Creating an accessible business website is not just a legal requirement; it’s also an opportunity to provide an inclusive and positive experience for all users, including those with disabilities. Accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, can interact with and benefit from your website. It also enhances your site’s SEO, increases your reach, and demonstrates social responsibility. This article will guide you through easy steps to make your business website accessible.
Use Clear and Descriptive Text
The language you use on your website is critical for accessibility. Here’s how to make it more inclusive:
- Plain Language: Use simple, straightforward language that’s easy to understand. Avoid jargon and complex terms unless necessary, and when used, provide explanations.
- Descriptive Links: Ensure that all hyperlinks are descriptive. Instead of using “click here,” describe the action, such as “Download our accessibility guide.” This helps screen readers provide context for users.
- Proper Headings: Organize content with proper headings (H1, H2, H3). A clear heading structure helps users navigate the content, especially those using screen readers.
Provide Alt Text for Images
Alt text (alternative text) is crucial for making images accessible. It describes what the image is about, allowing visually impaired users who rely on screen readers to understand the content.
- Accurate Descriptions: Write brief but informative descriptions for images, ensuring they convey the essential details. For example, if you have an image of a product, describe the product’s appearance and features.
- Decorative Images: If an image is purely decorative and doesn’t add any informational value, use a null alt attribute (
alt="") so screen readers can skip it, keeping the user experience streamlined.
Ensure Keyboard Accessibility
Many users navigate websites using only a keyboard. To accommodate these users, ensure that all interactive elements on your site, like links, buttons, and forms, can be accessed and operated using keyboard commands.
- Focus Indicators: Implement visible focus indicators that highlight interactive elements when they’re selected using the keyboard. This feature helps users identify where they are on the page.
- Logical Tab Order: Ensure the tab order follows a logical flow, such as moving from the top menu to the main content and then to the footer. This structure allows for smooth navigation without confusion.
Make Forms Accessible
Forms are crucial for many business websites, especially for collecting customer information or processing orders. To make forms accessible:
- Label Elements Clearly: Ensure that all form elements (text fields, dropdowns, checkboxes) have descriptive labels. This helps users understand what information they need to provide.
- Error Messages: Provide clear and specific error messages when a user submits incorrect information. Highlight the error field and describe the issue, such as “Please enter a valid email address.”
- Accessible Instructions: Offer instructions in multiple formats (text, icons) to accommodate different types of users, ensuring that those with visual or cognitive impairments can complete the forms without difficulty.
Use Accessible Color Schemes
Color choices play a significant role in web accessibility. To ensure your website is accessible to users with visual impairments or color blindness:
- High Contrast: Choose high-contrast color combinations for text and backgrounds, making content easier to read. Tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker can help verify if your color choices meet accessibility guidelines.
- Avoid Color-Only Indicators: Do not rely on color alone to convey information. For example, if you use color to show a required field in a form, also use an asterisk or other visual indicator to ensure clarity for users who may not perceive colors correctly.
Incorporate Accessible Multimedia
If your website includes videos or audio content, it’s important to make these elements accessible:
- Captions and Transcripts: Provide captions for all video content to accommodate users who are deaf or hard of hearing. Transcripts for audio content also help users understand the information in a text format.
- Descriptive Audio (Audio Description): For videos that include significant visual elements, consider providing an audio description that explains what is happening visually, so users with visual impairments can follow along.
Test Your Website with Accessibility Tools
Testing is an essential step in ensuring your site’s accessibility. There are several tools available to help identify accessibility issues:
- WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool): WAVE checks your website for accessibility errors, such as missing alt text, insufficient color contrast, and structural issues.
- Lighthouse: Built into Chrome’s Developer Tools, Lighthouse provides a comprehensive accessibility audit, giving suggestions for improvements.
- Screen Reader Testing: Use a screen reader (like NVDA or VoiceOver) to navigate your site as a visually impaired user would. This experience can help you identify areas where your site may need adjustments.
Stay Updated with Accessibility Guidelines
Web accessibility is guided by standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide a comprehensive set of guidelines for making websites accessible. Staying up to date with these guidelines ensures your site complies with current accessibility standards.
- WCAG Levels: WCAG has three levels of compliance—A, AA, and AAA. Aim for at least Level AA compliance to provide a good balance between usability and feasibility. This level addresses major accessibility barriers, such as color contrast and keyboard accessibility.
- Regular Updates: Regularly review and update your website to maintain compliance, especially as WCAG updates or as you add new features or content to your site.
Conclusion
Making your business website accessible is not just about following legal requirements; it’s about creating a welcoming and inclusive online experience for all users. By implementing simple steps such as providing clear text, ensuring keyboard accessibility, and testing with accessibility tools, you can significantly improve your site’s accessibility. Remember, accessibility benefits everyone and can lead to higher engagement, improved SEO, and a broader audience reach for your business. Start small, keep learning, and make accessibility a core part of your web design process.