Accessible social media is crucial for fostering inclusivity and ensuring equal participation for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. By implementing accessibility features such as alt text for images, closed captions for videos, and screen reader compatibility, social media platforms can make content more accessible to people with disabilities, including those who are without or have limited vision, without or have limited hearing, without perception of color, or limited reach and strength.
Accessible social media not only enables users with disabilities to engage fully in online interactions but also promotes diversity, equity, and a sense of belonging within the digital community. It reflects a commitment to universal design principles and empowers individuals to share their voices, stories, and experiences on an equal footing, ultimately enriching the social media landscape for everyone.
Resources
Methods, tips, and techniques on how to author and check social media for accessibility.
- Making Twitter Images Accessible
- Social Media and Accessibility: Resources to Know
- Federal Social Media Accessibility Toolkit Hackpad
- 5 Myths About Social Media Accessibility
- Making Social Media More Accessible - DigitalGov University video
- Accessing Social Media - Recorded training session from the FCC
Reviewed/Updated: May 2024