Does your website meet accessibility standards?

Making a website today isn't just about having nice pictures or fun stories. It's essential that your site is user-friendly for everyone. This idea is known as website accessibility. If you're asking yourself, 'Can everyone use my website easily?' then you're on the right track. This article will shed light on what website accessibility is and how to ensure that your website complies with accessibility standards.

What is Website Accessibility About?

Think of website accessibility as rolling out the red carpet for every single visitor – no exceptions. This means making your digital space a breeze to navigate for people with disabilities, like users relying on screen readers, people who find smaller text tougher to read, or those who use a keyboard to move around the digital world instead of a mouse. In terms of accessibility standards, aligning with a set of guidelines known as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is your best bet. Following WCAG makes sure your site is not just visiting-friendly, but genuinely welcoming to everyone.

Why Should Accessibility Be a Priority?

1. Inclusivity: When your website nails accessibility, you're sending a big welcome banner to all visitors. It means you get that people experience your site in many different ways, and you’re cool with that. You want everyone to have the VIP treatment. It’s a way to say, “We see you, and we’ve got you,” making your corner of the internet a warmer, friendlier place.

2. Playing by the Rules: Think of web accessibility as not just being nice—it’s the law in many places. Take the USA, for example, where the Americans with Disabilities Act lays down the law for digital spaces too.

Brushing off these rules could hit you where it hurts, with fines or even lawsuits ganging up on your brand’s rep and your wallet. Keeping up and sticking to these legal must-dos is also a nifty way to show the world your business has a heart.

3. Google Loves It: Here’s a fun fact—making your website easy for everyone to use is also a secret handshake with search engines. It puts you on their good side, which can up your game in search rankings. Why? Because things like adding descriptions to your images or making your titles clear mean search engines understand your site better. It’s like sprinkling some magic SEO dust across your content.

4. Expanding Audience Range: Ignoring accessibility could mean missing out on connecting with a significant portion of your audience. Disabilities affect countless individuals around the globe, and features that assist in navigation and comprehension widely benefit all users, including those without disabilities but may face temporary or situational difficulties.

How to Verify Your Site’s Accessibility

1. Automated Tools Suggestions: Kickstart your assessment with tools like Google's Lighthouse or accessibilitychecker.org. Such tools can quickly identify prominent issues that need attention.

2. Conduct Manual Accessibility Evaluation: Some issues require a manual check, like navigating your site through a keyboard only or using screen reader software, to uncover more nuanced barriers.

3. Gather User Insights: Speaking directly with users, particularly those relying on assistive technology or methods due to disabilities, offers valuable firsthand feedback.

Common Accessibility Mistakes

1. Inadequate Text Contrast

Achieving the right contrast between text and its background is crucial for visitors with visual impairments. When there's insufficient contrast, such users struggle to read and comprehend website content, leading to frustration and, potentially, a complete site abandonment.

Despite its impact, this remains one of the most common oversights, severely impacting user experiences. Ensuring high contrast levels not only benefits users needing accommodations but also improves readability across all devices and lighting conditions.

2. Forgetting Alt Text on Pictures

Imagine browsing a website with cool photos but you can't see them. That's where alt text comes in. It describes the image, so everyone knows what's there, screen reader users included. Skipping this step or doing a half-baked job leaves some users in the dark, literally. They miss out on what makes your site special. Adding clear and descriptive alt text is an easy win for making your site better for everyone.

3. Making It Hard for Keyboard Users

Not everyone clicks around with a mouse. Some folks rely solely on their keyboards to get around online due to physical limitations. If your website doesn't play nice with keyboard navigation, you're essentially slamming the digital door on these users. They can't access certain info or services, which is a big no-no. Getting your site keyboard-friendly is a key piece of being truly accessible.

4. Vague Labels on Forms and Buttons

Forms are everywhere on the web. They let users do stuff like search, sign up, or buy. But imagine trying to fill out a form or hit a button when you can’t see what’s written on it. Users who depend on screen readers will struggle if labels and buttons aren’t clearly explained. Nobody likes guessing games, especially when trying to sign up or make a purchase. Clear, concise labels make the web a smoother ride for everyone.

How to Make Your Site Better for Everyone

1. Starting point: Checking your website against WCAG guidelines using automated tools can show you where you need improvements.

2. Learn about WCAG: The more you and your team know about the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, the better. These are the rules that help sites be clear and easy to use for everyone.

3. Check Your Code and Words: Making your site work for everyone means paying attention to both the technical side and your content. Everything from coding to how you write your site can make it easier or harder for someone with a disability.

4. Regularly Examine Accessibility: Plan to regularly check your site for WCAG compliance as part of your routine. This way, you keep improving.

Remember, Accessibility is About Inclusion

Accessibility is crucial. It's the web equivalent of removing barriers so all can enter. Following the WCAG helps ensure your website is approachable and navigable for everyone. By enriching everyone's experience, not only do you meet legal and ethical standards, you create a welcoming space on the internet.

Start with seeing where you align with WCAG and develop your understanding as you make changes. Engaging with and respecting all users isn't just following the law—it's about building a better and more inclusive online community.