Accessibility: Newsletters

Why is this important?

Accessible newsletters make sure your messages reach and engage everyone 鈥 regardless of ability, device or platform. Good accessibility supports clarity and comprehension while meeting legal standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508.

How to Use It
When to use it

Use accessible newsletter practices for all internal or external communications, especially when:

  • Sharing updates, announcements or event details with large audiences.
  • Communicating across departments, campuses or community partners.
  • Using platforms like HubSpot, Outlook, Mailchimp or other email tools.
     
How to use it

Keep accessibility part of your planning process. Use tools that support accessible templates, preview your message before sending them and make sure everyone can easily read and interact with your content.

Focus on readability, structure and accessibility rather than the tool itself.

  • Write clearly: Use short sentences, meaningful headings and plain language.
  • Organize content: Use lists, logical hierarchy and adequate white space.
  • Add descriptive links: Replace 鈥渃lick here鈥 with meaningful link text (e.g., 鈥淰iew the training schedule鈥).
  • Use accessible colors: Ensure strong color contrast and avoid using color alone to convey meaning.
  • Include alternative text: Add concise alt text for all images, logos and graphics.
  • Avoid text in images: If you must include it, repeat key information in text.
  • Use consistent layout and navigation: Keep formatting predictable and easy to scan.

When possible, use HubSpot (日本av视频鈥檚 preferred platform)

  • HubSpot supports accessible templates, semantic headings, alt text and color contrast tools. Use these features when creating newsletters to ensure accessibility compliance.