Accessible Communications

Creating accessible communications is no longer an optional extra but a business necessity. With so many rules and regulations it can feel like an insurmountable challenge. The cost of ignoring accessibility can be significant. It has never been more important for communicators to embrace true accessibility in their work, but doing so can feel time-consuming and difficult. This practical and easy-to-follow guide empowers professionals to feel confident creating truly accessible communications across various formats, from emails and documents to videos and social media. With the emphasis on practical content examples that professionals encounter daily, and a holistic approach, this book will become the ultimate companion to anyone looking to communicate with colleagues, customers, shareholders and stakeholders. Written by two leading consultants, this book equips communicators to develop campaigns and strategies that build business reputation and consumer trust. It provides in-depth coverage of evolving legislation in the area, as well as a forward-looking approach that goes beyond compliance and looks towards clarity and inclusivity. With real-world examples like Microsoft, Coles Supermarket and others, this book provides guidance to ensure that all communications are more accessible, impactful and effective.

Lisa Riemers is an independent communications consultant and accessibility advocate who helps clients connect their people and tell their stories. Based in London, UK, Lisa advises large and complex organizations including world-leading universities, charities, insurers, business-to-business (B2B) companies and the UK government.

- - Chapter - 00: Preface- Section - ONE: Laying the Groundwork: Understanding the Fundamentals of Accessibility, Legislation and Building an Accessible Culture- - Chapter - 01: The Foundation: Understanding the Basics of Accessibility and Disability- Chapter - 02: What You Need to Know to Be Compliant: Standards, Guidelines and Laws- Chapter - 03: Creating a Strategic Cultural Shift Towards Accessibility- Section - TWO: Putting it Together: A Practical Guide on Embedding Accessibility into Your Workflow- - Chapter - 04: Creating Content with Plain and Inclusive Language in Mind- Chapter - 05: Writing for and Creating an Accessible Web Presence – The Basics- Chapter - 06: Getting Started with Accessible Documents- Chapter - 07: Creating Accessible Social Media Content- Chapter - 08: Making Videos and Podcasts for Everyone- Section - THREE: Looking Toward the Future- - Chapter - 09: Future Challenges and Opportunities: How to Stay Ahead of the Curve- Chapter - 10: Checklists