How should links be visually represented for accessibility?

Links should be visually represented with underlined text that stands out to ensure accessibility. This approach is important for several reasons. Underlining text helps users quickly identify links, as it is a widely recognized convention indicating that the text is interactive. This visual cue is particularly beneficial for individuals with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities, as it distinguishes links from regular text.

Moreover, making the underlined text visually distinct—potentially through color contrast—enhances usability for people with various forms of color blindness or low vision. It ensures that all users can navigate the document effectively, improving their experience and accessibility significantly.

Using plain text without emphasis may lead to confusion, as users might not differentiate between links and regular content. A small font size can hinder readability, particularly for those with visual impairments, and a colorful background might not provide the necessary contrast needed for all users, potentially making links harder to recognize. Therefore, using underlined text that stands out is the best practice for making links accessible.