Flyer Accessibility

What and Why?

  • Flyers are used to share important information about events, services, and updates. However, inaccessible designs can create barriers. 
  • Making flyers accessible allows everyone to engage with your content.
  • Flyers should not be posted on web sites as images or sent in emails as images!
  • Accessible flyers and documents must be designed for screen readers, high-contrast viewing, and readability.

How to Make Flyers Accessible?

First and foremost, do not use an image for a flyer. The flyer should be searchable and Use Actual Text such as creating the flyer using machine-readable text within the authoring application, rather than as a single large image file (JPEG, PNG).

All promotional materials (written or electronic format) should provide information for participants on how to obtain reasonable accommodations. These promotional materials should also be accessible and follow best practices for accessible documents. 

All communication and marketing materials should include an Event Accessibility Statement. This will help communicate to your participants to plan accordingly and help you prepare for any needs that might arise for providing access for individuals with disabilities.

Below are guidelines to follow when creating flyers with accessibility in mind. 

​Text and Fonts​

  • Use sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Helvetica, Calibri) for better readability. ​
  • Avoid decorative fonts that are hard to read.​
  • Use font sizes that are large enough for easy reading.​
  • Use live (selectable) text rather than text within images.​
  • Use left aligned text.

Headings

  • ​Use built in Title and Subtitle styles
  • Organize Headings in a prescribed logical order e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3 etc.

Color and Color Contrast​

  • Use high color contrast between text and background.​
  • Avoid using color alone to communicate information or meaning.​
  • Ensure high contrast between text and background.
  • Use tools like the WebAim Contrast Checker to verify.​

Alternative Text for Images​

  • Provide meaningful alternative text that describes the image’s purpose.​
  • Mark images as decorative only if they do not convey essential information

Forms

If using a fillable form, ensure it meets form accessibility standards.

Content Layout and Structure​

Links​

  • Use meaningful link text (e.g. “Register for the Workshop” instead of “Click Here”).​
  • Include a QR code or shortened URL on print flyers for quick digital access.​ Place QR code in the bottom right corner with high contrast and provide a text-based link nearby.
  • Provide a link to more information about the content of your flyer (e.g. RSVP link) within your post or nearby.​
  • On platforms where links cannot be added to posts (e.g., Instagram), include the link in your bio and mention it in the caption.​

Design Flyers for Specific Platforms​

Event Calendar Entry: List key event details (title, description, date, time, location, and registration link) in a text-based format within your organization’s event calendar.​

​Dedicated Event Webpage: Create a webpage with all flyer content in plain text. If a flyer image is included, present all information on the page.​

PDF's: Make sure your PDFs use machine-readable text (not just images) so they can be easily searched and read by screen readers.

Provide Flyer Content in Multiple Formats

Avoid relying solely on flyers, as they may not reach all audiences and may require remediation. Offer information in multiple formats for accessibility purposes.

Vendor Resources:

 

 

Resource Category
Creating Accessible Documents