Ensuring that your website is accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, is crucial for both ethical and legal reasons. Web accessibility refers to designing and developing websites in a way that everyone, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments, can use them effectively. In addition to being a fundamental aspect of inclusive design, accessible websites also improve SEO performance, making it easier for search engines to index and rank your content.
In this guide, we will walk you through 9 easy steps to improve web accessibility. These steps will help you create a more inclusive online experience, align with best practices, and potentially increase your reach to a broader audience.
Table of Contents
1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit
The first step in improving web accessibility is to assess the current state of your website. You may have already implemented some basic accessibility features, but without a comprehensive audit, you might overlook critical aspects. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insight, WAVE, or AXE to identify areas that need improvement. These tools help you spot accessibility issues such as color contrast problems, missing alt text, and form field accessibility. After running an audit, document the results and prioritize the changes that will have the most significant impact on your site’s accessibility.
2. Provide Text Alternatives for Images
One of the most common accessibility barriers is a lack of text alternatives for non-text content. This includes images, icons, charts, and diagrams that cannot be understood by screen readers. Alt text (alternative text) is essential for users with visual impairments, as screen readers use it to describe images to users. For example, a picture of a dog could have alt text like “A brown Labrador running on a beach.” This enables screen reader users to understand what the image conveys.
Make sure all images on your website have appropriate alt attributes. The alt text should describe the image’s function in context, rather than providing a generic description. It is also important not to leave alt text empty for decorative images, as it helps screen readers skip unnecessary content.
Learn More: On-Page vs. Off-Page SEO – What’s the Difference?
3. Improve Color Contrast
Proper color contrast is vital for users with low vision or color blindness. Text that blends into the background can be challenging to read, causing accessibility issues. To ensure good contrast, the contrast ratio between text and its background should meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. For normal text, a ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended, and for large text, the ratio should be 3:1.
You can use tools like Contrast Checker to test the contrast ratio of your text and background colors. Make sure to adjust your color scheme accordingly, choosing combinations that meet the required contrast ratios. Additionally, avoid using color as the sole means of conveying important information, as color-blind users may not be able to differentiate between them.
4. Use Descriptive and Consistent Headings
Proper heading structure is a key aspect of web accessibility. Screen readers use headings to help users navigate a page, and a logical, hierarchical structure makes it easier for them to find information. Use H1 for your main title and H2 and H3 for subheadings in a consistent, logical order.
Avoid skipping heading levels, as this can confuse users relying on screen readers. For example, if you jump from H1 to H3, it can make the content harder to follow. Additionally, make sure that your headings are descriptive and convey the topic of the section, providing a clear understanding of what’s to come.
5. Ensure Keyboard Accessibility
Not all users can navigate websites using a mouse, so it’s important to make sure your website is fully accessible via keyboard alone. Keyboard accessibility ensures that all interactive elements on your site, such as links, buttons, and form fields, can be accessed using the tab key, spacebar, and other keyboard shortcuts.
You should test your website’s keyboard navigation by navigating through all interactive elements using only the keyboard. Ensure that the focus order is logical, and users can easily jump from one element to the next. Additionally, make sure that any dynamic content (like modal dialogs or dropdowns) can be closed or interacted with using the keyboard.
6. Provide Clear and Descriptive Links
Links should be easy to identify and understand for all users. Descriptive anchor text helps users with visual impairments understand where a link leads without needing to rely on context. Avoid using vague text like “Click here” or “Read more.” Instead, use clear, action-oriented phrases like “View our accessibility guide” or “Read the latest blog post on web design.”
Also, ensure that links are visually distinct from regular text, typically using an underline or a different color, so users can easily differentiate them.
7. Make Forms Accessible
Forms are an essential part of most websites, but they can be difficult for users with disabilities to navigate if not properly designed. To ensure your forms are accessible:
- Label all form fields clearly: Each input field should have an associated label that describes its function. Use the
labelHTML tag and associate it with the correct input field using theforattribute. - Provide error messages: When a user submits a form incorrectly, provide clear error messages and indicate which field needs to be corrected. Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles and properties to ensure that error messages are announced to screen readers.
- Ensure focus is managed: When a user encounters an error, the focus should move to the relevant field automatically, and the error message should be easy to understand.
8. Use ARIA Landmarks and Roles
The Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) specification provides a way to enhance the accessibility of dynamic content, making it easier for screen readers to understand the structure and behavior of a website. ARIA landmarks and roles allow developers to define specific regions on the page, such as navigation, main content, or footer.
By adding ARIA roles such as navigation, main, and footer, you can help screen reader users navigate your site more efficiently. You can also use ARIA live regions to notify users of real-time changes, like updating content or notifications.
9. Test Accessibility Regularly
Once you’ve made changes to improve accessibility, testing is essential. Regular accessibility testing helps ensure that new updates don’t inadvertently break any previously accessible features. Use manual testing, automated testing tools, and real-user feedback to spot issues early and maintain a high standard of accessibility.
Consider hiring a professional web design company in USA that specializes in accessibility. These experts can conduct thorough audits, offer detailed suggestions, and help you implement best practices for improving accessibility across your website.
By following these 9 steps, you will not only improve your website’s accessibility but also provide a more inclusive user experience. This is important for reaching a broader audience, complying with legal standards, and improving SEO. Web accessibility should be a priority for every website, ensuring that all users can access and interact with your content effortlessly.
