The Accessibility Collective

Numeronyms are a type of abbreviation where numbers are used to represent sounds or letters within a word. Unlike common abbreviations such as FYI or acronyms like HTML, numeronyms use numbers to encapsulate the essence of a word. In “a11y”, the ‘a’ stands for the first letter of “accessibility”, the ’11’ represents the eleven letters that follow, and the ‘y’ wraps it up as the last letter as we also explained in our glossary.

Examples of other prevalent numeronyms include:

Numeronyms, like “a11y”, can be confusing when you first encounter them. But they’re helpful, especially on platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) where space is limited. “a11y” serves as a quick reference to the term “accessibility.” But when introducing “a11y” in conversations or content, it’s advisable to clarify that it stands for “accessibility,” ensuring everyone is on the same page (hence the title of this blogpost).

It’s easy for some to confuse “a11y” with the word “ally,” whether in written or spoken form. This misinterpretation can be likened to mistaking “l10n” for “lion.” A solution? Choose a font where the number ‘1’ is distinctly different from a lowercase ‘l’. Ideally, the ‘1’ should be more than just a straight line to avoid confusion.

For those involved in the accessibility field in any capacity, it’s worth adding “a11y” to your personal or company dictionary. While seasoned professionals might understand “ally” as a reference to “a11y”, ensuring the correct term in content will help in clear communication and more efficient searches. In essence, take control and prevent tools from unintentionally changing your message.

Are you about to share the importance of accessibility with your team, client or employer? Don’t presume everyone’s familiarity with the term “a11y” and make sure to add a slide or section to explain it. Even on platforms like Twitter, I mean X, where the #a11y hashtag sees a lot of activity, there’s an ongoing process of educating and enlightening.

Pronunciations like “ally” and “alley” have been adopted by some, sometime cleverly woven into company or product names. As the community continues to grow and mature we expect to see a lot more of this kind of linguistic creativity. A good thing in our eyes as it will help to further embed the concept of accessibility in various ways.

To conclude, while “a11y” provides a concise way to reference “accessibility”, make sure to be mindful of its presentation and usage. Ensuring clarity can make a world of difference in promoting inclusivity and understanding.