Creating Inclusive Experiences on the Web

Table of Contents

Iowa’s Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council) offers the following recommendations for inclusive experiences on the web.

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Use People-First Language

People-first language focuses on the person and does not use disability as a defining trait. Unless it’s related to the conversation or content, do not mention the disability. 

However, if you’re speaking to someone who defines themselves specifically - e.g. a person with autism who prefers to be referred to as autistic - you can make exceptions. 

When writing about specific people, ask them for their preferences. For more information visit the National Center on Disability and Journalism Language Style Guide.

Examples of people-first language include:

Instead of

Use

Disabled people

People with disabilities

Wheelchair-bound person

Person who uses a wheelchair

Non-disabled person

Person without a disability

Speech disorder

Person with a speech disability

Special needs

Functional needs

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Use Plain Language

Help people understand what you are trying to say with plain language. Plain language is a style that uses simple sentences, everyday words, and clear structure. Examples of plain language alternatives, and see PlainLanguage.gov for examples:

Instead of

Use

Access

Get

Manage

Do

Utilize

Use

Impacted

Affected

Maximum

Greatest, largest

Necessitate

Cause, need

Other tips when writing for plain language:

  • Keep sentences short. Fewer than 20 words is a good goal.
  • Give each fact or idea its own sentence.
  • Use bullets or numbered lists, where appropriate.
  • Explain acronyms on the first reference.
  • Avoid slang, humor, or colloquialisms that may not be understood across cultures.
  • Use an active voice, not a passive one.
    • Active voice (use): Submit the request form for approval.
    • Passive voice (avoid): The request form must be submitted to the approving official.
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Write at Grade 8 or Below Reading Level

Aim for an 8th-grade reading level or below, if possible. Plain language and lower reading levels makes content accessible and easier to translate.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, more than half of Americans between the ages of 16 and 74 read below a 6th-grade level. Written material should be at a level most of the population can understand, also known as plain language.

Plain language is reader-focused, using an active voice and everyday language. It uses only as many words as necessary.

For many agencies, technical content is hard to cut. But did you know that plain language is actually preferred by people of all education levels? In fact, Nielsen Norman Group has found that even experts and doctorate graduates prefer plain language over jargon.

To learn more about plain language, visit these resources and tools:

Digital.gov: Best Practices for Writing for the Accessible Web - High-level, easy-to-follow tips about how to write accessible, inclusive content online.

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Avoid Directional Language

Because websites are responsive, content changes based on the size of the screen used. Avoid using directional language such as above, below, left, or right. 

  • Non-directional language (use): Select from the following options
  • Directional language (avoid): Select from the options below
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Never use the words “click here” or “learn more.” Instead, use descriptive links. Descriptive links help people understand the context of the link and click before they take action. Describe links that highlight the subject, not the action.

  • Descriptive links (use): Contact our agency for more information about local services.
  • Click here links (avoid): Click here to contact our agency for information about our services.
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