Screen reader users often rely on link text to understand where a hyperlink will take them. The use of generic phrases such as “click here” can make navigation difficult for these users, as it does not provide enough information about the link’s destination. Instead, it is recommended to use descriptive link text that clearly explains what the user can expect after clicking.
Additionally, including raw URLs within running text should be avoided because they do not offer meaningful context and may disrupt the reading experience.
Proper spacing and layout are also important for accessibility. Screen readers interpret every blank line or extra space as content, so adding multiple blank returns for visual spacing can result in repeated announcements of “blank” lines. This can make content harder to follow for users who depend on assistive technology.
To address this issue, it is advised not to press Enter repeatedly or use the space bar to align text. Instead, paragraph spacing, margins, or layout tools should be used when formatting documents or web pages. These practices apply across various formats, including emails, Word documents, PDFs, websites, and presentations.
For further guidance on creating accessible links and layouts, resources are available from organizations such as the University of Minnesota ODA and Siteimprove Learning Hub.
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