Digital accessibility ensures that websites and mobile apps are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. It’s not about checking boxes; it’s about thoughtful design that considers a wide range of needs, from screen reader compatibility and keyboard navigation to captioned videos and readable layouts.
People interact with technology in many ways. Some users employ voice controls, while others utilize screen magnifiers or Assistive Touch. If a site isn’t built with these users in mind, it can create insurmountable barriers, blocking access to services, content, or communication.
The good news? Accessible design always leads to better design. When you build with clarity, flexibility, and usability at the forefront, you create a smoother experience for all users because accessibility benefits everyone. Whether they’re browsing on their phone in bright sunlight, multitasking, listening to your content, or simply seeking a clear and intuitive interface, digital accessibility enhances the experience for everyone.
A Brief History: Accessibility in Websites and Mobile App Design
Accessibility in digital spaces isn’t a new idea, but it didn’t take center stage until the late 1990s. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) introduced the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) in 1999, and they’ve been evolving ever since.
At first, the focus was primarily on websites. However, in today’s app-focused world, mobile app design is a significant part of the conversation as well. Apps that rely solely on touch gestures or lack audio descriptions can exclude millions of users. Accessibility now includes everything from voice controls and closed captioning to alt text and color contrast ratios.
Legal requirements have followed suit. In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) now includes websites and apps, and businesses—especially small ones—have faced lawsuits for inaccessible sites. Simply put, digital accessibility is no longer optional. It’s part of doing business responsibly.
What Are the Guidelines Now?
The gold standard for digital accessibility is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, which outlines four main principles. Your site or app should be:
In mobile app design, this also encompasses features such as voice commands, gesture alternatives, and haptic feedback options. We build every product, whether it’s a website for an attorney or an app for a delivery service, with accessibility in mind from the very first sketch.
Accessibility isn’t something you bolt on later. It’s baked into the process from wireframing to the final launch.
How We Build for Everyone
At The Valley List, accessibility is part of every design conversation. When we create a site or app, we ask questions like:
- Can this site be used by someone who can’t see the screen?
- What happens if someone can’t hear a video?
- Will users on older phones or devices still get a smooth experience?
We utilize accessibility checklists, automated scanners, and manual reviews to ensure that our builds far exceed the bare minimum. That includes accessible color contrast, logical heading structure, clear alt text, and interactive elements that don’t rely solely on a mouse or tap.
Our clients don’t need to ask for accessible design, but they always get it. Because doing the right thing shouldn’t be a premium feature.
Commonly Overlooked Accessibility Tools
Even well-meaning designers and developers can miss key elements. Here are some of the most commonly overlooked tools that should be included in every modern digital product:
- Keyboard Navigation – Not everyone uses a mouse. Tab-friendly navigation is a must.
- Focus Indicators – Visual outlines that help users know where they are on a page
- Alt Text for Decorative Images – Not everything requires a description, but empty alt tags prevent screen readers from announcing unnecessary information.
- Form Labels and Instructions – Clear, descriptive labels help users with screen readers and cognitive disabilities
- Video Captions and Transcripts – Audio content should always come with a readable option
- Color Contrast – Low-contrast text may look sleek, but it’s unreadable for many users
Missing just one of these tools can create a frustrating or even impossible experience for users who rely on assistive technology.
Ready to make your website or mobile app welcoming to everyone? We’re here to help you build something accessible, beautiful, and compliant right from the start. Contact us today to review and refresh your current website or app or create something new from scratch.
