Links
Many kinds of links may be used on CDC.gov to provide users with the most comprehensive content. Most links should point to other CDC pages within the same website or other CDC websites. Some may also direct users to non-HTML files such as PDFs or non-CDC content on other federal or external websites. The text, styles, and behaviors for links on CDC.gov will vary depending on the type of link, where the link is placed, HHS/CDC Web Standards, and usability best practices. Please see the CDC Intranet for policy details about link text, styles, and behaviors and indicates what is automated in the RD Templates to be consistent with the latest standards and guidance.
There are four main types of links to consider when setting styles and behaviors:
Link Text
For any kind of link used on CDC.gov, the link text should clearly describe the content of the target page and use keywords that help guide users to the content they need. Avoid using non-descriptive or repetitive words such as “more” or “click here” in buttons or paragraphs or text. This approach is especially important for users requiring assistive technologies, such as screens readers, to access the content. Screen readers read the text aloud and generally precede the text of a link by saying “link” or “visited link.” Note that screen readers may allow users to extract the links into an alphabetically-organized list, using a keyboard shortcut within their screen reader software for that purpose. This is especially useful if they have an idea of first letter of the link for which they are looking.
References
- Nall, Koyani and Lafond, 2001
- Nielsen and Tahir, 2002
- Spool, et al., 1997
- The Top Ten Web Design Mistakes of 1999
- W3C, Opening new windows
- The HHS Web Communications Web site provides policies and standards for Use of Text for links
- The Universal Usability Web site has further guidance on how to use descriptive link text
- The Web Accessibility in Mind Web site gives a general over view of accessibility for links and hypertext. The site provides explanations regarding keyboard accessibility of links, as well as the use of screen readers by users for accessing links
- The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provides a checkpoint that captures an important requirement stating that the target should be clearly defined by each link.
- Presenting Links to Materials in Multiple Languages
- Page last reviewed: July 5, 2017
- Page last updated: July 5, 2017
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