Accessibility and inclusion

This page explains how we make sure everyone, no matter their abilities or backgrounds, can easily use and enjoy our content. We're committed to creating a website that's welcoming to all, especially those who depend on these features.

Guidelines

We strive to make our content accessible for individuals using screen readers, keyboard navigation, Braille interfaces, and more. When writing, always consider: 

• Are headings and subheadings used effectively to organize and explain content?

• Is the font size and spacing comfortable for reading, especially for people with visual impairments?

• Is the language used culturally sensitive and inclusive?

Use plain English 

Use simple and clear language to make your message easy to understand. Try using words like 'you,' 'we,' and 'they' to make it relatable, and pick everyday words that are familiar. Sarah Winters, a Content Designer, puts it this way: "Plain language isn't just about avoiding jargon; it's about using clear language that your audience understands."

Choose short words 

Choose easy and short words not formal, long ones. Write for the reading comprehension of a 9-year-old. This helps your content reach the most users. It also makes your content easier to scan.

Care for your audience - keep sentences short

If you write clearly with short sentences, good structure, and plain language you are helping people with:

• Time pressures: simply written content is easier to scan and absorb

• Stress: when anxious it's harder to comprehend things

• Multi-tasking: it's harder to comprehend convoluted content

• Cognitive impairments: simple sentences carry less cognitive load

• Visual impairments: clear, concise copy is shorter to read

• Motor impairments: clear, concise content needs less navigation

Organize your content

Create a content structure with the most important details upfront. Group related topics in paragraphs and use clear headings to help users distinguish different subjects.

Stay away from jargon

Skip jargon and buzzwords. They're usually unclear and vague, leading to confusion. Instead, explain what you mean using straightforward and specific words.

Use an active voice

Write conversationally, in first person, using an active voice. Picture your audience and write as if you were talking directly to them, with the authority of someone who can help and inform.

Add text for screen readers

Add hidden text for screen readers with repeated labels like "Open" on the screen to help users who rely on them understand better.

Add text descriptions to charts and graphs

By putting text descriptions and data tables with charts, you make sure everyone, including those with visual impairments, can understand the information.

Use alt text

Use alt text in your images. This will help make visual content understandable for people who use screen readers or have difficulty seeing.

Include captions and transcripts

Every video must have closed captions or transcripts. Provide English transcripts for Italian documents.

Make text easier to read

Some users may have different visual needs. Make text easier to read by including brighter contrast and colors.

Test your content

Test your content with users. What is clear to you may not be for someone else. Use tools like color contrast checkers, keyboard testing, and built-in screen readers to assess accessibility.

Inclusion

Words carry influence and we want ours to advocate inclusivity for all. To achieve this, we should: 

Write for an international audience

We embrace diversity and seek a global reach that connects us to people around the world. Our content should be:

• Inclusive, considering the perspectives and needs of various cultures.

• Respectful of different beliefs, values, and backgrounds.

• Clear and concise to ensure understanding across languages.

• Culturally sensitive, avoiding stereotypes or potential misunderstandings.

• Aligned with a global context, addressing issues that resonate universally.

Use gender-neutral language

Respect everyone's gender by using inclusive language in general references, without making assumptions about them.  Use the pronouns a person prefers when writing about them. If they use gendered pronouns like "he" or "she," it's okay to use those when discussing them. 

If you're writing in a general way and not about a specific person, use gender-neutral language. It keeps things inclusive and relatable.

Below are a few examples:

Avoid language with racial bias

As we shape our content to reflect an anti-racist stance, let's opt for words that uplift, and avoid those that cause harm or shame to individuals.  Avoid identifying people by race or ethnic group. Use phrases like "members of a minority group" to refer to people from different backgrounds. Don't use words that use an unconscious racial bias such as: 

Focus on people, not disabilities

Steer clear of using pictures or words that leave out those with disabilities. Stay away from phrasing that turns a disability into something negative. Avoid mentioning someone's disability unless it's necessary for your writing. If you do need to bring it up, ask your subject their preferred terms. When writing more broadly, use terms like: 

Age

Mention age only when needed. Use exact numbers instead of vague terms or isolating words. If you have to talk about age, ask the individuals for their preferred terms.