An Introduction to Website Accessibility
The internet is for everyone. That’s the principle behind website accessibility. Website accessibility is the practice of designing and developing websites that are usable by people with disabilities. It’s about making sure that everyone, regardless of their ability, can access and use the web. This guide will explain what website accessibility is, why it’s important, and how you can make your website more accessible.
Why is Website Accessibility Important?
Website accessibility is important for a number of reasons:
- It’s the right thing to do: Everyone deserves to have equal access to the web.
- It’s the law: In many countries, it is a legal requirement to have an accessible website.
- It’s good for business: An accessible website can help you reach a wider audience and improve your brand image.
- It’s good for SEO: Many accessibility best practices are also good for SEO.
The Four Principles of Accessibility
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of guidelines for making websites more accessible. They are based on four main principles:
- Perceivable: Can users perceive the content on your website? This means providing text alternatives for non-text content, such as images, and providing captions for videos.
- Operable: Can users operate your website? This means making sure that all functionality is available from a keyboard and that there are no keyboard traps.
- Understandable: Can users understand the content on your website? This means making your content readable and understandable, and making your website operate in predictable ways.
- Robust: Can your website be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies? This means using valid HTML and CSS and making sure that your website is compatible with different browsers and devices.
How to Make Your Website More Accessible
1. Use Alt Text for Images
Alt text is a short description of an image that is read aloud by screen readers. It’s important to use alt text for all your images so that people who are blind or have low vision can understand what they are.
2. Provide Captions for Videos
Captions are a text version of the audio in a video. They are important for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
3. Use a Clear and Simple Language
Use a clear and simple language that is easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or complex sentences.
4. Use a Good Colour Contrast
Make sure that there is a good colour contrast between your text and your background. This will make your content easier to read for people with low vision.
Our Overall Thoughts
Website accessibility is an essential part of any modern web design process. By making your website more accessible, you can provide a better experience for all your users, reach a wider audience, and improve your brand image. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about creating a web that is truly for everyone.
Ready to make your website more accessible?
Our team of web accessibility experts at Validus Media can help you make your website accessible to everyone.
