Readability vs. Accessibility: Writing That Works for Everyone
Published October 03, 2025 • 8–12 min read
Understand the difference between readability and accessibility and learn practical techniques to make content usable for all readers, including assistive technology users.
Why Both Matter
Readability estimates how hard a text is to process based on sentence length and word complexity. Accessibility covers whether people can access, perceive, and operate your content—including people using screen readers, magnifiers, or keyboard-only navigation. You can have high readability and still fail accessibility if your structure, contrast, or semantics are broken.
Core Principles You Can Apply Today
Use descriptive headings in a logical outline (H1→H2→H3). Break paragraphs after one idea. Prefer familiar words over jargon, and define terms on first use. Add alt text that conveys intent, not decoration. Provide captions or transcripts for audio and video. Avoid idioms and culture‑specific references in how‑to docs.
Screen Reader Considerations
Write link text that makes sense out of context (e.g., “Download sample data” instead of “Click here”). Use lists for procedures, not comma‑spliced sentences. Keep tables to essential data and include headers. When presenting code, label language, and show input/output side-by-side.
Color and Contrast
Body text should meet WCAG contrast ratios for normal text. Avoid communicating with color alone—pair with labels or icons. Ensure your focus states are visible for keyboard users, and do not remove the outline without offering a clear alternative.
Measure, Don’t Guess
Combine readability scores with accessibility checks. Run your text through a readability tool, then run the page through automated accessibility tests and manual keyboard checks. Track issues in docs the same way you track bugs in code.
A Short Checklist
Headings form an outline; lists for steps; clear link text; alt text with purpose; transcripts for media; keyboard‑accessible interactions; sufficient contrast; simple sentences where possible; define terms; avoid idioms.