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Accessibility
Creating accessible emails means that the content and functionality of an email can be easily
accessed by everyone, regardless of ability. Small changes can have an impact on making your
emails more inclusive and increase readability and performance. We highly recommend you
use templates specifically created for your unit/department. These templates are accessible
and adhere to UNC’s branding guidelines. Here are 11 easy tips for improving accessibility with
your Slate emails:
1. Left-justify your copy, especially for longer sections. The start of a new line acts as a
visual anchor. Keeping the anchor in the same place makes it easier to track copy and
keep it readable.
2. Use a minimum font size of 14 points. Making it 14 points or larger makes it easier to
read, regardless of the screen size. For font, use Tahoma or Arial.
3. Keep the contrast between elements high. Contrast is usually the color of the copy and
its background. For example, the color of the text on a button. If the contrast is too low,
it can be challenging to read for people with low vision. You can use color, font weight
and font size to control contrast. When in doubt, check your contrast with this free
contrast-checking tool by WebAIM. For example, DO NOT use a combination of yellow
and white. Do use a combination of blue and white.
4. Make text links distinct from surrounding text. There is a reason that the default for a
link is underlined blue text. Take care with overriding this styling, especially with the
underline. Removing it makes it difficult for people who are color blind.
5. Make buttons and calls to action large enough with sufficient white space around
them. Doing this makes it easier for people to access your links. And, putting links too
close together can cause accidental link taps and frustrate users.
6. Keep your email layout simple. A clean, simple layout also aids in accessibility. Single-
column layouts are the most effective – they streamline content, reinforce the design
hierarchy and make it easier to adjust across screen sizes and to scan. Use a branded
template provided in Slate by central marcom to ensure a clean layout.
7. Add alternate text to non-text content. Adding alternate or alt text to non-text content,
such as photos and graphics allows the content and function to be read by screen
readers and is displayed in place of the image if the image file is not loaded or users
have chosen not to view images (this often occurs with emails sent to unco.edu). A few
tips when writing alt text: Be accurate in describing the content and function of the
image. Keep it short. Usually, a few words or a short sentence is sufficient. Don’t be
redundant with the text within the context of the image. Don’t add that it is an image or
photograph in the description unless it’s relevant. For UNC logos, the alt tag is:
University of Northern Colorado logo. If you’re interested in learning more about how
and when to use alt text appropriately, WebAim provides a more comprehensive
explanation.
8. Keep language simple. Keep sentences short and easy to understand, so readers can
focus on the content. Also, avoid the use of jargon, abbreviations or insider language.
Readers may not know the meaning of words or phrases we use frequently in our work,