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Accessible design as key feature of web accessibility compliance
March 01, 2023
TL;DR- Accessible design ensures that websites are
usable and understandable for people with disabilities. This includes visual,
auditory, physical, cognitive, and neurological impairments. Key features
include alternative text for images, keyboard accessibility, proper color
contrast, and clear navigation. Ensuring compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
(WCAG) is essential. Businesses can implement accessibility best practices
or work with vendors like EqualWeb for expert solutions.
What Is Accessible Design?
Accessible design refers to the practice of creating websites and digital content that can be easily used by individuals with disabilities. It focuses on removing barriers that prevent access and ensuring inclusivity in digital interactions. Websites that follow accessible design principles benefit all users by providing a clearer, more structured, and user-friendly experience.
Key Features of an Accessible Website:
Alternative Text for Images - Helps users with visual impairments understand images through screen readers.
Keyboard Accessibility - Ensures that users who cannot use a mouse can navigate using a keyboard alone.
Color Contrast - Provides sufficient contrast between text and background to aid users with low vision.
Video and Audio Transcripts - Makes multimedia content accessible to individuals with hearing impairments.
Easy-to-Read Fonts - Supports readability for users with cognitive impairments.
Clear Navigation - Helps all users, including those with disabilities, find content quickly and efficiently.
By implementing these features, businesses can enhance usability for a wider audience and meet legal accessibility standards.
Ensuring Accessible Design for Compliance
Web accessibility compliance requires following established guidelines and best practices. Organizations can ensure compliance by adopting the following measures:
1. Follow WCAG Standards
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), provide a structured approach to web accessibility. They outline four key principles:
Perceivable - Content must be presented in ways that all users can perceive.
Operable - The interface should be navigable by different input methods (e.g., keyboard, screen readers).
Understandable - Content should be easy to read and structured logically.
Robust - Websites should be compatible with assistive technologies.
2. Implement Accessible Design Principles
Adopting universal design principles improves accessibility for all users. Some core principles include:
Consistent Layouts - Keeping navigation and structure predictable.
Readable Fonts & Spacing - Using font sizes and line spacing that enhance readability.
Clear Calls-to-Action - Ensuring buttons and links are easy to find and interact with.
3. Provide Alternative Text and Descriptive Links
Alt Text for Images - Describes visuals for screen reader users.
Descriptive Link Text - Avoid generic text like “Click here” and instead use specific phrases like “Read about WCAG compliance.”
4. Test Your Website for Accessibility Use a combination of:
Automated Accessibility Testing - Tools like the Equalweb accessibility checker, WAVE, axe, or Lighthouse to identify issues.
Manual Testing - Involving users with disabilities to gain real-world insights.
Assistive Technology Simulators - Checking how screen readers and other tools interact with the site.
5. Work with a Web Accessibility Vendor
For businesses that lack in-house expertise or time to implement accessibility changes, working with a trusted web accessibility provider is a strategic option.
How EqualWeb Ensures Accessible Web Design
EqualWeb provides comprehensive web accessibility solutions that help businesses achieve compliance while creating a better user experience. Their accessibility services include:
Automated Accessibility Audits - Identifying areas that need improvement.
AI-Powered Accessibility Tools - Implementing solutions like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and color contrast adjustments.
Expert Consulting & Training - Helping businesses integrate accessibility best practices into their workflow.
EqualWeb’s solutions are designed for businesses of all sizes, offering seamless integration without requiring deep technical expertise. Our hybrid accessibility solutions combines automation with manual oversight, ensuring long-term accessibility compliance.
Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Accessibility in Web Design
An accessible website is more than a legal requirement—it’s a commitment to inclusivity. Prioritizing accessible design benefits users, improves digital engagement, and protects businesses from potentiallawsuits. Whether you choose to implement accessibility changes in-house or work with experts like EqualWeb, taking action today ensures that your website is open to everyone, regardless of ability. Need an accessibility audit? Contact us today for a free evaluation.
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