Presently, the workplace is continually evolving in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak and the socio-political conversations that originated from the early 2020s. It is pivotal for those within the communications field to recognize the breadth and diversity of their audience, which encompasses print, digital and new age communication mediums. It is best practice to develop intuitively-designed content to be accessible for all. Accessibility, within the field of communications, incorporates several components for consideration.
Since 2017, U.S. federal agencies are required to make all print and digital publications accessible to people with disabilities, due to an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is largely referred to as Section 508 compliance. To be effective communicators, you should familiarize yourself with the law and resources provided by the U.S. General Services Administration to adhere to Section 508 regulations. Circuit Media prides itself on our expertise in providing accessibility services to government and commercial clients. Circuit Media offers document remediation, web accessibility, print accessibility and visual accessibility. Learn more by visiting our Accessibility as a Service webpage.
Circuit Media is driven to clarify the world of complex communications with transparency and compassion so that all audiences can understand. As a corporate member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), Circuit Media remains dedicated to reducing communication barriers and providing a positive user experience across digital communication platforms. A great tool to assess whether your content is accessible is the use of plain language. Plain language ensures all content can be understood and properly contextualized by the audience. With more than 20 years of experience, Circuit Media writers, editors, accessibility specialists and program managers are skilled at expertly producing communications products in accordance with plain language guidelines and standards. The Center for Plain Language provides an annual Report Card to gauge their plain language efforts for U.S. federal agencies, which considers their compliance to the Plain Writing Act of 2010 and the overall writing and information design of their published communications.
Our staff at Circuit Media utilizes accessibility practices to produce creative services that can be understood and contextualized by the reader with ease. Our experience in creating communications products in accordance with Plain Language guidelines and standards will provide our clients with final content that is clear, concise, competent, and compliant. AAn useful resource to develop clear communication practices on the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) webpage.
Overall, the advantage of incorporating accessibility practices into all aspects of the communications field is that to be accessible is to be user-friendly. User-friendly content helps make information more accessible to help expand your audience.
