Accessible communication: plain language + structure + alt text

Accessible communication means designing your message so everyone, including people using screen readers or with cognitive disabilities, can understand it. For example, instead of writing 'click here' for a link, write 'download the report on climate data' so the link makes sense out of context. Plain language avoids jargon like 'utilise' when 'use' works, and structure means using headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to break up text. Alt text describes images for those who cannot see them, so 'chart showing quarterly sales growth' is better than just 'image'.

A common exam trick is offering a message with a vague link like 'read more' and asking if it is accessible—the answer is no, because the link does not describe its destination. Another is giving a block of dense text with no headings; you should flag that as inaccessible. To spot errors quickly, check if every link starts with a verb that tells you what happens next, and if any image lacks alt text. Also, watch for formatting that relies only on colour to convey meaning, like red text for 'urgent', because colour-blind users might miss it.

To remember the five elements, use the mnemonic 'PLSA'—Plain language, Links descriptive, Structure clear, Alt text present. When you see a digital message in a question, mentally run through PLSA: if any piece is missing, the message is not fully accessible. This keeps you from treating accessibility as a nice-to-have and instead makes it a concrete checklist you can apply in seconds.