Have you ever wondered why web accessibility matters for every website? With over 61 million Americans with disabilities, web accessibility is important. It ensures equal access for people with disabilities through an inclusive design.
This guide provides a checklist to fix accessibility problems and use evaluation tools. We’ll also talk about web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG). Also, learn about accessibility requirements to achieve maximum accessibility.
Starting with the right platform can make accessibility far simpler, especially when you are following a beginner friendly checklist. This table highlights builders that offer strong accessibility support, from compliant templates to clean code. Explore our recommended tools here to build an inclusive site from the start.
Accessible Website Builders That Make Inclusive Design Easy
| Provider | User Rating | Recommended For | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.6 | Beginners | Visit Hostinger |
 | 4.4 | Pricing | Visit IONOS |
 | 4.2 | Design | Visit Squarespace |
Why Web Accessibility Is Non-Negotiable
See why web accessibility matters for every site today.
Understanding the Impact on People with Disabilities
Over 61 million adults in the U.S. have disabilities. That’s a massive audience you might be excluding if your website isn’t accessible. Without web accessibility, many users lose access to websites, services, and information.
When web content lacks a proper accessible design, it creates digital accessibility barriers. These accessibility problems stop equal access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. Without accessibility, websites exclude people with disabilities.
People with disabilities often use assistive technologies, such as screen readers and alternative keyboards. Screen readers convert text to speech or braille. Voice recognition software enables users to control their computers without using a keyboard.
Alternative keyboards enable individuals with limited fine motor control to interact with content. These tools help users with learning disabilities access websites. However, these tools only function well when websites adhere to accessibility guidelines.
Therefore, Web developers should adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Also, use Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines, such as adding text alternatives and keyboard navigation.
Additionally, clear semantic information also enhances mobile accessibility. Watch these perspective videos from the World Wide Web Consortium for website interaction. You see how people with diverse abilities interact with web content.
Common Web Accessibility Barriers to Avoid
Understanding accessibility barriers helps build websites accessible to people with disabilities.
- Poor Color Contrast: Light gray text on light backgrounds hurts web accessibility. It’s hard for people with disabilities or the color-blind to read. Follow WCAG guidelines so web developers avoid these accessibility barriers.
- Missing Alt Text: When you skip a text alternative, screen reader users miss images. They can’t understand key web content or product information. Adding alt text helps remove accessibility barriers and supports web accessibility.
- No Video Captions: People with disabilities who are deaf require captions or transcripts to understand audio content. It isn’t only videos that they would be restricted to, but also webinars and podcasts. In fact, it affects any multimedia content on your site.
- Mouse-Only Navigation: Many users depend on keyboard navigation due to limited fine motor control. If your site needs a mouse to access forms or other elements, it blocks equal access. Web developers should fix these accessibility barriers to improve web accessibility.
- Inaccessible Forms: Forms without clear labels confuse users and block equal access. People with cognitive disabilities need clear instructions and error messages. Add these to improve web accessibility and inclusive design.
The Legal Landscape: ADA Requires Digital Accessibility
Learn how the ADA influences digital accessibility and its impact on web accessibility today.
Understanding ADA and WCAG Accessibility Guidelines
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also covers the web. Applies to state governments under Title II and public accommodations under Title III. It makes sure people with disabilities can use websites and services.
Banks, stores, and restaurants must keep their websites accessible to everyone. They must fix accessibility barriers and support assistive technologies.
The Department of Justice advises following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. The Web Accessibility Initiative developed these rules. This specific guidance helps web developers create accessible websites that comply with the law.
WCAG is built on four core principles, remembered by the acronym POUR:
- Perceivable: Users must perceive information clearly on every web page. Add text alternatives for images and video captions for sounds. Ensure a strong color contrast to improve web accessibility and equal access.
- Operable: Users must be able to use the web interface easily. Ensure keyboard navigation is functional and allows enough reading time. Avoid flashing web content to support people with disabilities safely.
- Understandable: Users need to understand both the information and the web interface. Use plain language and keep web content easy to follow. Help people with disabilities fix mistakes to improve web accessibility.
- Robust: Content must work well on all user agents and web browsers. It should support assistive technologies like screen readers and alternative keyboards. Use clean code with semantic information to improve web accessibility.
The High Cost of Non-Compliance
Ignoring accessibility requirements can cause big problems for businesses online. In 2022, over 3,255 federal lawsuits were filed for inaccessible websites. That demonstrates that web accessibility is now a significant concern.
Cases increased by 12% from 2021 as courts responded faster. They said digital accessibility is a civil right under the disabilities act and the Rehabilitation Act.
