Navigation: Just Where is this Link Taking Me?
What is it?
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 defines how to make Web content more accessible to people with disabilities. It is the standard used by the US Federal Government.
2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context): Level A
The purpose of each link can be determined from the link text alone or from the link text together with its programmatically determined link context, except where the purpose of the link would be ambiguous to users in general.
Why is it important?
Using descriptive links is crucial for all learners as they enhance accessibility and comprehension. Descriptive links provide clear context about the content they lead to, allowing students to better understand the relevance and purpose of the information. This improves navigation and helps learners make informed decisions about which resources to explore. Additionally, descriptive links support diverse learning needs, including those of individuals with visual impairments who rely on screen readers. By ensuring that all learners can easily access and engage with content, educators foster a more inclusive and effective learning environment.
Screen Readers and Links
Most screen readers say "link" before each link. For example, a "products" link would be read as "link products" by the JAWS screen reader.
- Recommendation 1: Links do not need to include "link" in the link text, because all users already know that the link is a link.
- Recommendation 2: Links should make sense out of context. Phrases such as "click here," "more," "click for details," and so on are ambiguous when read out of context. At the same time, it would be overkill to ensure that every detail about a link destination is discernible by listening to the link context. Users wouldn't want to hear "Products page on which a list of all of our products are presented, including software products and training products, with a list of prices and availability by region (this page uses the same navigation template as the page you are now on)." Perhaps a better alternative would be a link that simply says "Products page."
- Recommendation 3: Place the distinguishing information of links at the beginning of a link. Don't put extra information first, For example, don't say "Link opens in a new window: Products page." Instead, say "Products page (opens in a new window)" (or something along those lines). This is especially important in this example if several links open in a new window. With the explanatory information first instead of the main information, screen reader users would have to listen to the phrase "link opens in a new window" over and over again. They will have a harder time distinguishing between different links, or at least it will take them longer.
How do I do it?
Highlight the text you are seeking to add a hyperlink to, the right-click (dialog box appears) or select the link icon from the Rich Content Editor (dialog box appears).
Paste in your URL and select Done.
References
Links and hypertext: Introduction to links and hypertext (2025) WebAIM. (Accessed: 04 April 2025).