In today’s digital landscape, making sure your website is accessible to all users is no longer optional. It’s essential. Not only does an accessible website provide an inclusive user experience, it also improves usability for all users and ensures compliance with standards like the ADA and Section 508. If your website isn’t optimized for accessibility, it may be time for a revamp. Read along for some steps you can take now to improve your website’s accessibility and general usability.
Optimize for screen readers
Screen readers help visually impaired users navigate through websites. They do this by converting text into speech or braille. To check if your site is screen reader-friendly, insert headings, order these headings in a logical way, label any forms and interactive elements, insert link descriptions, and test with different types of screen readers.
Verify color contrast
Low contrasts between text and the background can make reading difficult for those with visual impairments and for those without visual impairments. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend a contrast ratio of at least 4.5 to 1 for normal text and 3 to 1 for large text. There are many online contrast-checking tools to verify your ratio for readability. So that your users with colorblindness can understand everything on the website, be mindful to avoid relying on colors to convey meaning. For example, error messages should not be solely in red colors, they should include text as well.
Improve keyboard navigation
Many users with visual impairments rely on keyboard navigations rather than a mouse. Make sure your website allows users to tab through interactive elements and include skip navigation links to jump directly to content.
Offer alternative content
For users with screen readers, it’s imperative to verify that all your images, labels, and audio have alternative text, or alt text. Alt text provides descriptions and explanations for all images, complex graphics, charts, and more. Similarly, videos should have transcripts for the content shown.
Test with real users
Even with the best practices in place, it’s still important to assess your website with real-world users. You can conduct usability testing with disabled users, using different technologies to identify any potential issues. In addition, it’s important to regularly update your site based on any user feedback and evolving guidelines.
Undergo a full redesign
If you’re ready to take the plunge, you can even redesign your entire website for accessibility from the ground up. Our team at Splash Box Marketing specializes in the website review process and can even provide a comprehensive list of changes that need to be incorporated. Sign up for a free meeting with our founder to get started.
Revamping your website for accessibility doesn’t just benefit one community – it improves usability for everyone who comes across your website. Clearer navigation, better contrast, and alternative content formats enhance the experience on mobile devices, in low-light environments, and more. By taking these steps, you ensure your website is welcoming, functional, and accessible to all.
Ready to start your accessibility journey today? Contact us at info@splashbox.com or visit our website at splashbox.com/accessibility for more information about our capabilities.