Six LinkedIn accessibility features that help disabled people

Kelly Chan | 06 Oct 2023

As a marketing specialist at AbilityNet it’s exciting to see LinkedIn announce new accessibility tools that make it easier for disabled people to get the best from the platform's articles. 

As well as helping find jobs, build their professional network, and learn about new opportunities LinkedIn is also a vital way for organisations such as AbilityNet to gather and share useful resources and information. The new LinkedIn tools include:

  1. Content Isolation: Declutter your reading experience by focusing solely on the content that matters to you and isolating the main text from distractions. 
  2. Picture Display for Common Words: Comprehend articles with picture cues for frequently used words. 
  3. Speech Highlights: Follow along by using dynamic speech highlights that help you read with clarity. 
  4. Syllable Splitting: Break down complex words into syllables, making it easier to grasp and pronounce new terms. 
  5. Real-Time Translations: Active instant translations designed to help overcome language barriers. 
  6. Text to Speech: Consume information audibly as articles are read aloud. 

A person using a smart phone with the screen displaying the LinkedIn logoThese tools will help all users on LinkedIn, but it will especially help people who are dyslexic, and people who are blind or have visual impairments.

They'll also be useful to people learning English or who prefer to consume content in a different language. And they'll help anyone who finds it difficult to learn from long or complex posts. 

How content creators can use these new features

The marketing team at AbilityNet uses LinkedIn as a key way to share digital accessibility resources with our followers. Knowing that our users have access to features to help them consume content in a way that fits their needs, is welcoming and exciting news but also makes sure we reach as many people as possible. 

As well as being familiar with the built-in tools, there are many other ways we make our LinkedIn content more accessible, such as:  

  • Use clear and concise language
  • Add alt text to images
  • Provide captions or transcripts for videos
  • Use the new accessibility tools to test your content

By following these tips, anyone can make their LinkedIn content more accessible, more engaging and reach a bigger audience. 

Remember that creating accessible digital content is an ongoing process, and staying informed about best practices and guidelines is essential to ensure your content remains inclusive for all users. Visit our Accessible Content Resources hub.

Learn more accessible social media