Links connect learners to instructions, resources, assignments, and support. Clear, descriptive link text and predictable behavior help all readers including those using screen readers or keyboard navigation—find what they need quickly.
Students and families scan for next steps. When a link says exactly where it goes and behaves the way readers expect, fewer students get lost in your LMS or handouts. Accessible links also support screen‑reader users (who can list links out of context) and keyboard‑only users (who need visible focus and logical order). This aligns with Nebraska districts’ responsibilities under ADA/Section 504.
Make the purpose clear: Link text should describe the destination or action (e.g., “Submit Lab 3” or “Download Algebra II syllabus (PDF, 2 pages)”).
Avoid vague text: Don’t use “click here,” “read more,” or bare URLs.
Keep it short: Aim for 2–7 meaningful words when possible.
Use consistent cues: Underline links (or add another non‑color cue) and ensure color contrast meets accessibility guidance.
One idea per link: Don’t combine multiple destinations into a single link.
Predictable behavior: Let links open in the same tab by default; warn users if a link opens a new tab/window or triggers a download.
Keyboard‑friendly: Links must be reachable in a logical tab order and show a clear focus indicator.
Canvas (LMS): Use the Link tool in the Rich Content Editor; avoid pasting long URLs. Use Accessibility Checker to catch issues and confirm headings/lists. For buttons, use Canvas Buttons (or styled links) with action labels.
Google Docs: Insert → Link → add descriptive text; use Headings + a Table of contents for long docs. For print versions, consider including a short URL.
Google Slides: Make text or shapes into links with Insert → Link; ensure the linked text is descriptive and the link is underlined. Confirm reading order for keyboard navigation.
Web pages / Site builders: Use meaningful link text; ensure default styles include underline and visible focus. Avoid forcing all external links to open in new tabs.
Link text describes the destination or action.
No “click here/learn more” or bare URLs in digital documents.
Underlined or otherwise visually distinct from surrounding text.
Color contrast: Link text meets text contrast against background; if color alone differentiates links, ensure additional cues on hover/focus and a strong color contrast from body text.
Focus indicator is obvious and keyboard tab order is logical.
File type/size noted for downloads when helpful.
Links to external sites or new tabs are disclosed.
Duplicate link text on the same page points to the same URL.
Open a current LMS page, slide deck, and handout.
Rewrite vague links with descriptive text.
Add file type/size to downloads.
Check keyboard tab order and visible focus.
Remove bare URLs (or move them to a print appendix).
WebAIM on Links & Hypertext
This guide explains how to create accessible hyperlinks, covering topics like keyboard access, link
text clarity, avoiding empty links, and best practices for hypertext.
Descriptive Links & Hypertext — Section 508 / US General Services Administration
This “Accessibility Bytes” post emphasizes the importance of using meaningful link text rather than
vague calls to action, and offers guidance on how to make hyperlinks clear and usable in accessible
content.
This page adapts and builds on content from the Nebraska ESU Coordinating Council's Accessibility in Schools site and related resources, and is shared under a Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 4.0) license.