Accessibility Guide: Making Your Website Inclusive for Everyone

Learn how to make your website accessible to all, ensuring a better experience for every visitor.

Why Accessibility Matters

Web accessibility isn’t just about compliance, it’s about creating a fair, inclusive online experience. By ensuring your website is accessible, you open the door to a wider audience, build trust, and make a positive impact.

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The Foundations of an Accessible Website

A. Perceivable Content

Add alt text to images for users with visual impairments.
Include captions or transcripts for videos and audio.
Ensure text is readable with proper color contrast.

B. Operable Navigation

Ensure your site can be navigated using a keyboard.
Make interactive elements large and easy to click.
Avoid timed interactions that may exclude some users.

C. Understandable Design

Use consistent layouts across all pages.
Provide clear, concise instructions for tasks.
Avoid jargon or overly technical language.

D. Robust Compatibility

Use clean, valid code to ensure accessibility.
Test your site on multiple browsers and devices.
Ensure compatibility with screen readers and assistive tools.

E. Responsive and Mobile-Friendly

Make sure your site adapts seamlessly to all screen sizes.
Optimize navigation for touch and swipe gestures.
Test your site on both smartphones and tablets.

F. Inclusive Forms

Add clear labels to all form fields.
Use logical tab orders to improve accessibility.
Provide error messages that guide users to correct inputs.

Simple Tips to Enhance Accessibility

Add Alt Text to Images

Every image should tell a story, add alt text so everyone can experience your content.

Use Clear Heading Structures

Organized headings guide users and assistive tools, making your site easy to navigate.

Ensure Strong Color Contrast

Readable text means everyone can engage, check your color contrast for clarity.

Make Navigation Keyboard-Friendly

Not everyone uses a mouse, keyboard navigation ensures every visitor can explore your site.

Provide Video Captions and Transcripts

Captions and transcripts give everyone the chance to connect with your video content.

Create Descriptive Links

Replace vague phrases like ‘Click Here’ with specific links like ‘Read Our Accessibility Guide’ to give users clarity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Accessibility

Skipping Alt Text for Images

Without alt text, your images are invisible to users with visual impairments: add descriptions to make them accessible.

Using Poor Color Contrast

Low contrast makes text unreadable for many users, ensure strong contrast to keep everyone engaged.

Ignoring Keyboard Navigation

Not all users rely on a mouse, test your site to ensure it’s fully navigable by keyboard.

Overlooking Captions and Transcripts

Videos without captions exclude users with hearing impairments, add them to make your content inclusive.

Relying Solely on Color to Convey Information

Using only color leaves colorblind users behind, add text or icons to ensure clarity.

Failing to Label Form Fields Clearly

Unlabeled forms confuse users, add clear labels so everyone can complete tasks easily.

Why Our Clients Love Us

She is very responsive and able to handle all aspects of programming. The IFMA San Diego website won Excellence in Web Communications at our annual IFMA conference in 2018. I recommend Frances’ services without hesitation.

David Suter

President

She went above and beyond to make sure that my website looked great, functioned well, and had the right content for my audience. Frances is an exceptional professional, and I loved working with her!

Pamela Dunn

President

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Accessibility Guide: Making Your Website Inclusive for Everyone

Learn how to make your website accessible to all, ensuring a better experience for every visitor.

Why Accessibility Matters

"When we make the web

accessible, we create a better

experience for everyone."

- Anonymous