In today’s digital world creating websites that everyone can use isn’t just good practice – it’s necessary. Web accessibility means people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate and interact with websites effectively. This comprehensive guide will take you through the basics of web accessibility and show you how to take practical steps to make your website more inclusive.
What is web accessibility?
Web accessibility covers all disabilities that affect internet access, be it visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive or neurological disabilities. When we build accessible websites we’re not just following guidelines – we’re opening doors for approximately 15% of the world’s population who live with some form of disability.
Why does accessibility matter?
- Legal Compliance: Many countries have laws requiring digital accessibility
- Broader Reach: Accessible websites can reach more people
- Better User Experience: Accessibility improvements benefit all users
- Brand Reputation: Shows corporate social responsibility and inclusivity
- SEO Benefits: Many accessibility practices are search engine optimisation
Web accessibility essentials
1. Perceivable content
Your content should be presentable to users in ways which are easy for them to comprehend. This means providing alternatives for non-text content and content that can be presented differently without losing structure or information.
Text alternatives
- Image alt text
- Audio transcripts
- Video captions
- Form field labels
Colour and contrast
- 4.5:1 colour contrast ratio
- Don’t use colour alone to convey information
- Text readable against the background
2. Usable interface
Users must be able to use interface elements and navigation. This means making everything available from the keyboard and helping users navigate and find content.
Keyboard accessibility
- Make all interactive elements keyboard accessible
- Keep tab order logical
- Show focus indicators
- Create skip links for the main content
Navigation
- Clear and consistent navigation
- Proper heading hierarchy
- Breadcrumbs when necessary
- Multiple ways to find content
3. Content that makes sense
Content and operation must be understandable. This means text content is readable and understandable and functionality works as expected.
Clear communication
- Plain language
- Define unusual words and abbreviations
- Consistent navigation and labelling
- Clear instructions for complex interactions
Error handling
- Clear errors
- Specific error messages
- Suggestions for correction
- Error prevention for critical actions
4. Works for everyone
Content must be able to be interpreted by any user agent, including assistive technologies.
Technical requirements
- Valid HTML
- Correct DOM structure
- Assistive technology compatibility
- Test across browsers and devices
How to do it?
Getting started
- accessibility audit
- Prioritize the most important issues
- accessibility statement
- Train your team on accessibility principles
Testing tools and methods
- Automated testing
- WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)
- aXe
- Lighthouse
- NVDA or VoiceOver for screen reader testing
- Manual testing
- Keyboard navigation testing
- Colour contrast testing
- Screen reader testing
- User testing with disabled individuals
Best practices for ongoing accessibility
Regular maintenance
- Schedule accessibility audits
- Monitor user feedback
- Keep up with WCAG updates
- Document accessibility features
Building an accessible culture
- Accessibility in the design process
- Train new team members
- Share accessibility resources
- Celebrate accessibility wins
Conclusion
Web accessibility is not a project, it’s a way of life. By following this and testing your website regularly you’ll have an inclusive online presence for all users.Improving accessibility is not a destination but a journey. Start with the most important issues, and continuously work to enhance the user experience for everyone. Your accessible website will benefit not only users with disabilities but the overall experience of all users.