Email

Emails sent both internally and externally must be accessible. These guidelines apply regardless of the email client you use.

Creating accessible email content

When creating email, follow the Content Accessibility Fundamentals, which include guidance on:

  • Headings: For lengthy emails, use headings to help organize the content and make it easier to read.
  • Lists: Use lists to structure your content and make it easier to read.
  • Link text: Write descriptive link text and avoid using URLs as link text.
  • Alternative text for images: Always include descriptive alternative text for images, unless the images are purely decorative. See  for information about adding alt text in Outlook.

Including attachments (flyers, posters)

  • Before attaching a document to an email, ask yourself if it's the best way to communicate the information. Could you simply add the content of the document to the body of the email? 
  • If it’s absolutely necessary to attach a file to an email, make sure the document is accessible. See accessible PDFsaccessible Word documents and accessible PowerPoints for more details.
  • If you do attach an event flyer to an email, make sure that all of the text in the flyer is included in the email body text.
  • Important information like event date, time and location should always be included in the email body text.

Images and images of text

Including images in your email can add visual appeal to support your message. Please follow 

  • Do not include images of text.
  • Do not include an image of a flyer in the body of your email. This 

Video

  • Avoid including auto-playing video content.

Using emojis

  • Avoid overusing emojis or relying on them to communicate messaging. If you do use them, add them to the end of your message rather than in between words.
  • Don't use emojis to replace words.
  • Avoid using emoticons created with punctuation and keyboard characters. They lose their meaning when read with assistive technology.

Animations

Avoid using animations in your emails.

Signatures

  • When adding your signature, use actual text for your name and contact information to ensure accessibility.
  • Avoid including images in your signature.
  • Be sure to follow the university's Email Signature Guidelines.