Web Accessibility: Creating Inclusive Websites

As the internet becomes an increasingly integral part of our lives, web accessibility has become a critical issue.

According to WHO, 16% of the world’s population suffers from some kind of disability.

For such individuals, navigating the internet can often be a frustrating experience. This is where web accessibility in web design comes in!

 

What is Web Accessibility? 

 

It refers to the practice of designing and developing websites in a way that is inclusive and accessible to all users.

Web accessibility is about creating a digital space that can be used by anyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive limitations.

The goal of including web accessibility in the web design and development process is that specially-abled people can access and use the functionality of a website.

This means designing websites that are easy to navigate, use concise language, and provide alternative formats for users who cannot see or hear content.

 

How to incorporate web accessibility in the web design process?

 

When designing for web accessibility, the first step is to consider a wide range of disabilities and impairments. These include visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities.

The next key aspect is to make sure that websites are compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers, speech recognition software, and alternative input devices.

This allows users with disabilities to interact with the website in a way that suits their individual preferences.

However, web accessibility is not just limited to these aspects. It’s also about creating a user-friendly experience for all users, regardless of their level of familiarity with the internet.

This might include using high-contrast color schemes and providing text alternatives for images and videos. Moreover, web designers can incorporate designing forms and navigation menus that can be easily used with a keyboard.

 

Let’s look at some of the tips that can be utilized to make your website accessible and inclusive:

 

1. Use Alt Tags for images: Alt tags are a text alternative to images that are read by screen readers for visually impaired users. They provide information about the image, which is beneficial for those who cannot see it. So, make sure to use descriptive text when creating alt tags for images.
2. Ensure proper heading structure: Headings help users navigate your content and understand its structure. You should use the correct HTML markup for headings and ensure that they are in proper order.
3. Provide short captions and transcripts for videos: Videos are a popular form of content, but they can be inaccessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing. Incorporating captions can help these people understand the essence of the video.
4. Ensure keyboard accessibility: Not all users can use a mouse to navigate a website. You should ensure that your website keyboard is functional, meaning that all functionality can be accessed using the keyboard alone. Users should be able to navigate the website, access links, and submit forms using only the keyboard.
5. Make forms accessible: Forms are a common feature on websites but they can be difficult for some users to navigate. You may ask your web developer to use clear labels for form fields and ensure that the form can be completed using only the keyboard. Also, you can provide instructions and feedback to users when they submit a form.
6. Respect white space: Providing sufficient white space is an important design principle that can make your website more visually appealing and easier to read. By providing ample space between lines and blocks of text, you can create a clean, organized look that is easier on the eyes.
7. Test your website for accessibility: Without testing, it’s difficult to know whether your website is truly accessible to all users. There are several ways to test your website such as using accessibility testing tools and asking users to provide feedback. It will help you identify common accessibility issues and provide valuable insight into your users’ behavior.

 

Web accessibility is an essential aspect of web design in today’s digital landscape. By incorporating it into web development, you can create more inclusive and welcoming online spaces. It’s also good for your business as it opens up your website to a wider audience of potential users.

Stickboy offers premier web design and development in Fort Myers and Naples. We use the latest technologies to make sure that your website meets all the necessary accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.1.

Our skilled team of web developers in Fort Myers, Florida prioritizes web accessibility in every website they design for Southwest Florida business owners.

At Stickboy, we believe that web accessibility is not only a moral imperative but also a smart business decision. It can expand your audience and improve your reputation.

So, don’t let your website exclude potential customers or users. Let our web developers in Fort Myers help you create a website that everyone can use and enjoy.