Links are one of the primary ways learners move through digital content. They connect ideas, point to resources, and guide users through tasks. Accessible links ensure that all learners can navigate content confidently and independently.
Screen readers are assistive technologies used by people who are blind, have low vision, or have difficulty visually processing text. They read out loud what is on the screen, along with semantic information, like headings, links, buttons, tables, menus, text, and alt text for images.
When a screen reader reaches an image, it announces the alt text.
If no alt text has been provided, the screen reader may skip the image or announce a meaningless filename, leaving the learner unsure of what they missed.
Screen readers are assistive technologies used by people who are blind, have low vision, or have difficulty visually processing text. They read out loud what is on the screen, along with semantic information, like headings, links, buttons, tables, menus, text, and alt text for images.
When a screen reader reaches an image, it announces the alt text.
If no alt text has been provided, the screen reader may skip the image or announce a meaningless filename, leaving the learner unsure of what they missed.
Screen readers are assistive technologies used by people who are blind, have low vision, or have difficulty visually processing text. They read out loud what is on the screen, along with semantic information, like headings, links, buttons, tables, menus, text, and alt text for images.
When a screen reader reaches an image, it announces the alt text.
If no alt text has been provided, the screen reader may skip the image or announce a meaningless filename, leaving the learner unsure of what they missed.
Accessible links support many learners, including:
Learners using screen readers
They rely on meaningful link text to navigate link lists and understand where links lead.
Learners with low vision
Clear, distinguishable links make navigation easier, especially when zoomed or using magnification.
Learners with cognitive or processing disabilities
Predictable, descriptive links reduce cognitive load and help learners make decisions with confidence.
Learners using keyboard navigation
Clear link text and predictable behavior improve navigation efficiency.
All learners
Everyone benefits from clear links. Meaningful link text improves usability, clarity, and overall learning experience.
Meaningful link text
An accessible link clearly communicates its destination or purpose using the link text itself. Learners should be able to understand what will happen when they activate the link without needing to rely on surrounding text.
Link text should describe where the link goes or what it does. Generic phrases such as “click here,” “read more,” or “this link” do not provide enough information on their own.
For sighted users, surrounding text or visual context may help clarify the link’s purpose. For users of assistive technologies, that context is often missing.
Meaningful link text allows learners to understand and choose links efficiently.
Examples of meaningful link text
- ✅ Download the course syllabus (PDF)
- ✅ Watch the Week 3 lecture recording
- ✅ Read the assignment submission guidelines
- ✅ View the grading rubric
Examples of not meaningful link text
- ❌ Click here
- ❌ Read more
- ❌ Learn more
- ❌ This link
- ❌ https://library.university.edu/accessibility-guidelines
How assistive technologies navigate links
Screen reader users often navigate pages by pulling up a list of links rather than reading everything in order. This list contains only the link text, with no surrounding context.
For example, a link list might sound like:
“Click here. Read more. Learn more. This link.”
When link text is not descriptive, the learner has no way of knowing which link to choose.
With accessible link text, the same list might sound like:
“Download course syllabus. Watch lecture recording. Read assignment instructions.”
This allows learners to navigate quickly and independently.
Links and keyboard navigation
Some learners navigate content using only a keyboard. Links must be clearly identifiable and reachable using standard keyboard navigation.
If link text is unclear, keyboard users may need to open each link one by one to understand where it leads, making navigation slow and frustrating.
Links that open in new windows or tabs
When a link opens in a new window or tab without warning, it can be disorienting, especially for screen reader users, keyboard users, and learners with cognitive disabilities.
Learners may not realize that a new context has opened, making it harder to return to the original page or understand where they are.
Clear link text or additional indication helps learners stay oriented.
Other important considerations for link accessibility
Avoid using URLs as link text
Long URLs are difficult to read visually and frustrating to hear when read aloud by a screen reader.
Underline links
Links should be identifiable without relying only on color, as learners with color vision deficiencies may not perceive color differences.
Ensure links are distinguishable from surrounding text
Clear visual styling helps all users recognize interactive elements quickly.
