This Holiday Season, Unlock the Gift of Accessible Digital Communications

With the holidays quickly approaching, we are getting ready to spread joy and warmth through emails, videos, and digital greetings.

But before you hit “send” on any holiday email or heart-warming video, make sure you share the gift of accessible digital communications by applying the following:

1. A Dash of Colour with a Colour Contrast Analyzer

Colour is an important part of the holiday season. Use a colour contrast analyzer to ensure that the text in your messages and visuals is easy to read against its background.

Need a colour contrast analyzer? Obtain it from the Application Catalogue or submit a request through the National Service Desk.

2. Deck the Digital Halls With Alt Text

Banners, pictures, and decorations add a festive touch. Adding Alt text ensures that people using screen readers can understand the content and context of your images.

Alt text should be a maximum of 140 characters. If your image requires a more detailed explanation, provide a longer description in addition to the concise alt text.

3. Give the Gift of Language with Navigation and Proofing

Let’s make sure our workplace communications are inclusive in both official languages:

Navigation: Use “English Follows the French” in your communications, so readers can quickly access their preferred language. Here is how to add hyperlinks within the same document.

Proofing: Accurate proofing in each official language ensures your messages are clear and error-free. To set the proofing language, open your document in any Microsoft 365 app. Go to Review  > Language  > Set Proofing Language.

4. Add a Finishing Touch With Accessible Font Style and Size

Your choice of font style and size can significantly impact readability. Use easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Calibri. Your text should be at least 12 points. In addition, leave some extra space between lines (1.5 line spacing) to enhance readability.

The IT Accessibility Office (ITAO) Holiday Cheer Squad is Here to Help

Need a little boost to make your digital communications accessible? The ITAO Holiday Cheer Squad is just a click away. Use the Request Management Tool or send an inquiry to edsc.ti-it.a11y.esdc@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca to connect with our team.

Happy holidays to you and your loved ones. All the best for the New Year!