Introduction

Website accessibility ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can easily access and interact with your site. Creating an inclusive experience not only enhances usability but also improves SEO and user engagement. Adhering to guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is critical for any website aiming to reach a wider audience.

In this guide, we’ll cover key steps you can take to improve your website’s accessibility in 2024.

Use Semantic HTML

Using semantic HTML helps both search engines and assistive technologies understand the structure of your content. Elements like <header>, <nav>, <article>, and <footer> clearly define the purpose of different sections of your webpage.

For instance, instead of using divs and spans to organize content, semantic tags should be used where appropriate. This ensures that screen readers can accurately navigate the page and improves overall accessibility for users with disabilities.

Provide Text Alternatives for Media

Images, videos, and other multimedia content must include text alternatives so that users with visual or hearing impairments can understand them. For images, this means providing descriptive alt text. Alt text should be concise yet meaningful, accurately describing the content or purpose of the image.

For videos, consider providing transcripts or captions. This helps not only users with hearing impairments but also those who prefer reading or are in environments where sound is not available. There are tools like Descript and Otter.ai that can assist in generating transcripts.

Ensure Keyboard Navigation

Many users rely on keyboards instead of mice to navigate websites. This includes users with motor disabilities, as well as power users who prefer keyboard shortcuts. To make your website fully accessible, ensure that all interactive elements, such as buttons, forms, and links, are keyboard-friendly.

Conduct tests by navigating your website using only a keyboard. Can you reach every element using the Tab key? Are dropdowns and forms accessible via keyboard commands? These are important checks to ensure inclusivity.

Use Sufficient Color Contrast

Good color contrast is essential for readability, especially for users with visual impairments like color blindness. The WCAG recommends a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. You can use tools like WebAIM’s contrast checker to verify that your text stands out clearly against background colors.

Avoid using color as the sole method of conveying information. For example, instead of just changing the color of text to indicate errors, use additional markers like icons or messages that clearly indicate the issue.

Make Forms Accessible

Forms are a crucial part of many websites, and making them accessible is key to ensuring all users can interact with your site. Each form field should have a corresponding label that describes its purpose. Avoid placeholder-only fields, as they may disappear once the user begins typing, creating confusion for screen reader users.

Additionally, provide clear error messages and validation feedback. If a user submits a form incorrectly, ensure that the error is communicated in an accessible way, with specific instructions on how to fix it.

Conclusion

Improving website accessibility is not only a legal obligation in many countries but also a moral one, as it ensures that your site is usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities. By implementing semantic HTML, providing text alternatives, optimizing for keyboard navigation, ensuring sufficient color contrast, and making forms accessible, you can create a more inclusive digital experience.

Use WebCheckin to assess your site’s accessibility and get tailored recommendations for improvement.