More and more educators and schools are using Facebook to connect with families. However, they might not be connecting with as many families as possible if they are not ensuring they are posting inclusive content. This is particularly important in places like New York City which serves a population where 20% of students have disabilities. About half of the population speaks a language other than English at home according to census bureau data.
Plain Language
Posts should be written below a grade 9 level. This is so the content can be more accessible for those with cognitive or neurological issues. It is also because plain language translates more accurately than complex language.
Alt Text
Add alt text to your images so that those using screen readers know what is is your image. Here is how:
For New Photos
1) Select "Edit Photo"
2) Click "Alt text" and enter text
For Existing Photos
1) Click on the picture in the post.
2) Select "Options" under the picture.
3) Select "Change Alt Text."
4) Select "Override generated text."
5) Enter new text and save.
Checking Photos for Alt Text
To see if a photo has alt text follow these steps.
1) Right click on the photo and select "inspect."
2) When you are in the inspect screen click accessibility and see what words come up for image.
Your Turn
What do you think? Will you incorporate these tips into past and future Facebook posts?
Lisa Nielsen (@InnovativeEdu) has worked as a public-school educator and administrator since 1997. She is a prolific writer best known for her award-winning blog, The Innovative Educator. Nielsen is the author of several booksand her writing has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times,The Wall Street Journal, Tech&Learning, and T.H.E. Journal.