Following WCAG 2.1 Level AA helps prevent legal issues. It provides web developers with clear guidelines to address accessibility barriers. It also enhances equal access.
Use these accessibility guidelines to keep websites accessible for people with disabilities. It also supports inclusive design and builds trust with every user.
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Your Simple Web Accessibility Checklist: 12 Steps to Get Started
Start your web accessibility journey today with this easy 12-step checklist.
1. Provide Text Alternatives for Non-Text Content
Every image that shares meaning needs clear alt text. It helps screen reader users understand what the image shows and why it’s important. This simple step improves web accessibility and equal access for all users.
For decorative images, use empty alt text (alt=””). That tells assistive technologies to skip them, avoiding accessibility barriers. It keeps the web content clean and easy to follow.
Complex visuals, such as charts, need detailed text alternatives on the same web page. Explain data or information using clear semantic information. It supports people with disabilities and follows Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Learning how to write alt text helps web developers build more accessible websites. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.
2. Ensure Sufficient Color Contrast
Text needs a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 against its background. It ensures readability for users with low vision or color blindness.
Large text—that’s 18 points or 14 points bold—requires a slightly lower minimum ratio of 3:1. Don’t rely solely on meeting minimums. Higher color contrast generally improves readability for everyone and supports web accessibility.
Never use color alone to convey information or accessibility requirements. If you mark required form fields in red, also add an asterisk or the word “required.” That helps color blind users and anyone using a monochrome display.
3. Make Your Site Fully Keyboard Accessible
Every interactive element on your own website must work with just a keyboard. Web developers should use links, buttons, and menus to promote social inclusion. All these should be usable with the Tab, Enter, and Spacebar keys.
That will ensure accessibility for people with disabilities on mobile devices and other devices. Add a clear focus indicator to show users’ current location. It helps assistive technologies and user agents follow movement across the page.
It is key for keyboard navigation, supports accessible design, and stops accessibility barriers. Add a “skip to main content” link at the top of your page. Doing this allows keyboard users to skip menus and reach content fast.
4. Use Proper Headings and Structure for Accessible Design
Each web page should have one clear H1 heading for the title. It helps people with disabilities and assistive technologies know the topic quickly.
Use H2 and H3 for subsections in order, not skipping numbers. Don’t skip from H2 to H4 just because you like how it looks. That makes it easier for screen readers to follow the page.
Use semantic HTML elements, such as <nav>, <main>, and <button>, instead of generic <div> tags. They instruct user agents on the functionality of each part of the web content.
Using authoring tools, web standards, and automated tools helps web developers. It supports accessible design, social inclusion, and follows legal requirements for accessible websites.
5. Add Video Captions and Transcripts
Provide captions to all pre-recorded video and audio content. That helps people with disabilities, especially those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Always add a text transcript for audio content. It helps non-native speakers and those who prefer reading over listening. It also helps people in noisy environments.
Add audio descriptions to videos that contain important visuals. They inform blind users or those with low vision about what happens on the screen. Use automated tools and authoring tools to implement accessibility.
6. Write Clear and Readable Content
Use plain language so your web content is easy to read. Avoid using jargon and technical terms that may confuse people with disabilities or learning disabilities.
Explain acronyms and technical terms, such as WCAG or ADA, when you first use them. This helps users and supports social inclusion and equal access for all.
Ensure you can resize your text up to 200% in web browsers. That helps users with low vision read clearly on mobile devices and other devices.
7. Create Descriptive, Actionable Links
Each link on web pages should make sense on its own from its text alone. This helps screen reader users and supports assistive technologies in easy navigation.
Avoid generic words like “Click Here” or “Learn More” in web content. Use clear, descriptive text so people with disabilities know what the link does. For example, use “Read our Q3 marketing report” or “Download the accessibility checklist.”
Make links easy to see from the surrounding text using more than color. Following web standards like underlining supports accessible design. It also helps everyone identify clickable elements quickly.
Use automated tools and authoring tools to implement accessibility. It makes it accessible to people using mobile devices and other devices.
8. Format Data Tables Simply and Logically
Use proper table markup with <th> elements for column and row headers. This tells screen readers which cells are headers and which contain data. That makes tables navigable and understandable.
Never use tables for visual layout. That’s what CSS is for. Tables should only present tabular data, follow web standards, and support accessible design.
For complex data, split it into several components or multiple simple tables. Overly complicated tables create barriers for everyone, not just users with disabilities.
9. Allow Users to Control Time and Motion
Never include content that flashes more than three times per second. Flashing content can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy.
Add controls to pause, stop, or hide any moving, blinking, or auto-updating content. Carousels, animations, and auto-playing videos distract users with cognitive disabilities. Doing this helps users with cognitive ability issues focus on web pages and web content.
