Are you aiming to put a website together in the next year? If you have a business, are self-promoting, or simply want to spread your knowledge about a subject, such as gardening, there are so many ways to put a creative and attractive website together. Unlike 20 years ago, you don’t have to be a whizz at coding, and you can get a website template for free from many online sources. Great! However, there is a key area to consider when you are putting a website together, and that is its accessibility.
Website accessibility is an important aspect of creating an inclusive and user-friendly online experience. It ensures that all individuals, including those with disabilities such as dyslexia or visual impairments, can access and use the information and features available on a website. As a result, people often search for information related to website accessibility to ensure that their website meets the necessary standards.
So, at this stage in website development, you will likely have a few questions. In this article, some commonly searched questions about website accessibility will be answered to help you get your website up to scratch. Enjoy!
What is Website Accessibility?
This is a common question among those who are new to the concept of website accessibility. Website accessibility refers to designing and developing websites in a way that they are easily used by those with disabilities, including visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive. Online accessibility explained in simpler terms breaks the topic down into the following question: can your website be adapted for people who have visual impairments, issues with hearing, problems with movement, or difficulty with reading? If the answer is no, then your website is not very accessible, and you need a bit of a website makeover!
Why is Website Accessibility Important?
Many people search for information on website accessibility because they recognize the importance of ensuring that their website is accessible to all users. By making a website accessible, businesses and individuals, such as tutors, can reach a wider audience, improve the user experience for all users, and even comply with legal requirements. So, it is really worth looking into!
What Are the WCAG Guidelines?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of guidelines that have been developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines provide recommendations for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities. Many people search for information on these guidelines to ensure that their website meets the necessary standards.
There are three levels of WCAG conformance in 2023: A (minimum), AA (intermediate), and AAA (advanced).
Examples of WCAG guidelines include the following:
You Need To Provide Alternative Text for Non-Text Content
This guideline requires that non-text content, such as images, videos, and audio, have alternative text that describes the content’s purpose and function.
Ensure Color Contrast
This guideline requires that there is sufficient color contrast between the text and its background to make it readable for users with low vision or color blindness. It can also be used to help people who have dyslexia or who may experience text jumping on a webpage.
Use Headings and Labels
This guideline requires that headings and labels are used to provide structure and organization to content, making it easier for users to navigate and understand.
Provide Captions and Transcripts
This guideline requires that videos and audio content have captions or transcripts to ensure that the content is accessible to users with hearing impairments.
Using Keyboard Accessibility
This guideline requires that website functionality and navigation can be accessed using a keyboard, allowing users who cannot use a traditional mouse or trackpad to navigate the website.
How Can I Make My Website Accessible?
This is a common question among website owners who want to ensure that their website is accessible to all users. There are several ways to make a website accessible, including using accessible design and development practices, providing alternative text for images and videos, and ensuring that the website is navigable using a keyboard.
What Are Some Common Accessibility Barriers?
People often search for information on common accessibility barriers to ensure that their website does not inadvertently exclude users with disabilities. Some common barriers include the use of inaccessible multimedia content, poor color contrast, and the use of non-descriptive link text.
How Can I Test My Website For Accessibility?
Testing a website for accessibility is an important step in ensuring that it meets the necessary standards. Many people search for information on how to test their website for accessibility, including using automated accessibility testing tools and manual testing methods.
What Are The Legal Requirements For Website Accessibility?
There are various legal requirements related to website accessibility, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Many people search for information on these legal requirements to ensure that their website complies with the necessary regulations.
