When checking website accessibility, there are several key aspects to watch for to ensure your site is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to consider:
Text Alternatives: Ensure all non-text content (images, graphs, buttons) has descriptive alt text. Screen readers use this to describe images to visually impaired users.
Semantic HTML: Use proper HTML elements (like <nav>, <article>, <button>) to convey meaning and structure, aiding navigation for screen readers and keyboard users.
Keyboard Accessibility: Make sure all functionality is operable via keyboard only. Users with mobility impairments rely on keyboard navigation instead of a mouse.
Colour Contrast: Ensure there is sufficient colour contrast between text and background to make content readable for users with low vision or colour blindness.
Resize Friendly: Ensure the website content reflow and remains usable when text is resized up to 200% without requiring horizontal scrolling.
Descriptive Links: Use descriptive text for links (rather than "click here"), so screen readers provide context about the link’s destination.
Form Accessibility: Ensure all form elements have labels and are logically structured. Provide instructions and error messages in a clear, accessible format.
Accessible Media Players: If your site includes multimedia (audio/video), provide accessible media players with controls that can be operated via keyboard.
Focus Styles: Ensure there are visible focus styles around links and form elements when they are in focus, aiding users who navigate with a keyboard.
Avoiding Automatic Content: Avoid content that automatically updates or moves unless the user is aware and can control it.
Language Attributes: Specify the language of the web page using the lang attribute in the <html> tag to assist screen readers in pronunciation and translation.
Testing Tools: Use automated accessibility testing tools (e.g., Axe, WAVE) to identify common issues and perform manual testing with assistive technologies like screen readers.
User Testing: Conduct usability testing with people who have disabilities to identify specific accessibility barriers and gather feedback for improvement.
Accessibility Statement: Include an accessibility statement on your website, outlining your commitment to accessibility and providing contact information for feedback.
By focusing on these aspects, you can significantly enhance the accessibility of your website, ensuring it is usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
