Opening Digital Doors: Removing Barriers to Careers Guidance for Young People with SEND
By Andrew Holland, Disability Inclusion Consultant & Trainer
sendme2work.com | andrew@sendme2work.com
Introduction
Digital accessibility means making sure everyone can use and benefit from digital tools and information – regardless of disability or neurodiversity.
In the world of careers guidance, this means removing barriers so all young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), can explore options, connect with professionals and access resources in a way that works for them.
As more guidance services move online – through virtual careers events, online applications, or digital info packs -there’s a risk some learners are left behind. The good news? Small changes can open digital spaces and make them inclusive from the start.
Barriers Young People with SEND Face Online
Young people with SEND often face online barriers others don’t even notice:
- Websites that don’t work with screen readers or keyboard navigation
- Fast-paced language, flashing visuals, or confusing layouts
- PDFs and resources that are not tagged or readable
- Webinars without captions or alternative formats
- Virtual events that assume everyone is confident typing or speaking live
If we ignore these issues, we risk unintentionally excluding those already navigating extra challenges in education and employment.
Where Accessibility Gaps Often Show Up
Digital accessibility touches every part of careers support. Common problem areas include:
1. Online Careers Platforms
- Text too small or low contrast
- Incompatibility with screen readers or voice control
2. Virtual Guidance Sessions
- No captions, fast conversation pace, unclear audio
- Little flexibility in how participants engage
3. E-Resources (PDFs, Videos, Social Media)
- Uncaptioned videos, untagged PDFs, missing alt text
- Graphics and social content not designed with accessibility in mind
Practical Ways to Improve Inclusion
You don’t need to be a tech expert. Start with these simple steps:
✅ Use Built-In Accessibility Tools
- Microsoft’s Accessibility Checker highlights issues like missing alt text or poor contrast.
- Use heading styles for screen readers and meaningful hyperlink text.
✅ Create Accessible Social Media
- Add alt text to images
- Caption all videos
- Use #CamelCase for hashtags (e.g., #NationalCareersWeek)
- Avoid emoji overload
✅ Make Accessible PDFs
- Use clear fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri)
- Add headings, tags, and alt text
- Export PDFs as “tagged”
- Offer Easy Read or plain-language alternatives
✅ Inclusive Events (Online or In-Person)
- Offer live captions, BSL interpretation
- Ask about access needs early
- Share info in multiple formats
- Allow breaks and flexible ways to participate (e.g., typed questions)
Real-World Example
One college careers team I supported reviewed their digital resources with Microsoft’s Accessibility Checker, added alt text to images and started offering resources in Word, tagged PDF and Easy Read formats.
A neurodivergent student said:
“The captions helped me follow along without getting overwhelmed. It felt like it was for me – not just for everyone else.”
Helpful Tools & Resources
- Microsoft Accessibility Checker – built into Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
- WCAG – global standard for accessible digital content
- RNIB – tips on accessible formats for visually impaired users
- AbilityNet – practical support and free resources
Conclusion: Inclusion Starts with Intention
Digital accessibility doesn’t mean changing everything overnight – it means being intentional and inclusive from the start. Careers guidance is about opening doors. Let’s make sure those doors stay open.
Call to Action
If you’re a careers professional, educator or provider – Start with one small step. Review your next event or document for accessibility. Use built-in tools. Ask what your audience needs.
And if you’d like support, resources, or training to make your careers offer more inclusive, I’d love to help.
Get in touch:
📧 Mail: andrew@sendme2work.com
🌐 Visit: sendme2work.com
📲Scan the QR code below to connect with me on LinkedIn!
