Website “inclusiveness” often gets narrowly defined as “accessibility for people with disabilities.” But this month, when we’re celebrating both Pride and Juneteenth, take some time to think about if your website welcomes all the diverse people who visit.
In today’s world, overlooking this kind of inclusiveness can mean alienating potential supporters or clients who don’t fit your “typical” audience. And you may also fail to resonate with a broader public, as many people are developing a keener eye for representative language, images, and inclusive practices.
Ask yourself:
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Do your images represent the diverse range of people viewing your site, or is there a lack of variety?
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Are your case studies and examples skewed towards one demographic?
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Is your language inclusive of many different types of people?
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Are you discussing your clients respectfully and clearly?
In this issue, we’re focusing on ways to celebrate diversity on your website. If you see a lot of improvements you should take on, you know me: my advice is always to take it step by step. ????I promise each improvement will bring you closer to a website that truly welcomes everyone.
Dive Deeper
10 Websites To Find Free (Inclusive!) Images For Your Web Content | Wire Media
To create a welcoming website, it’s crucial to use imagery that your diverse audience can see themselves in. If you are using photos of people, make sure they represent a range of backgrounds and experiences. This way, visitors are more likely to feel a sense of belonging as they experience your content. While nothing beats your own photos, stock images can be a lifesaver. Wire Media has a roundup of free, diverse stock photo sites.
Writing your transactional text to include all your visitors | UX Collective
As I’ve mentioned before, every piece of text on your site is a chance to communicate your values. Your transactional text—the tiny phrases that we use for buttons, calls to action, section headers, and the like—can seem like straightforward stuff, but it’s critically important text that needs to be clear, inclusive, respectful, and neutral. Nick DiLallo says more, and provides very useful examples. It’s like giving your site a politeness makeover, one word at a time.
Guidelines for gender inclusive writing | Government of Canada
Inclusive Language Guide | Oregon Health and Science University
Most of us are all in to make our articles and communications inclusive, but that’s easier said than done. Cue these great guides: The Canadian government’s guide tackles gender inclusivity (bye-bye, awkward “he/she”!), while Oregon Health and Science University covers the whole inclusivity spectrum, including a great set of general principles and a host of “respectful language tips” for specific populations and situations.
Create accessible and inclusive forms | NTEN
This is an illuminating and really funny overview from Allison Manley on why effectively designed forms are a critical piece of inclusiveness. (“Have you ever seen a racist form? They exist. Ask any of the billions of people worldwide who have last names with just two characters!”) Time to give your forms an inclusivity check-up!
Is Poverty Porn a thing of the past? Yes and No | Global Policy
“Poverty porn” in fundraising: not as extinct as we’d hoped. This eye-opening article, and the more detailed report of global humanitarian aid advertising it covers, examines how some organizations still use pity as a marketing tool. It’s time to retire the “savior” narrative! Before you showcase the people you serve, ask yourself: would they proudly share this representation?
Neurodiversity and Inclusion: Choosing Kinder Design | Prototypr
A sizable percentage of all people—maybe as many as 10% of the world’s population—are substantively neurodivergent. Sophie Clifton-Tucker explains how to make your site ADHD, autism, and dyspraxia-friendly, like having shorter pages, clear processes, and more forgiving designs. (Bonus: these tweaks make your site better for everyone!)