Write links that make sense out of context. Use descriptive link text detailing the destination; not just "click here" or other similar phrases. Link phrases rather than single words so users with limited motor control will not have difficulty hitting links.
Click here for instructions on how to use the new Penn State web tool.
Instructions for the new Penn State web tool are available online.
Note: Some search engines such as Google give higher rankings to sites which use "context-rich" text links.
Maintain standard that text links are underlined and are a different color value (lighter or darker) than main text. This will help color-blind users find links more easily and is good usability practice.
Insert "Top of Page" links after each section in longer documents to reduce the need to scroll for motion impaired users. These links should be formatted differently from other links so users know they are page internal.
Avoid links opening in a new window unless absolutely necessary. New windows are disorienting for screen reader users and users of visual browsers (because the back button becomes "disabled.") Be aware also that some users of visual browsers disable pop-up windows to avoid advertising.
If you use the TARGET option, include a textual indication (e.g. External Resources (New Window)) so screen readers are aware of the new window.
If you use Javascript Links, such as those to open up pop-up windows, make sure they are coded to be accessible by screen readers; many Javascript links are unusable in screen readers.
Text links are generally preferred to image links or image maps because text remains crisp at large sizes. However, if these are used, then an ALT or NAME attribute should be specified for each link. See the Image Maps and Image pages for more details on creating accessible links with images.
If your Web site uses a block of navigational links on each page, make sure a Skip Navigation strategy has been implemented so screen readers can avoid speaking these links on each page.
SECTION 508 - A method shall be provided that permits users to skip repetitive navigation links or very long lists of links.
If you include a link to a Text Only page, place the link at the beginning of the page so that users can access it without reading through the entire page.
Whenever possible, break up long lists of links into categorized blocks headed by H tags, such as alphabetic headers or subtopics. Otherwise, you may have to implement a Skip Navigation strategy.
A row of links should be separated by a vertical bar (e.g. Link 1 | Link 2) or some other character. This helps users of older screen readers to identify distinct links.
Maintain a consistent set of navigational links on every page of your site, even if you must implement a skip navigation link.
A breadcrumb trail or listing of a page hierarchy placed below the title bar, can help users keep track of their location within a complex site. For example:
Jim Thatcher Quality Text Links
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