Website Accessibility: Do It Now

Website accessibility is no longer optional; it’s essential. Making your website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, isn’t just about compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or avoiding lawsuits. It’s about doing what’s right.

Accessible websites support inclusivity, improve user experience and ensure that every visitor can access your content, products, or services equally. Whether you're a business owner, nonprofit leader, website manager, or marketer, prioritizing accessibility can strengthen your reputation and broaden your reach.

It hasn't been too many years since some of the country's most influential universities and businesses like Harvard and Nike were defending themselves in court over the accessibility of their online content.

Just 3% of the internet is accessible to individuals with disabilities. ~ WebAIM

Why ADA Accessibility for Websites is Crucial

1. Legal Compliance

   Failing to meet ADA accessibility requirements can lead to lawsuits and hefty fines. The ADA requires that businesses and other organizations make their websites accessible to people with disabilities, just as they would ensure their physical spaces are accessible.

2. Moral Responsibility

   By ensuring your website can be used by everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities, you champion inclusivity and show that your organization values everyone.

3. Expanded Audience Reach

   An accessible website opens the door to a larger audience. Approximately 1 in 4 American adults live with a disability. Ensuring your website is ADA-compliant guarantees that you’re not excluding this significant demographic.

4. Enhanced User Experience

   Designing for accessibility often leads to better experiences for all users—not just those with disabilities. Features like clear navigation, alt text, and captions improve usability for everyone, including users on smart phones or those with slower internet connections (Yes. Slow connections still exist.)

5. SEO Benefits

   Accessible websites tend to perform better in search engines because many tactics to optimize for SEO also help accessibility. Think site organization and easy-to-use features like accurate alt text, captions, and clear headings that make it easier for search engines to understand and rank your site.

   
   
   
   

   

   Accessible websites tend to perform better in search engines

   
   

Ensure Your Website is Accessible

Getting your website up to speed may sound daunting, but breaking it into manageable steps can make the process simpler.

1. Keyboard Navigation

   Ensure that all functionalities on your website can be accessed using only a keyboard. Many users with physical disabilities rely on a keyboard instead of a mouse to scroll, click links, or interact with forms.

   Tip: Test your site by navigating it using only your keyboard. Can you access all parts of the website, including drop downs, forms, and menus?

2. Alt Text for Images

   All non-decorative images on your website should include descriptive alternative text (alt text). Alt text provides context for users relying on screen readers.

   Tip: Ensure your alt text is precise and conveys the purpose of the image, but avoid overly long or irrelevant details.

3. Color Contrast

   Your text and background should have sufficient contrast to be easily readable. Poor color contrast can make text difficult to read, especially for users with visual impairments or color blindness.

   Tip: Use tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker to test your website’s color combinations. Try not to use light text on light backgrounds.

4. Descriptive Links

   Avoid using generic link text like “click here” or “read more.” Instead, use descriptive links that clearly indicate what the user can expect when clicking.

   Example: Instead of “Click here to learn more,” try “Learn more about our services.”

5. Accessible Forms

   Forms should include clear labels, instructions, and error messages. Screen reader users should be able to tab through fields and know what kind of data is needed for each input field.

   Tip: Add ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels and ensure form fields provide specific and concise instructions.

6. Transcript and Captions for Media

   Videos and audio files should include captions or transcripts. This ensures users who are deaf or hard of hearing can still engage with your multimedia content.

   Tip: Use tools like YouTube’s auto-captioning feature or a service like Rev to add captions to your videos.

7. Responsive Design

   Your website should be fully responsive, meaning it functions across all devices and screen sizes. Accessibility isn’t limited to one device, and your design should cater to various users' needs.

   Tip: Test your website on multiple devices to ensure functionality and readability remain intact.
   

   

   Your website should be fully responsive across all devices and screen sizes.

8. Accessible Fonts and Text Sizes

   Choose easy-to-read fonts and ensure that users can resize text as needed without overlapping or cutting off content.

   Tip: Stick to simple fonts like Arial or Verdana and ensure a minimum font size of 16px for readability.

9. Accessible PDFs and Documents

   If your website includes downloadable PDFs or other documents, ensure they are accessible. This means they should be searchable, include proper headings, and be navigable by screen readers.

   Tip: Use tools like Adobe Acrobat to test and improve the accessibility of your PDFs.

10. Perform an Accessibility Audit

    Regularly test your website using accessibility tools to identify and correct issues. There are free tools like WAVE, Axe, or Google’s Lighthouse that can help you spot accessibility gaps.

    Tip: If you’re unsure how to conduct an audit, consider hiring an accessibility specialist or partnering with a knowledgeable service provider.

Final Thoughts

Just like reading is fundamental (thanks, Reading Rainbow 🌈), building an accessible website is a fundamental part of creating a more inclusive and equitable online world. Inclusivity and equity aren't dirty words. Making your content accessible for everyone reflects your organization’s values and allows your message to reach a broader audience.

One More Thing

Don’t neglect your social channels. Facebook, LinkedIn and whatever we’re calling Twitter/X now all provide ALT fields for image or graphic descriptions.

If you’re unsure where to start, or need guidance in making your website ADA-compliant, we can help.