Basics of digital accessibility and inclusion

In November 2024 we ran a webinar on embedding accessibility into your team and organisation. We are following this up with this session focusing on practical tips you can start using straight away to improve your content for all.

This session is pitched as an introduction (or refresher) to accessibility and inclusion in digital communications. There will be a focus on social media but many of the principles can be applied across communications, including in print.

The session won’t cover accessible PDFs or website accessibility specifically.

The session will cover:

• Why we need to do be accessible and inclusive – some evidence to help you embed this
• Practical guidance on alt text, links and QR codes, hashtags, images, emojis, fonts, plain language, colour
• Inclusive imagery and language including everyday language which is not inclusive but is widely used

Session format:

• A mix of presentation, question and answers (as we go along) and optional audience interaction
• Presentation will be provided to all attending
• The session will not be recorded to enable a free discussion. We know that people have questions about what is and is not appropriate in terms of accessibility and inclusion, this will be a safe space to ask those questions

The session will be delivered by Louise Gibson, Social Media, Design and Advertising Team Manager at Sheffield City Council a nationally recognised leader in this area of communications.

Louise led on introducing an accessibility and inclusion first approach to communications development and content creation in Sheffield. That approach has seen improvements to reach and positive engagement on social media at a time when organic reach is falling. The work has been informed by engagement with relevant partners, research and input from disability and advocacy groups.

Connect with Louise on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-gibson-chart-pr-00919324/ or BlueSky – https://bsky.app/profile/lougibson.bsky.social