Imagine walking into a store and finding that the doors are too narrow for a wheelchair or the signs are impossible to read for someone with poor eyesight. You’d expect better. The same principle applies online. Websites must be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
Accessibility isn’t just a legal obligation. It’s a moral responsibility and a smart business move. Millions of people rely on accessible websites to shop, learn, communicate, and work. If your website isn’t accessible, you’re not only excluding potential customers, you could also be risking lawsuits and fines.
In this guide, we’ll explain what website accessibility means, why it matters, and practical steps you can take to stay compliant and create a better experience for everyone.
What is Website Accessibility?
Website accessibility means designing and developing websites so that people with disabilities can use them without barriers. Disabilities that affect web use include:
- Vision impairments
- Hearing impairments
- Mobility or physical disabilities
- Cognitive or learning disabilities
Accessibility involves making sure users can:
- Perceive your content
- Operate website functions
- Understand information and navigation
- Interact with your website effectively
“Accessibility is not a feature. It’s a fundamental part of creating quality experiences for all users.” — Rebecca Torres, UX Designer
Why Accessibility Matters
Some people view accessibility as a niche concern. It’s not. Here’s why it’s crucial for every website.
1. Legal Compliance
Many countries have laws that require digital accessibility, including:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States
- The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in Canada
- The Equality Act in the United Kingdom
- The European Accessibility Act in the European Union
In the US, more than 4,000 lawsuits were filed in 2023 against businesses with inaccessible websites. Even small businesses can be targeted.
2. Business Benefits
Accessible websites:
- Reach a broader audience
- Improve search engine rankings
- Increase conversions
- Enhance brand reputation
- Reduce legal risk
Around 15 percent of the world’s population lives with some form of disability. That’s a significant portion of potential customers.
3. Ethical Responsibility
Beyond legal or financial reasons, making your website accessible is simply the right thing to do. Everyone deserves equal access to information and services online.
Key Principles of Accessibility
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set the global standard for digital accessibility. The core principles can be remembered by the acronym POUR:
Perceivable
Users must be able to perceive the information presented. Examples:
- Text alternatives for images
- Captions for videos
- High color contrast between text and background
Operable
Users must be able to navigate and use the website’s interface. Examples:
- Navigation using only a keyboard
- Sufficient time to read or complete tasks
- No flashing content that could trigger seizures
Understandable
Information and operation of the website must be clear and predictable. Examples:
- Simple language
- Consistent navigation
- Clear instructions for forms
Robust
Content must work reliably with different technologies, including assistive tools like screen readers. Examples:
- Clean HTML code
- Compatibility with various browsers and devices
Common Accessibility Barriers
Even well-designed websites often contain barriers for people with disabilities. Here are some of the most common issues:
Missing Alt Text
Images without alternative text leave blind users unaware of important visuals. Every meaningful image should have a descriptive alt attribute.
Poor Color Contrast
Light gray text on a white background might look stylish but can be impossible for people with low vision to read.
Inaccessible Forms
Forms without labels, error messages, or logical tab order are difficult for screen readers and people navigating by keyboard.
Non-Descriptive Links
Links labeled “Click here” or “Read more” provide no context for users relying on assistive technology.
Lack of Keyboard Navigation
Some websites require a mouse to navigate, leaving keyboard-only users stranded.
Video Without Captions
Without captions, deaf or hard-of-hearing users miss the information in video content.
Tools to Check Accessibility
You don’t have to guess whether your website is accessible. Several excellent tools can help you test for problems.
1. WAVE
The Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool highlights issues like missing alt text, contrast errors, and more.
2. axe DevTools
A browser extension for Chrome and Firefox that identifies accessibility issues directly in the browser.
3. Lighthouse
Google’s Lighthouse tool runs audits for performance, SEO, and accessibility.
Learn more about Lighthouse
4. NVDA or JAWS Screen Readers
Testing your website with screen readers gives a true sense of how accessible it is for visually impaired users.
Steps to Improve Accessibility
Let’s look at practical ways you can make your website more accessible.
Add Alternative Text
Write descriptive alt text for all meaningful images. Example:
- Bad: “Image”
- Good: “Golden retriever puppy playing in a park”
Use Proper Headings
Headings help screen readers and sighted users understand page structure. Don’t skip heading levels. Use them in logical order:
- H1 for the page title
- H2 for major sections
- H3 for subsections under H2
Provide Text Transcripts and Captions
Videos should have:
- Captions for spoken dialogue
- Transcripts for people who can’t hear or prefer reading
Ensure Good Color Contrast
Text should contrast sharply with background colors. Tools like WAVE can check contrast ratios for you.
Make Forms Accessible
Ensure all forms:
- Have visible labels
- Use clear error messages
- Follow a logical tab order
- Include required field indicators
Enable Keyboard Navigation
Users should be able to:
- Navigate menus
- Activate buttons
- Submit forms
…using only a keyboard.
Avoid Auto-Playing Media
Auto-playing videos or music can confuse users, especially those using screen readers. Provide a clear play/pause option.
Use Descriptive Link Text
Replace generic links with descriptive labels. For example:
- Instead of “Click here,” write “Download our 2024 pricing guide.”
Test Regularly
Run accessibility audits as part of your website maintenance routine. Accessibility is not a one-time fix.
Accessibility and SEO: A Helpful Overlap
Many accessibility improvements also boost SEO. For example:
- Alt text helps search engines understand images.
- Proper heading structure improves readability for humans and crawlers.
- Clean, semantic HTML benefits both accessibility and SEO.
- Fast-loading pages help users and search rankings.
Improving accessibility often strengthens your overall website quality.
Accessibility Laws and Standards
Understanding legal requirements is critical for compliance.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Applies to businesses and public entities. Courts have increasingly ruled that websites must be accessible under the ADA.
Section 508 (United States)
Applies to federal agencies and organizations working with them.
WCAG
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are the global gold standard for digital accessibility. Many laws reference WCAG standards.
Creating an Accessibility Statement
An accessibility statement tells users:
- Your commitment to accessibility
- What accessibility features your site includes
- How users can report problems
It builds trust and shows that you take accessibility seriously.
See examples at W3C’s accessibility statement generator
The Cost of Inaccessible Websites
Neglecting accessibility can have real consequences:
- Lawsuits and legal fees
- Damage to brand reputation
- Lost revenue from excluded users
- Lower search rankings
Investing in accessibility saves money, reduces risk, and builds goodwill.
“Accessibility should never be treated as an afterthought. It’s a core part of user experience and brand integrity.” — Miguel Franco, Digital Consultant
Accessibility is an Ongoing Process
Accessibility is not something you do once and forget. New content, design changes, and software updates can introduce new barriers. Include accessibility checks in your:
- Website maintenance plan
- Content publishing process
- Design reviews
- Development workflows
Conclusion
Website accessibility is about creating digital spaces that everyone can use, regardless of ability. It’s not only the law in many places but also the right thing to do for your users and your business.
Investing in accessibility improves your website’s reach, SEO, and reputation. Whether you run a small business or a large organization, making your website accessible is a powerful step toward inclusion and success.
Start small if you need to, but start today. The web should be for everyone.
Further Reading:
#Accessibility