How a style guide helps build accessible content

Style guides are often discussed as grammar tools or rulebooks. That is only part of the picture. One thing I have learned from working with global subject matter experts (SMEs) is how much a style guide can improve the accessibility of the content we create together.

The Linux Foundation’s Education SMEs are diverse, and so are the abilities of the candidates who take our exams. It reaches people who use assistive technology. It reaches readers with varying levels of English fluency. Consistent writing creates clarity for everyone. A style guide helps ensure that support.

Accessibility becomes easier when everyone writes the same way

Assistive technology works best when content follows predictable patterns. Contributors naturally bring their own styles and structures. A style guide reduces variation and prevents common issues before they appear.

Without guidance, content may include:

• Vague link text
• Improperly formatted code blocks
• Flowchart images that do not include a text alternative
• Long sentences that are difficult to parse

A guide helps writers avoid these patterns so every candidate has a fair reading experience.

Consistent structure supports people who use assistive technology

Assistive technology relies on order and structure. A style guide reinforces this by defining simple patterns writers can follow. Even small shifts create meaningful improvements.

Heading structure

Screen reader users navigate content using headings. Headings should communicate structure and not be used for visual style. When heading levels are consistent, navigation stays predictable and users can move through the material with ease.

Link and button text

Clear descriptive text helps users understand the purpose of each link or action. Text like “View the logs” performs better than text like “click here.” The phrase “click here” is not accessible because it does not tell screen reader users where the link goes or what it will do. Screen readers often scan links out of context, so descriptive text is essential for navigation and clarity.

Alternative text

A short rule such as “describe purpose” helps SMEs write useful alt text even if they are new to the concept. Writers should decide why the image is included before they write the text. If the image provides information, the alt text should communicate that information in a clear and concise way. If the image is decorative, the alt text should be empty so assistive technology can skip it. This decision helps screen reader users avoid unnecessary noise and keeps the focus on content that matters.

Code formatting

Proper code blocks give screen readers the structure they need to read commands clearly. Code blocks also support candidates who need to copy and paste instructions during hands on work. Pictures of text do not provide this support and are not accessible because screen readers cannot interpret them and candidates cannot copy from them.

Tables

Consistent headers and structure make tables easier to navigate for screen reader users and people who rely on magnification. Clear headers help users understand what each column means, and a predictable layout keeps them oriented as they move through the table.

Spelling out acronyms

Acronyms can be confusing for readers who are new to a topic. Spelling out the full term the first time it appears gives everyone the same starting point. Screen readers also perform better when the full term is present because it provides needed context. After the first use, the acronym can appear on its own.

ASCII art

ASCII art should not be used in exam content. Screen readers announce each symbol one at a time, which makes the diagram unreadable. ASCII art also cannot be resized for candidates who rely on magnification. If a diagram is needed, it is better to use a real image with alt text or a short text description that explains the steps clearly.

Accessibility improves comprehension for everyone

Accessible writing is not only for people using assistive technology. It supports anyone who benefits from clear structure. This includes readers who are:

• Navigating English as a second language
• Neurodivergent
• Dyslexic or Dyscalculic
• Experiencing test fatigue
• Stressed by the testing environment
• New to the topic

Predictable sentence structure reduces cognitive load. Consistency gives candidates confidence. They can spend their energy on the content rather than the writing style.

A style guide supports contributors as much as readers

SMEs want to create accessible content. Many are not experts in accessibility. A style guide gives them structure so they can contribute effectively without needing to learn all the accessibility standards and guidelines.

Writers gain:

• Clear expectations
• Examples to follow
• Patterns they can apply quickly
• Confidence that their writing will reach a global audience

A guide removes uncertainty and helps contributors focus on technical accuracy.

Accessibility becomes part of the workflow

When contributors approach accessibility differently, the experience becomes inconsistent. A style guide sets clear expectations for everyone, so the content stays clear.

This reduces the workload for reviewers. Instead of rewriting for accessibility, reviewers can concentrate on correctness and alignment with the exam blueprint. The process becomes cleaner for everyone involved.

Style guides create a more inclusive community

A strong style guide builds shared responsibility for accessible writing. It gives every contributor a common approach. It supports every candidate by reducing barriers.

The most meaningful improvements I have seen are simple ones. A clear rule for link text. A pattern for headings. A reminder to format code. These small expectations add up and create a more inclusive and equitable experience for readers everywhere.

A style guide helps contributors write confidently. It helps candidates read successfully. And it helps communities grow stronger through shared clarity.