Navigation is how Highlanders enter and move through our digital spaces. This week, we’re creating a welcoming “Entryway” by replacing “click here” links with descriptive text and ensuring our digital forms have clear labels for everyone.

Week Four Guidance

Links: Describe the Destination

When a screen reader encounters a link that just says "click here" or "read more," it provides zero context for the user. By using descriptive text, you aren't just meeting a compliance standard—you're providing a clear signpost. Descriptive links help busy students, faculty, and staff skim your emails and webpages in seconds. It makes your messaging more effective for everyone, regardless of how they access it.

Here are four examples of how to turn vague or inaccessible links into high-functioning, descriptive text: 

• "Click here to download the syllabus" becomes "Download the Biology 101 Spring 2026 Course Syllabus (PDF)"
• "Read more about our upcoming training sessions" becomes "Register for the March 4 'Canvas Course Review: UDOIT Tool’ accessibility workshop”
• "Here’s the link for last month’s notes: https://ucr.edu/just-an-example-of-a-very-long-link-that-is-hard-for-screen-readers" becomes "Review the February 2026 Academic Senate Committee Meeting Minutes"
• "Visit our blog for the full story" becomes "Read 'Important federal and systemwide requirements affecting digital content' on InsideUCR Announcements"

The Weekly Challenge

• Review and Revise:
  • Links: Review your current work (e.g., presentations, documents, courses, and webpages) for non-descriptive links like "click here" or “read more.” Revise these links to describe the link’s action or destination.
  • Labels: Review any digital forms you manage. Does every box have a clear label? Be sure that fields are clearly labeled and instructions are included.
• Practice: Build a habit of describing the action or destination every time you insert a hyperlink—including in your daily emails!

Faculty Focus

Inside Canvas, your links are the primary way students move through course materials. Below are best practices when developing your course content:  

• Use Descriptive Links: Ensure every link in your modules describes the action (e.g., "Download the Week 5 Reading List").
• Clearly Label Forms: If you use digital forms for sign-ups or surveys, ensure every field has a clear label and concise instructions.                  

Guidance on Descriptive Links
Comprehensive Document Accessibility Training
View Accessibility Resources for Faculty

Website Wranglers

In addition to descriptive links and form labels, a key part of "The Entryway" is keyboard operability. We highly encourage you to test the keyboard navigation on your website: 

• Unplug your mouse (or turn off your trackpad) and attempt to navigate your main webpage using only the Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys.
• If you can’t complete a main task or reach a specific button without a mouse, that "Entryway" is currently blocked for some Highlanders.
• SiteImprove offers guidance on remediating these navigation hurdles.

Accessibility for Designers Course
Accessibility for Web Developers Course
Accessibility Testing for the Web Course

Did You Miss Previous Weeks or Want to Get Ahead?

You can find all of the accessibility guidance and resources provided as part of the Digital Deep Clean challenge on the Digital Accessibility webpage!

Visit the Digital Accessibility Webpage to Learn More

Access barrier? Report digital accessibility issues or request remediation of inaccessible digital content.