Social Media Accessibility Standards and Best Practices

Commitment to accessibility

Texas Woman’s University is committed to ensuring that all digital content, including social media, is accessible to everyone. Making posts accessible supports our university values of inclusivity and respect, while also aligning with ADA and Section 508 standards.

Accessible content removes barriers for individuals with disabilities and allows every member of our community to fully engage with and share our stories. Following accessibility best practices also strengthens TWU’s online presence by improving readability, search performance, and user experience for all.

Core principles

Keep these accessibility elements in mind when creating and posting content:

  • Alt text: A brief, meaningful description of an image so screen readers can convey what it shows.
  • Captions: Text versions of spoken dialogue and key sounds in videos.
  • Audio description: Narration of essential visual details not described in the audio.
  • Color contrast: Ensures text and background colors have enough difference for clear visibility.
  • Plain language: Simple, direct writing that can be easily understood the first time it’s read.

How to create an accessible post

Follow these steps each time you publish content:

  1. Write clearly. Use short sentences and plain language. Spell out acronyms on first use.
  2. Add alt-text. Describe what’s important about the image, and not just what’s pictured.
  3. Include captions. Every video should have accurate captions. Upload or edit SRT files when available.
  4. Check color contrast. Ensure text on graphics or overlays is readable.
  5. Limit emojis. Use sparingly and avoid strings of emojis that disrupt screen reader flow.
  6. Capitalize hashtags. Write multiword hashtags in CamelCase (#PioneerPride) for proper pronunciation.
  7. Avoid text-only graphics. Include all essential details in the post text or link to a webpage.
  8. Review accessibility before posting. Preview using platform tools or test with a screen reader when possible.

Platform tips

Images

  • Use the platform’s built-in alt text field.
  • Keep descriptions short (about one to two sentences).
  • Include important on-image text in your caption as well.

Videos

  • Always provide captions.
  • Review auto-generated captions for accuracy before publishing.
  • Add audio descriptions if visual elements are not described in the narration.

Documents and PDFs

  • Link to a webpage instead of uploading PDFs whenever possible.
  • If a PDF must be shared, ensure its properly tagged for accessibility. PDFs are not a replacement for a web site.

Accessibility checklist

Before posting, ask yourself:

  • Is my text clear and free of unexplained acronyms?
  • Did I add accurate alt text to images?
  • Does my video include captions or a transcript?
  • Is color contrast sufficient for readability?
  • Is all important information available outside of images or video?
  • Are emojis limited and used intentionally?
  • Are hashtags written in CamelCase?
  • Am I linking to an accessible webpage instead of a PDF?

Examples

1. Accessible Image Post

Caption: Celebrating student research in the chemistry lab. Read more on our website.
Alt text: Student in a lab coat using a pipette in front of glass beakers, smiling at camera.

2. Accessible Video Post

Caption: Hear from students about what makes TWU special. Captions available.
Accessibility notes: Auto-captions reviewed and corrected. Transcript linked in post.

3. Event Promotion

Caption: Join us for the Fall Festival this Thursday on the Hubbard Hall lawn! Live music, food trucks, and games from 4–7 p.m.
Alt text: Students gathering at outdoor festival with balloons and lights.
Tip: Include key event details in text (time, date, location) rather than in the image alone.

4. Story or Reel

Audio: Narration describing students volunteering at Minerva’s Market.
Captions: “Volunteering makes a difference. Learn how you can help.”
Tip: Keep on-screen text large, high contrast, and centered.

5. Multi-Image Carousel Post

Caption: Highlights from our nursing pinning ceremony. Congratulations to all our graduates!
Alt text (per image):

  • Faculty member placing pin on student’s maroon jacket. The background has a white board with congratulations messages.
  • Students applaud on stage after all students receive their pins.
  • Group photo of graduates smiling and holding flowers. The background has a colorful display used for photo props.

Resources

For additional guidance, review:

Section 508: Social Media Accessibility

Need help?

Texas Woman’s University social media page administrators and content creators are encouraged to follow these practices on every social platform. For questions or additional support, contact your division’s accessibility coordinator or the Division of Marketing and Communication.

Page last updated 12:38 PM, November 11, 2025 

Social Media

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