Accessibility in Web Design: Best Practices
Creating accessible websites that accommodate the needs of people with disabilities is not just legally and morally imperative—ensuring your site functions well for ALL users also makes good business sense.
There are a few key areas of accessibility to focus your efforts for maximum impact:
Text Alternatives for Non-Text Elements
Images, graphics, videos, animations and other non-textual content need to be augmented with descriptive alt text so those utilizing screen readers can still understand information.
When selecting and creating images, describe the scene and text shown rather than technical gibberish that screen readers would default to. Videos should include transcripts and always allow user-initiated playback.
Navigation and Interactive Accessibility
Ensure navigational elements like dropdown menus, forms and carousels are easily operated via both mouse and keyboard for those without fine motor control or full limb function. Apply ample spacing and use semantic HTML elements so screen reader users can readily navigate too.
Readable Text Formatting
Severe visual impairments make differentiating information significantly harder when sections lack definition. Use clear structural HTML elements like header tags and meaningful link and button text; ensure sufficient contrast ratios between fonts and backgrounds, avoid purely color-coded distinctions between items.
Responsiveness for Assistive Technologies
Visitors using various assistive devices like magnifiers, screen readers or alternative input tools should still experience fully functional, easily navigated interfaces. MediaWiki, YouTube and Facebook all offer accessibility UIs accommodating assistive tech interaction.
Prioritize inclusivity and accessibility early in your web design process following universal design principles. Every user deserves effortless, pleasing web experiences meeting their needs. Let’s chat about elevating your site offerings!