Respect user settings for reduced motion in mobile applications and other devices. Many operating systems now allow users to specify that they prefer minimal animation. Honor these preferences in your design.
10. Design Accessible Forms with Clear Error Help
Label all form fields to meet web accessibility rules. Show which ones are needed and don’t use only placeholders. It vanishes when users type and isn’t read by screen readers.
Give clear text messages when users make mistakes. Say “Please enter a valid email address.” Avoid using confusing alerts that create accessibility barriers.
Keep user data safe if the page reloads. Losing text is annoying and hurts accessibility. Users become frustrated when they have to re-enter data for an entire form due to an error.
11. Use Native Formats and Validate Your Code
When possible, use HTML for web content instead of images of text. You can’t copy, resize, or read text in images by screen readers or assistive technologies. When sharing files, use accessible PDFs or Word formats that meet accessibility guidelines.
Always check and confirm your HTML for coding errors. Broken code creates accessibility barriers and limits equal access for diverse abilities.
12. Make It Accessible on Mobile Applications
Create touch targets that are at least 44×44 pixels for mobile accessibility. Small buttons or links are difficult for users with motor impairments to use on mobile devices.
Test your mobile site with screen readers and keyboard navigation. A responsive design alone doesn’t guarantee accessibility. Knowing what is responsive design is great. However, it’s best to always check with evaluation tools to fix problems.
Keep pages in a clear, ordered layout on all screens. Content should make sense whether viewed on a phone, tablet, or desktop. For maximum accessibility across devices, understand tips for making a mobile-friendly website.
Putting It All Together: Creating Your Accessible Website
An accessible website begins with a solid foundation. For beginners, website builders are easy tools with built-in web accessibility help.
Platforms like Hostinger and IONOS have ready templates and authoring tools. They follow WCAG, so you can create accessible web content without needing to code.
As you grow, try WordPress. It has themes and plugins that support assistive technologies for people with disabilities.
Learn the difference between a CMS and a website builder. Pick what fits your skills and makes your site more accessible.
No matter which path you choose, selecting the best web hosting provider is crucial. Fast and reliable hosting enables users to enjoy equal access on any mobile device. It doesn’t matter what connection speed or the assistive technologies they use.
Learn how to create a website with accessibility from the start. It avoids accessibility barriers later and keeps your digital accessibility strong for everyone.
Essential Accessibility Evaluation Tools and Resources
Explore essential accessibility evaluation tools to improve your web accessibility today. Find easy accessibility tools to check and improve your web accessibility.
Top Evaluation Tools to Get Started
- axe DevTools: This free browser extension works with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. axe DevTools scans your site for accessibility issues and suggests specific fixes. Although it catches problems that automatic tools can, you still need manual testing. That helps with full web accessibility coverage.
- WAVE: WebAIM’s one-click tool shows accessibility issues on your web page. It explains where each problem is and why it matters. Use the WAVE evaluation tool to boost web accessibility.
- WebAIM Contrast Checker: This evaluation tool checks color contrast for web accessibility. Add your colors to test WCAG contrast rules. Use WebAIM to meet accessibility guidelines.
Key Accessibility Resources for Ongoing Learning
- W3C Web Accessibility Initiative: Find WCAG accessibility guidelines and help at W3C WAI. It’s the main place for web standards and accessibility resources.
- Section508.gov: This federal government site gives training and tools for Section 508 standards. They follow WCAG accessibility guidelines and are useful for everyone. Visit Section508.gov for resources on government agencies.
- The A11Y Project: A community project shares a checklist and accessibility resources. It shows real web accessibility in action. Visit The A11Y Project for help.
Conclusion
Web accessibility is a lasting promise to social inclusion and equal access. Each small fix makes your site easier for people with disabilities to use and enjoy.
Want to continue improving your web accessibility? Start with understanding “what is ARIA?” Follow it, test often, and build a truly accessible website for everyone.
Next Steps: What Now?
Here’s what to do next to improve your web accessibility.
- Learn to choose colors for a website to create an inclusive web design.
- Learn about ADA rules, web accessibility, and the law.
- Learn to develop a website maintenance plan.
- Discover the best accessibility tools for full WCAG compliance.
- Learn to make your website accessible for color blind visitors.
Further Reading & Useful Resources
Find easy web accessibility resources to learn more.
- WCAG: Learn about WCAG to make your website accessible.
- VPAT: Learn about VPAT and its importance in website accessibility.
- Website Content: Learn to write website content.
- Plan Your Website: Design your website with accessibility in mind.
- Responsive Design: Create mobile-friendly websites.
