Making your website accessible to everyone is the right thing to do, and it can also help you attract more customers. This blog post will discuss ten best practices for website accessibility that will make your website easier for everyone to use, including using tools like accessiBe. Following these guidelines will help people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to access your content and use your website.
What is website accessibility and why is it important?
Website accessibility is making sure that people with disabilities can use your website. This includes people who are blind, have low vision, are deaf, or have other impairments that make it difficult for them to use the internet. Making your website accessible is important because it gives everyone an equal opportunity to access your content and use it.
The ten best practices for website accessibility
The ten best practices for website accessibility are:
Use clear and simple language
Using clean and concise language helps everyone understand your content, including people with disabilities. For example, use headings and subheadings to break up text and make it easier to read.
Make sure your website can be used with a keyboard
Some people with disabilities cannot use a mouse and must navigate using only a keyboard. Make sure your website can be used without a mouse by adding keyboard shortcuts and ensuring all links can be accessed using a keyboard.
Add alt text to images
Alt-text is a description of an image that screen readers can read. Adding alt text to your images helps people with visual impairments understand what is on your website.
Use color carefully
Some colors are hard to see, especially for people with visual impairments. Use colors that contrast well, and avoid using too much color.
Make sure your website can be scaled
Some people need to zoom in or out to see your website properly. Make sure your website can be scaled without losing any important information.
Test your website regularly
Regularly testing your website helps you find and fix any accessibility issues. You can use online tools like the Web Accessibility Checker to test your website.
Give users enough time to read and use content
Some people with disabilities need more time to read and use content. Ensure your website doesn’t time out after a certain amount of time and give users enough time to complete any tasks.
Help users find what they’re looking for
Make it easy for users to find what they’re looking for on your website. For example, use clear and descriptive link text and add a search function to your website.
Make sure your website works with assistive technologies
Assistive technologies are tools that help people with disabilities use the internet. Make sure your website works with common assistive technologies, such as screen readers and screen magnifiers.
Provide accessible customer service
If you have an online store or provide customer service online, make sure your customer service is accessible. This includes providing options for people with disabilities to contact you and offering alternative ways to access your content.
Conclusion
Making your website accessible is important for everyone. By following the guidelines above, you can ensure that people with all disabilities can use your website. If you need help making your website accessible, you can automatically use tools like accessiBe to add accessibility features to your website.
