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Communications and Marketing: Web Services

Social Media Accessibility Toolkit & Guidelines

Last modified: May 1, 2026
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UAMS official social media accounts (representing the university, colleges, clinics, or programs) are considered public-facing web content under the U.S. Department of Justice Title II ADA final rule (April 2024). All posts, images, videos, and linked content must conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA by April 26, 2027 — the same standard as UAMS websites.

When social media content is embedded or linked from a UAMS website, Blackboard Ally for Websites will flag accessibility issues.

Key Requirements & Best Practices for UAMS Social Media Editors

Images & Graphics

  • Always add alt text (all platforms now support it: X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
  • Describe the content and purpose (e.g., “UAMS Chancellor speaking at commencement ceremony with graduates in background”)
  • For infographics/charts: Post the image + a detailed text explanation in the post or as a threaded reply

Videos & Reels

  • Use accurate, human-verified captions (auto-captions alone are insufficient for compliance)
  • Add audio descriptions when key visuals aren’t explained in dialogue
  • Provide a transcript in the post caption or as a comment/reply

Text Posts

  • CamelCase hashtags (#UAMSCOM not #uamscom) – easier for screen readers
  • Use emojis sparingly and describe if critical (e.g., “Red heart emoji” or place at end of sentence)
  • Avoid excessive ALL CAPS
  • Spell out acronyms on first use

Links

  • Use descriptive link text when possible (platforms shorten URLs anyway)
  • Indicate if link goes to a PDF (“2025 Benefits Guide (PDF)”)

Live Video & Stories

  • Enable platform live captions
  • Verbally describe visuals/slides for audio-only viewers

Platform-Specific Tools

  • X/Twitter: Alt text on images, threaded transcripts
  • Instagram/Facebook: Alt text, captions on videos/Reels
  • LinkedIn: Alt text, document carousel with accessible PDFs

Testing & Monitoring

  • Preview posts with screen-reader simulation tools (VoiceOver on iOS, NVDA on Windows)
  • When embedded on a UAMS website, Blackboard Ally for Websites will scan and score

Non-compliant social media exposes UAMS to the same risks as inaccessible websites (DOJ investigations, complaints, lawsuits).

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