Every user deserves a seamless digital experience. Unfortunately, millions of people with disabilities face barriers when navigating the web. This exclusion limits access to valuable information and resources.
Creating an accessible website is not only the right thing to do, but it also benefits all users. We’ll guide you through the essential steps to create an inclusive and user-friendly website, regardless of a user’s abilities.
What is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility boils down to creating websites usable by everyone, with or without disabilities. It involves following specific design and development principles to ensure your site caters to people with various needs, fostering a positive experience for all.
Here at Simpler Strategies, we believe accessibility is more than just following rules; it’s about inclusivity. By prioritizing accessibility, you demonstrate your commitment to creating a welcoming online space for everyone.
Benefits of Web Accessibility
There are several compelling reasons to make web accessibility a priority:
- Reach a Wider Audience: 16% of the global population has a disability. By making your site accessible, you tap into a vast market you might be missing out on.
- Boost Brand Loyalty: Customers appreciate companies that embrace inclusivity. Prioritizing accessibility shows you care about everyone’s experience.
- Improve SEO: Accessible websites tend to rank higher in search results, leading to more organic traffic and potential customers finding you online.
- Avoid Legal Issues: Certain accessibility standards are mandated by law in some regions. Staying compliant protects your business.
- The Right Thing to Do: Everyone deserves equal access to information online. Accessibility is simply the right thing to do.
Web Accessibility Standards
Web accessibility isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) outlines four key principles to ensure your website caters to everyone. Let’s break them down:
Your website should be perceivable.
Imagine your website content being experienced in different ways. Users with visual impairments might rely on screen readers that convert text to speech or braille. Your job is to make sure all information – from text to images – is perceivable by everyone.
- Offer Text Alternatives (Alt Text): Include descriptive alt text for all non-decorative images, providing context and meaning for screen reader users. For decorative images, use an empty alt text attribute (alt=””) to signal it’s non-essential. Consider adding alt text to complex elements like graphs or tables for improved accessibility.
- Provide Options for Time-Based Media: Ensure video captions are accurate and synchronized with the audio, catering to users with hearing limitations. Offer a full transcript of any audio recordings on your website, providing alternative access to the content.
- Structure for Clarity: Structured HTML ensures your website’s content retains meaning even without visual styling. Use clear and descriptive headings (H1, H2, etc.) to structure your content and guide readers. Utilize ordered and unordered lists (ol and ul) to organize information and improve readability. Employ semantic HTML elements like bold (<strong>) and italics (<em>) to convey meaning effectively.
- Prioritize Visibility and Audibility: Use a color contrast checker to ensure your text is easily readable by everyone, including those with color blindness. Allow users to adjust or disable background audio on your website, catering to visitors with auditory sensitivities.
Your website should be operable.
A smooth user experience is paramount. Your website should function flawlessly, regardless of how visitors navigate it. This means prioritizing:
- Keyboard Accessibility: Users should be able to navigate seamlessly using only a keyboard. The tab key should allow users to jump between interactive elements (buttons, links). Pressing Enter or Return should activate the currently focused element.
- Time Limits and User Control: Respect user interaction pace. Provide ample time for users to engage with your content. Allow users to extend or cancel time-limited actions. Dropdown menus shouldn’t disappear immediately when using keyboard navigation. Implement a slight time delay.
- Avoid Flashing Content: Content that blinks or flashes rapidly can trigger seizures. Minimize such content, and if unavoidable, provide clear warnings.
- Clear and Consistent Navigation: Empower users to understand their location and navigate effortlessly. Use descriptive page titles that reflect content accurately. Craft link text that clearly describes the destination page. Visually show users which element is currently in focus when navigating with a keyboard. Utilize clear headings (H1, H2, etc.) to structure content and guide users.
Your website should be understandable.
Clarity reigns supreme. Your website content, both written and visual, should be easy to comprehend. Here’s how:
- Prioritize Readability: Keep your audience in mind when crafting content. Benefit users with cognitive disabilities and non-native speakers by using clear and concise language. Avoid complex sentences, regional slang, and technical jargon. Opt for plain language that’s universally understood.
- Logical Website Structure: Structure your website for intuitive navigation. Place navigation menus prominently, typically in the header or footer, for easy access. Keep essential navigation and content “above the fold,” visible without scrolling.
- User-Friendly Error Messages: Error messages are inevitable, but they shouldn’t be cryptic. Provide clear descriptions of errors, explaining the issue. Offer instructions on how users can resolve the error and complete their desired action.
Your website should be robust.
This principle ensures your website’s code is compatible with various assistive technologies used by people with disabilities. Assistive technologies rely on well-structured HTML to interpret your website’s content accurately. Here are some best practices:
- Proper Tag Usage: Always use opening and closing tags for HTML elements.
- Unique IDs: Ensure each element on your page has a unique ID attribute to avoid confusion for assistive technologies.
- Attribute Clarity: Avoid using duplicate attributes within the same HTML tag.
By following these WCAG principles, you’ll create a website that’s truly accessible to everyone. This ensures all users can interact with your content and experience your brand effectively.
Accessibility Tools and Resources
There are many tools and resources available to help you make your website accessible. W3C has compiled and shared a list of them on their website so you can peruse some top choices. Here are a few:
- WAVE by WebAIM: This free online tool provides a visual breakdown of areas on your website needing improvement, along with specific recommendations. It’s like having an accessibility expert at your fingertips!
- DYNO Mapper by Indigo Design Company LLC: This comprehensive tool analyzes your website’s accessibility using sitemaps and crawls. It integrates with Google Analytics to pinpoint areas for improvement and boasts thorough testing capabilities across various website types.
- A11Y Color Contrast Accessibility Validator: Concerned about color contrast issues hindering accessibility? This tool by A11Y Company helps you identify and rectify these problems, ensuring your website’s content is clear and readable for everyone.
Tips for Getting Started
Building accessibility into your website is an ongoing process. Here are some key steps to get you started:
- Master the Basics: Familiarize yourself with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG resources provide a solid foundation for understanding accessibility best practices.
- Proactive Approach: Integrate accessibility considerations from the beginning of the development process. This ensures a seamless user experience for everyone from the outset.
- Design for All: Design your website to function flawlessly with screen readers and keyboard navigation. Go beyond technical solutions – consider best practices for users with neurodiversities and learning disabilities.
- Testing is Crucial: Automated tools are helpful, but manual testing is essential. Use a keyboard or screen reader software to identify hidden usability challenges users might encounter.
- Experience It Yourself: Before launching your website, navigate it solely using a keyboard. This helps uncover potential obstacles users might face.
- Regular Updates: Web accessibility is an ever-evolving landscape. Stay updated on best practices and standards to maintain an inclusive website.
Building Inclusive Sites for Everyone
By prioritizing accessibility, you create a website that benefits everyone and open doors to a wider audience. By incorporating accessible features, you naturally attract more visitors, fostering user loyalty and repeat visits. Accessible design benefits everyone, not just users with disabilities. Features like high contrast text and clear captions enhance the user experience for everyone. High contrast text is easier to read in bright environments, captions enrich video content for viewers without headphones or those watching on mute, and simple language aids users with learning difficulties and non-native speakers.
Investing in accessibility isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about creating a website that welcomes everyone and strengthens your brand. By following these guidelines and leveraging the available tools, you can ensure an inclusive user experience that benefits both your website and your visitors.
