Supporting inclusive digital content: Screen readers

As part of our ongoing commitment to accessibility, this month's focus is on screen readers-assistive technologies that enable colleagues and customers with visual impairments to access digital content through audio or touch.

In recognition of International Disability Awareness Day (13 July), we're encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to learn how screen readers work and how small changes in how we create documents, emails, and web content can make a big difference.

How the screen reader guidance can help your organisation

The guidance includes the importance of headings, plain English, and meaningful link text, how to write effective alt text for images, and why PDFs can be a barrier-and what to use instead.

Whether you're writing a report, updating a webpage, or sharing a presentation, these tips will help ensure your content is accessible to everyone.

Cllr Nosheen Dad, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Corporate:

"Creating accessible digital content isn't just good practice-it's essential. Screen readers open up the digital world for people with visual impairments, and by making small, thoughtful changes to how we write and design, we can ensure no one is left behind. I'm proud that Kirklees is championing inclusive digital spaces for all."

Read the full guide and help make our digital spaces more inclusive.

Accessible Awareness Campaign

Each month we will spotlight a different accessibility topic as part of our Accessibility Awareness Campaign series. This month's focus on screen readers is a call to action for businesses, charities, and public services to review how they share information and ensure no one is left behind.