Back to UpdatesGoing Above & Beyond on Accessibility
If you’re an Ovrture user, you’re already ahead of the game when it comes to accessibility. We have built out platform with WCAG standards as a guide, and so your custom instance of Ovrture has already taken care of many technical aspects like font choice, color contrast, and content hierarchy.
However, creating truly accessible content goes beyond these technical solutions. Here’s how you can ensure your Ovrture content is inclusive and accessible to all your donors and stakeholders.
Write Clear, Concise Content
Keep your writing simple and straightforward. Use short sentences and paragraphs. Avoid jargon and complex terminology. If you must use specialized terms, provide clear explanations. This approach not only improves accessibility but also enhances readability for all users.
Provide Alternative Text for Images
While Ovrture prompts you to add alt text to images you upload, it’s up to you to make it meaningful. Describe the purpose and content of the image, not just what it looks like. For example, instead of “Group photo,” try “Board members celebrating successful fundraising gala.” Keep it concise, aiming for 125 characters or less. We like these resources from WebAIM’s Alternative Text Guide Website and A11Y PROJECT’s post if you want to learn more.
Use Descriptive Link Text
Avoid vague phrases like “click here” or “read more.” Instead, use descriptive link text that makes sense out of context. For example, “Learn more about our youth program” is much more informative than “Click here.”
Structure Your Content Logically
Use headings to organize your content in a logical hierarchy. Since your Ovrture system is already designed with H1 for your main title, H2 for major sections, H3 for subsections, and so on, be sure to use these for wayfinding, and don’t skip any header levels. This structure helps screen reader users navigate your content more easily.
Make Your PDFs Accessible
If you’re uploading PDFs to your Ovrture pages, ensure they’re accessible too. Use proper headings, add alt text to images, and include bookmarks for navigation in longer documents.
Caption Your Videos
If you’re embedding videos, make sure they have captions. Some free video hosting platforms offer this. This benefits not only deaf or hard-of-hearing users but also those watching without sound.
Describe Your Data Visualizations
When sharing charts or graphs, provide a text summary of the key information. This ensures that users who can’t see the visualization still understand the important data points. For example, beneath a line graph comparing fundraising goals and actual results: “Line graph comparing fundraising goals (blue line) to actual results (green line) for the past 5 years. The graph shows that we’ve consistently exceeded our goals since 2021. In 2023, our goal was $500,000, but we raised $650,000, surpassing our target by 30%.”
Test Your Content
Finally, review your content as if you were using a screen reader. Does it make sense when read aloud? Are all important elements described textually? Consider using a browser extension like WAVE to score what you built and see where you (or Ovrture) can improve.
Remember, accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating an inclusive experience for all your donors and stakeholders. By following these guidelines, you’re ensuring that everyone can engage with your impactful stories and data, regardless of their abilities.
By making your Ovrture content accessible, you’re not just widening your reach—you’re demonstrating your organization’s commitment to inclusivity and equal access to information. And that’s a powerful message to send to your donors and community.
For more information about Accessibility in digital communications:
- Harvard University’s Digital AccessibilityPage for Content Creators
- Princeton University’s How to Create Accessible Content
- UTS Learner Experience Lab – from the perspective of people who this impacts most
SARAH McALPINE
Account Executive, Client Engagement
SARAH McALPINE
Account Executive, Client Engagement
Sarah provides comprehensive engagement and support to clients to help achieve their Ovrture goals in a spirit of productive fun. She thrives on empowering others to maximize their potential through organized processes and open communication. With a decade of experience in higher education and donor relations (including several years as a former Ovrture client) she knows first-hand the challenge and ultimate payoff of delivering bespoke reports and sites to the donors who fuel an organization’s mission.
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