Website accessibility, more than just a technical or legal issue, is a moral imperative. It’s about creating digital experiences that everyone—regardless of ability or disability—can use. Inclusive design is a core responsibility in today’s digital-first world, where accessibility affects user experience, brand perception, SEO, and long-term business success.
If you manage a website, here’s what you need to know about making it accessible for all users.
What Is Website Accessibility?
Website accessibility ensures that all users—including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments—can access and interact with your site effectively.
This includes things like:
Navigating content using a keyboard
Using screen readers to interpret pages
Viewing content with sufficient contrast
Following a clear and logical layout
Accessible websites follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
The POUR Principles of Accessibility
WCAG is built on four foundational principles, often abbreviated as POUR:
• Perceivable – Information must be available to the senses (e.g., alt text for images, captions for videos).
• Operable – All interface elements should work via keyboard and assistive tools—not just a mouse.
• Understandable – Navigation and content should be clear, consistent, and intuitive.
• Robust – The content must work with assistive technologies across browsers and platforms.
These principles guide designers and developers in creating sites that are both compliant and user-friendly.
Why Accessibility Matters
It’s Inclusive
More than a billion people globally live with a disability. Making your website accessible opens it up to a wider audience and promotes digital equity.It’s a Legal Requirement
In the U.S., Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public-facing websites be accessible. Non-compliance can result in lawsuits, lost business opportunities, and damage to your reputation.It Improves Everyone’s Experience
Features like clear buttons, captions, and simplified navigation aren’t just for people with disabilities. They help mobile users, people in noisy settings, and those with temporary limitations, too.It Strengthens Your SEO
Many accessibility practices—like structured HTML and meaningful links—also improve how your site ranks on search engines.
Key Accessibility Features to Add
✓ Alt Text for Images
Write clear, descriptive alt text that conveys the image’s purpose or meaning.
✓ Keyboard Navigation Support
Users should be able to access all parts of your website—menus, buttons, forms—without using a mouse.
✓ Strong Color Contrast
Ensure sufficient contrast between text and backgrounds so people with low vision or color blindness can read easily.
✓ Use of Semantic HTML & ARIA Labels
Use proper tags (like <nav>, <article>, <header>) and ARIA roles to help screen readers interpret content correctly.
✓ Captions and Transcripts
Videos should include captions. Audio content should have transcripts available.
✓ Clear Focus Indicators
Make it obvious which element is currently selected when using a keyboard—usually shown with an outline or highlight.
✓ Descriptive Anchor Text
Replace vague links like “click here” with more helpful text such as “Explore our Accessibility Guide.”
✓ Form Error Feedback
If a user makes a mistake, forms should clearly state what went wrong and how to fix it.
Common Accessibility Mistakes
Avoid these frequent missteps:
– Relying only on color to convey meaning
– Skipping alt text for images
– Ignoring keyboard-only navigation
– Playing audio or video automatically without controls
– Omitting skip navigation links
– Using CAPTCHA without accessible alternatives
Tools for Testing Website Accessibility
You don’t need to guess whether your site is accessible. Try these tools:
WAVE by WebAIM – Offers visual feedback on accessibility errors
axe DevTools – Browser extension for testing during development
Lighthouse (in Chrome DevTools) – Scores your site’s accessibility and provides recommendations
NVDA / VoiceOver – Free screen readers to simulate real-world experiences
Don’t forget manual testing:
• Try navigating your entire site using only a keyboard
• Use a screen reader to review key pages
• Conduct usability testing with users who rely on assistive technology
Accessibility Brings Business Benefits
Accessible websites do more than comply—they perform better. Benefits include:
Lower bounce rates due to improved usability
Higher conversion rates with more user-friendly forms
Enhanced SEO visibility and rankings
Decreased legal risk from ADA non-compliance
Better brand perception and increased loyalty
Top brands like Apple and Microsoft lead the way in accessibility—not just out of obligation, but because it makes business sense.
Real-World Scenario
Imagine a user trying to buy something from your online store. If they rely on a screen reader, and your site has no keyboard support or error feedback, they won’t be able to complete the purchase.
Now imagine instead:
– High-contrast buttons
– Logical, well-labeled headings
– Full VoiceOver compatibility
– Helpful error messages in forms
The result: a smooth, successful shopping experience for everyone—and more completed sales.
Best Practices for Long-Term Accessibility
Build with accessibility in mind from the start, not as an afterthought
Use themes and plugins that are WCAG-compliant if you’re on a CMS like WordPress
Train your design and development teams on inclusive practices
Schedule regular accessibility audits to stay compliant
Keep a record of your accessibility efforts for transparency and legal protection
Final Thoughts: Accessibility Is Smart, Inclusive Design
Website accessibility isn’t optional—it’s essential. It improves usability, drives better business results, and ensures that every visitor can interact with your brand with ease and dignity.
Start building a digital experience that’s accessible from the ground up. It’s not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.
Is your website truly accessible for everyone?
Let The Valley List help you audit, enhance, and maintain an inclusive digital presence that meets legal standards and business goals.
