Accessibility in Emma

Mass communications created in Emma are beholden to the same requirements as individual emails sent through Outlook. Fortunately, the same principles you use in both Word and Outlook will keep you compliant in Emma.

4 steps

Myemma

**Please note that all accessibility requirements outlined in our Acing Accessibility: Email guide are required in Emma as well.** The below is intended to aid users in applying these principles.

**Structure Your Email With Headings**\ \ Use Emma's Title content blocks to separate the sections in your communications. Similar to Word and Outlook, use options such as H1, H2, H3, etc. to structure your text and titles. **NOTE:** Even if you intend to change the font size or color for your headers, begin by selecting H1/H2/H3 to provide accessibility for screen readers to make sense of your communication.

Emma title properties panel showing heading level dropdown set to H1.

**Always Use Alt Text** Alt text is required for every image in your message. Additionally, images should be used to enhance your message, but they cannot communicate your message for you. Information typically contained within event flyers must be included as body text, and should not be duplicated within an image.

Emma image properties panel highlighting the alt text input field with sample text entered.

**Include Descriptive Links** In addition to using clear and meaningful link text to create hyperlinks in the body of your emails, make use of Emma's Button feature to create eye-catching links which break up text. Keep labels succinct (e.g. "Additional Resources" instead of "Click here for additional resources"), and bold the text for better legibility.

Teal button labeled “Additional Resources” centered on a light background.

**Use Clear and Descriptive Subject Lines and Preheader Text**\ \ Give your email a clear and specific subject line to help users identify its purpose and content. Implement preheader text to provide further context to your subject, such as due dates, a note of information forthcoming, etc. Think of preheader text as a short supplement to your clear and descriptive subject line. **NOTE:** Like subject lines, preheader text cannot contain hyperlinks.

Emma email editor showing subject line “Acing Accessibility: Microsoft Word” and preheader text field with accessibility deadline message.

Accessibility in Emma

4 steps

Myemma

**Please note that all accessibility requirements outlined in our Acing Accessibility: Email guide are required in Emma as well.** The below is intended to aid users in applying these principles.