The Do's and Don'ts of Web Accessibility: Top 10 Beginner Tips

Cpluz, a leading provider of web design and hosting services since 1993, emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive web experiences for all users. In the digital age, accessibility has transcended being a moral obligation to become a design principle essential for businesses seeking to tap into a vast and diverse user base. As we delve into the do's and don'ts of web accessibility, we will explore key beginner tips to bridge the gap and foster a more inclusive online environment.

1. Follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1)

WCAG 2.1 is the global standard for web accessibility. It outlines four main principles—perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust—giving developers and designers a clear framework to build accessible websites. Incorporating these guidelines is the first step towards creating a compelling and inclusive user experience; each principle is a crucial element of a site's accessibility potency.

Do's:

Use alternative text for images and graphics
Prioritize color contrast to enhance readability
Ensure navigation menus are accessible via keyboard
Use clear and concise headings and labels

Don't's:

Avoid using disordered or empty linked lists
Don't neglect providing alternative text for complex graphics
Avoid using solely color or font styling to convey information
Ensure the website is fully compatible with assistive technologies

2. Enhance Text Accessibility

A well-structured text is foundational to an accessible website. This includes not only proper use of headings but also clear and legible font choices, ensuring adequate line spacing, and avoiding overly complex paragraphs. By focusing on the readability of text, designers can significantly improve the web experience for users with dyslexia or visual impairments.

Do's:

Pick a font family that is highly legible, such as Arial, Verdana, or Helvetica
Ensure appropriate line spacing by using the 'em' unit or a suitable multiple of the font size
Avoid using overly complex, long sentences
Underline links instead of using color to differentiate

Don't's:

Don't neglect to use actual word spacing adjustments
Avoid choosing fonts that are overly decorative or difficult to read
Ensure all areas of text are fully accessible via keyboard and screen readers

3. Create Accessible Multimedia Experiences

Incorporating multimedia such as videos, audio files, and interactive content can greatly enhance the user experience. However, it's equally important to ensure that these multimedia elements are accessible to all users. This can be achieved through the use of appropriate alt tags, transcripts, and clear, step-by-step instructions.

Do's:

Include transcripts or subtitles for videos
Add alt tags to images, and descriptions for complex multimedia elements
Provide clear instructions for interactive content
Ensure audio and video content is accompanied by a text-based equivalent

Don't's:

Avoid neglecting to include transcripts for videos or podcasts
Don't ignore the need for alt tags and comprehensive descriptions for multimedia elements
Avoid assuming users will always be able to see or hear multimedia content

4. Keep Forms Accessible

Web forms are a crucial part of creating an immersive experience for users. However, they can also pose accessibility challenges. Ensuring that forms are accessible involves providing informative error messages, ensuring placeholders are accessible, and making it easy for users to navigate and fill out the form using solely their keyboard.

Do's:

Use aria-labelledby to specify the purpose of form labels
Ensure form controls are accessible via the keyboard
Provide informative and clear error messages

Don't's:

Avoid the unnecessary use of placeholder text that lacks a label
Ensure that visually hidden controls do not affect keyboard functionality
Don't overlook providing clear and accessible instructions for filling out the form

5. Make All Interactive Elements Accessible

Interactive elements such as buttons, dropdown menus, and carousels need to be designed to work seamlessly with assistive technologies and keyboard navigation. This can be achieved by providing descriptive labels, using contrast in visual design, and ensuring that every interaction is keyboard accessible.

Do's:

Ensure buttons are large enough and clearly labeled
Use landmark elements to define page regions
Implement the ARIA role and properties appropriately

Don't's:

Avoid neglecting to apply ARIA attributes when necessary
Don't skimp on designing proper and easily distinguishable interactive elements
Ensure that buttons and other interactive elements are fully accessible via the keyboard

6. Create Keyboard-Navigable Pages

Do's:

Order and structure links logically
Add ARIA attributes to elements requiring keyboard interaction
Use semantic HTML for better navigation and understanding
Enhance JavaScript functionality with proper ARIA and keyboard navigation

Don't's:

Avoid the use of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to create unclickable areas
Ensure that elements that require interaction provide audio or visual cues during keyboard interaction
Don't neglect to properly label and outline interactive and focusable elements

7. Ensure Assistive Technology Compatibility

Web accessibility isn't solely about adhering to standards; it's also about ensuring that your website is compatible and usable with assistive technologies like screen readers, in-page browsers, voice commands, and more. An accessible website must be robust to meet the diverse needs of users.

Do's:

Test your website using assistive technologies
Keep code clean and correct to ensure compatibility with assistive technologies
Ensure compatibility with both current and older technologies
Utilize ARIA and WAI-ARIA for improved compatibility

Don't's:

Avoid neglecting to regularly test your website for compatibility with current and future assistive technologies
Don't ignore the importance of keeping your website's code up to date and clean
Ensure that alternative text and descriptions can be read accurately by screen readers

8. Audit and Iterate on Accessibility

Audit and monitoring is a continuous process in web accessibility. Running regular accessibility checks and user testing helps to identify barriers and improve your website. With time, you can continually enhance the accessibility of your site and avoid creating new barriers.

Do's:

Use automated testing tools and manual audits to evaluate your website
Continuously test your website with real users with disabilities
Foster an inclusive design culture that considers accessibility from the start

Don't's:

Avoid treating accessibility as a one-time task; it should be a continuous process
Don't disregard the importance of regular automated and user testing for feedback
Make sure to incorporate Accessibility Statement on your website

9. Foster an Inclusive Design Culture

Creating an inclusive design culture that champions accessibility can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your accessibility initiatives. This involves fostering a team mindset and process that inherently incorporates accessibility considerations at every stage of web development and design.

Do's:

Integrate Accessibility into your Design Process
Involve People with Disabilities in the Design Process
Provide Accessibility Training for your Team

Don't's:

Avoid ignoring the importance of an inclusive team culture in designing accessible websites
Don't underestimate the value of user testing for accessibility
Do not Turn a Blind Eye to Inaccessible Components During Development

10. Advocate for Accessibility

Accessibility transcends just the website; it's also about fostering an inclusive digital ecosystem. Advocate for accessibility in your community, and highlight the importance of an inclusive web experience. By advocating, schools, businesses, and developers can educate one another on accessibility and promote a more inclusive web.

Contact Cpluz at info@cpluz.com or visit cpluz.com for professional design and hosting solutions backed by expertise and a commitment to making the web a more accessible place for everyone.