For a digital environment to be inclusive, it should start with a design that invites every user. Since more than a quarter of US adults are affected by some disability, access to important web information and services can be denied.
With the help of these organizations, meeting legal regulations can mean offering user-friendly websites for all. Essentially, it focuses on ensuring website accessibility is both a moral goal and a good business choice.
Why Accessibility Matters More Than Ever
Nowadays, we rely on the Internet for our financial needs, healthcare, school, and shopping. If websites are not accessible, they create the same kind of problem as having steps without a ramp for wheelchairs. Imagine you cannot:
- Pay bills because forms are not keyboard-navigable
- Shop online because images lack descriptions
- Watch videos without captions.
Ethics aside, the ADA says that all websites must be accessible by law, or they may be taken to court annually.
Common Accessibility Barriers (And How to Fix Them)
1. Poor Color Contrast & Color-Only Cues
- Problem: Light gray text on white backgrounds or color-coded instructions exclude users with low vision or color blindness.
- Fix: Ensure text contrasts sharply with backgrounds (WCAG recommends 4.5:1). Never communicate information just with color.
2. Missing Alt Text for Images
- Problem: Screen readers cannot interpret pictures, charts, or icons without text descriptions.
- Fix: Add concise alt text explaining each image’s purpose (e.g., “Red ‘Sale’ banner” instead of “image123.jpg”).
3. Keyboard Navigation Gaps
- Problem: Users who cannot operate a mouse get stuck on non-keyboard-friendly sites.
- Fix: Test tab navigation. Ensure all interactive elements (menus, buttons, forms) work via keyboard alone.
4. Video/Media Without Captions
- Problem: Deaf users miss critical audio content.
- Fix: Caption the videos on your website and provide scripts for your podcasts.
Practical Steps Toward Compliance
Start with an Audit
Use free tools like WAVE or EqualWeb’s scanner to identify issues. Prioritize critical fixes like:
Adding alt text to images
- Ensuring form fields have clear labels
- Enlarging clickable areas for touch navigation.
Adopt WCAG Standards
While the ADA does not specify technical rules, WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the gold standard. Key focus areas:
- Perceivable: Text alternatives, adaptable layouts
- Operable: Keyboard functionality, no flashing content
- Understandable: Clear language, consistent navigation
- Robust: Compatibility with assistive technologies.
Train Your Team
Accessibility is not just a developer’s job. Content creators should:
- Write descriptive link text
- Structure headings logically (H1 > H2 > H3)
- Simplify complex language.
Beyond Compliance: The Business Case
Accessible websites:
- Boost SEO (alt text and transcripts help search rankings)
- Expand audience reach (tap into the $13 trillion disability market)
- Reduce legal risks (ADA lawsuits cost thousands in settlements)
- Enhance UX for all (captions help non-native speakers too).
Getting Expert Help
Those who find it complicated to implement WCAG’s technical requirements can rely on EqualWeb to achieve compliance smoothly. Their tools and audits simplify the process, from fixing color contrasts to optimizing screen reader compatibility.
Designing an Inclusive Digital Future
The goal of web accessibility is to give everyone an equal opportunity in a world where everything is online. Attending to these matters early can help businesses ensure all users enjoy their apps and remain safe from the law.
