Website Accessibility – A Website For All

Principles of Website Accessibility

In the realm of website accessibility, there are 4 main principles:

The Perceivable

All of the information on your website (including your user interface components) must be presented in a way that users can perceive with relative ease. This involves providing text alternatives for non-text content (alt tags for example), using captions and other alternatives for multimedia, and ensuring that content is adaptable to various display methods.

The Operable

Users must be able to interact with and navigate the website. This principle emphasises keyboard accessibility, giving users the ability to navigate without a mouse. It also involves providing sufficient time for users to read and complete tasks, avoiding content that could potentially cause seizures, and designing navigation that is consistent and predictable.

The Understandable

Information and operation of the user interface must be clear and straightforward. This includes readable and understandable text, input assistance for form fields, and predictable navigation and functionality. Users should not encounter unexpected or confusing elements while interacting with the website.

The Robust

Websites must be designed to work with current and future technologies, including assistive technologies. Following best practices in coding and using standard conventions ensures that websites remain accessible as technologies evolve.

Best Practices for Website Accessibility

Now that we’ve gone through the basic principles of website accessibility and have thought about the impact on users and how your website should cater to this, it’s time to start putting this into practice!

Here are 7 ways to start putting this all into action:

Semantic HTML

By using semantic HTML, you’re ensuring that content is properly structured, making it easier for assistive technologies to interpret. Proper heading structure, meaningful use of tags, and accurate labeling of form fields are examples of semantic HTML practices. Speak to your developer about this (preferably before the website build starts of course!).

Alternative Text for Images

Including descriptive alternative text for images allows users with visual impairments to understand the content. Screen readers, for example, use alternative text to convey information about images to users who cannot see them. This has an added bonus of being great for SEO!

Keyboard Accessibility

Designing websites to be navigable and operable via a keyboard is essential for users who rely on keyboard navigation or have motor disabilities. All interactive elements should be accessible and usable through keyboard commands. This is already somewhat done by default via your browser, however it can be enhanced within your code to really get down to the nitty gritty.

Captions and Transcripts for Multimedia

Providing accurate captions and transcripts for both video and audio content ensures that users with hearing impairments can access the information. This practice also benefits users in noisy environments or those who prefer reading over listening.

Colour Contrast

Ensuring sufficient colour contrast between text and background is crucial for users with visual impairments or colour blindness. High contrast enhances readability and makes content more accessible to a wider audience.

Readable and Understandable Content

Use plain language and ensure that content is written in a clear and concise manner. This benefits users with cognitive disabilities, as well as those who may not have English as their first language.

Testing with Assistive Technologies

Regularly testing websites with various assistive technologies, such as screen readers and voice recognition software, helps identify and address potential accessibility issues. This proactive approach ensures that the website remains accessible to a diverse user base.