Accessibility on the web: 5 issues and best practices

Accessibility on the web is not only about compliance but also about creating an inclusive digital experience for all users, including those with disabilities. Whether it’s vision impairments, hearing loss, motor difficulties, or cognitive disabilities, millions of people rely on accessible websites to interact, learn, and perform tasks online. Despite its importance, many websites still fall short in providing accessible user experiences.

Common accessibility issues

1. Inaccessible text and visual content

   • Small font sizes or poor contrast ratios make it hard for users with visual impairments to read content.
   • Images without alternative text (alt text) pose a barrier to visually impaired users who rely on screen readers to describe images.
   • Videos without captions exclude users with hearing impairments from understanding multimedia content.
   • Use of color as the only means of conveying information can leave color-blind users unable to interpret the content correctly.

2. Navigation barriers

   • Inconsistent heading structures and lack of keyboard accessibility make it difficult for users with mobility impairments or those who rely on screen readers to navigate websites effectively.
   • Websites that rely heavily on JavaScript for navigation often exclude users who disable scripts for security or accessibility reasons.

3. Forms and input issues

   • Many websites don’t properly label input fields, which prevents screen readers from helping users understand what information they need to enter.
   • Error messages that don’t provide clear guidance on how to correct mistakes can be frustrating for all users but are particularly challenging for those with cognitive impairments.

4. Dynamic content accessibility

   • Pop-ups and other dynamic content elements often lack proper focus management, trapping users in inaccessible loops.
   • Auto-playing media can be disruptive to users with cognitive disabilities or those using assistive technology.

5. Document and PDF barriers

   • Many downloadable documents (especially PDFs) are not designed with accessibility in mind, often lacking proper tagging, alternative text, or navigable structures for screen readers.

Best practices for accessible web design

1. Ensure text is readable and scalable

   • Use resizable fonts and make sure they are legible on all screen sizes and devices.
   • Stick to high color contrast between text and background to aid readability for users with low vision or color blindness. Use tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker to verify accessibility.

2. Provide alternative text for images

   • Every non-decorative image on a website should include descriptive alt text. This helps screen readers describe images to users who cannot see them.
   • For complex images like graphs or infographics, provide detailed descriptions either as alt text or on a separate, linked page.

3. Create Keyboard-Accessible navigation

   • Ensure all interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) can be accessed using only a keyboard. This is critical for users who cannot use a mouse.
   • Implement clear and logical tab orders so users can navigate the site in a consistent, expected manner.

4. Use ARIA landmarks and roles

   • Implement ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) landmarks and roles to guide users through the structure of the page, helping them skip directly to important sections.
   • ARIA attributes can also be used to enhance dynamic content, ensuring that pop-ups or modal windows are properly announced by screen readers.

5. Add captions and transcripts for multimedia

   • All videos should include closed captions or subtitles to ensure users with hearing impairments can follow along. Additionally, provide transcripts for audio content like podcasts.

6. Make forms User-friendly

   • Clearly label all form fields and associate labels with the corresponding input using HTML <label> tags.
   • Offer users error messages that are easy to understand and navigate. Provide specific feedback on what needs to be corrected and use accessible methods for showing errors (not just red text or symbols).

7. Manage dynamic content accessibility

   • Ensure that focus is properly managed for dynamic elements like modal windows, carousels, or pop-ups. When a modal window opens, move the focus to it; when it closes, return focus to the originating element.
   • Provide users with the option to pause or stop auto-playing media and other timed interactions.

8. Optimize PDFs and other documents for accessibility

   • When creating downloadable documents, use proper heading structures, alternative text for images, and ensure the document can be navigated easily by screen readers.
   • Where possible, offer documents in accessible HTML formats to provide the most flexible and accessible experience.

Implementing accessibility tools and testing

1. Automated tools

   • There are numerous automated accessibility testing tools like Axe, Wave, and Lighthouse, which can analyze your website and identify accessibility issues.
   • However, automated tools alone cannot catch every issue—manual testing is essential for evaluating the user experience of those relying on assistive technologies.

2. Screen reader testing

   • Testing your website with a screen reader (such as NVDA, VoiceOver, or JAWS) helps ensure that content is navigable and understandable without relying on visual cues.

3. Mobile accessibility

   • Don’t forget to test on mobile devices. Ensure that elements like buttons are large enough to be tapped easily and that the site remains accessible on smaller screens or touch interfaces.

Conclusion

Building an accessible website is not just about following the law (such as compliance with WCAG 2.1 or local regulations like the ADA in the U.S. or EN 301 549 in Europe); it’s about providing an equal user experience for everyone. By addressing common issues and following best practices, web designers and developers can ensure their sites are usable by all individuals, regardless of ability. This approach not only broadens your audience but also creates a more inclusive digital world.