all-about-gladiolus]

Formatting Links in the Canvas RCE

1. Highlight a short phrase that describes the destination of the link. (You may need to adjust the wording of the sentence to create a concise, descriptive phrase, as in Appropriate Example 4 above.)
2. Select the link tool in the RCE.
3. From the dropdown, select either External Link (if the resource is outside your Canvas course) or Course Link (if the resource is part of your Canvas course). 
   NOTE: Canvas will automatically set up external links to open in a new tab which is the proper usability protocol.

Be sure to view the content in both tabs.

Links need to be checked visually to ensure the text is appropriately descriptive. Both PopeTech and the WAVE tool can alert to the presence of multiple links with the same text or multiple links leading to the same destination.