Will Your Website Pass the Accessibility Check

Understanding Website Accessibility: Website accessibility refers to the practice of designing and developing websites in a way that allows people with disabilities to perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the content effectively. Disabilities can encompass a wide range of conditions, including visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. Accessible websites ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully engage with the content and functionality.

The Importance of Accessibility: Web accessibility goes beyond compliance; it’s about creating an inclusive digital space where no one is left behind. When your website is accessible, you expand your audience and customer base, showing that you value diversity and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all. Accessible websites can enhance user experience for everyone, as accessible design often translates to improved clarity, usability, and streamlined navigation.

Accessibility and SEO: Yes, website accessibility can significantly impact your SEO score. Search engines like Google strive to provide the best search results for all users, including those with disabilities. An inaccessible website may have usability issues that affect bounce rates, user engagement, and ultimately, search rankings. By ensuring accessibility, you enhance the user experience, leading to improved SEO performance. In 2019, Google made updates to its search algorithm, with a significant focus on E.E.A.T, shedding light on Google Rater Guidelines and establishing the features that Google expects from any website that is hopeful of ranking well for its target keywords.

Key Areas to Focus On:

• Semantic HTML: Use proper HTML tags to structure your content. Headings, lists, and links should be appropriately marked up.
• Alternative Text (Alt Text): Provide descriptive alt text for images, allowing screen readers to convey the image’s meaning to visually impaired users.
• Colour Contrast: Ensure a sufficient contrast between text and background colours to accommodate users with visual impairments.
• Captions and Transcripts: Include captions for videos and transcripts for audio content to make them accessible to users with hearing impairments.
• Forms and Inputs: Create forms that are easy to navigate and fill out, providing clear labels and instructions for form fields.
• Readable Text: Choose readable fonts and font sizes. Avoid excessive use of jargon and complex language.
• Responsive Design: Build your website so that is can adapt a layout that works for any size screen or devise.

How to Check Accessibility:

Automated Tools: Utilise online accessibility checkers like WAVE, Axe, and Lighthouse. These tools highlight accessibility issues and provide suggestions for improvement.

Manual Testing: Navigate your website using only a keyboard, test with screen readers, and assess colour contrast.

User Testing: If possible, invite individuals with disabilities to test the site to gather real-world feedback on your website’s accessibility.

Website accessibility is not just a technical consideration but a fundamental aspect of creating an inclusive online experience. By prioritising accessibility, you open the doors of your website to a wider audience and contribute to a more equitable digital landscape. Remember, the effort you invest in making your website accessible not only aligns with legal requirements but also reflects your commitment to equal access for all. So, before you launch your next website or make updates to your current one, ask yourself: Will your website pass the accessibility check?