How to Improve Your Website’s Accessibility

Improving your website’s accessibility ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can navigate and interact with your site effectively. Not only is this important for inclusivity, but it also broadens your audience and enhances user experience. Here are key strategies to improve your website’s accessibility.

1. Use Semantic HTML

Semantic HTML provides meaning to the web content, making it easier for screen readers and other assistive technologies to understand and navigate your site. Here’s how to use semantic HTML effectively:

• Proper Tag Usage: Use appropriate HTML tags like <header>, <nav>, <main>, <article>, and <footer> to define the structure of your content.
• Descriptive Tags: Use <h1>, <h2>, <h3>, etc., for headings to create a clear content hierarchy. Ensure that the headings are descriptive and informative.
• Alt Text for Images: Add descriptive alt text to images to provide context for users who rely on screen readers. Ensure the alt text is specific and conveys the purpose of the image.

Using semantic HTML improves the accessibility and SEO of your website by providing a clearer structure for both users and search engines.

Related Article: How to Write Compelling Web Copy That Converts

2. Ensure Keyboard Accessibility

Many users with disabilities rely on keyboard navigation rather than a mouse. Here’s how to ensure your website is fully navigable via keyboard:

• Logical Tab Order: Ensure the tab order follows the visual order of the content. Users should be able to navigate logically from one element to the next using the Tab key.
• Focus Indicators: Use focus indicators to highlight interactive elements (such as links and buttons) when they receive keyboard focus. This helps users understand where they are on the page.
• Skip Navigation Links: Provide skip navigation links at the top of your pages. These links allow users to skip repetitive content and go directly to the main content.

Keyboard accessibility ensures that all users, including those with mobility impairments, can navigate your site effectively.

Related Article: Top 5 Ways to Improve Your Website’s UX

3. Provide Transcripts and Captions

Transcripts and captions are essential for making audio and video content accessible to users with hearing impairments. Here’s how to implement them:

• Video Captions: Add captions to all video content. Captions should be accurate and synchronized with the audio.
• Audio Transcripts: Provide text transcripts for audio content, including podcasts and voice recordings. Transcripts should include all spoken content and relevant non-speech audio information.
• Interactive Media: For interactive media, such as webinars or live streams, offer real-time captioning services to ensure accessibility for all viewers.

Providing transcripts and captions not only improves accessibility but also benefits SEO by making your content more searchable.

Related Article: How to Build Trust with Your Website Visitors

4. Use Accessible Forms

Forms are a critical part of many websites, and making them accessible is essential. Here’s how to create accessible forms:

• Label Elements: Ensure all form fields have associated labels. Use the <label> tag to describe the purpose of each form field.
• Fieldset and Legend: Use the <fieldset> and <legend> tags to group related form elements and provide a description of the group.
• Error Messages: Provide clear and descriptive error messages. Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to ensure screen readers can announce errors.

Accessible forms ensure that all users can complete and submit forms without difficulty.

5. Implement ARIA Landmarks and Roles

ARIA landmarks and roles help assistive technologies understand the structure and purpose of different elements on your website. Here’s how to use ARIA effectively:

• Landmark Roles: Use ARIA landmark roles (such as role=”banner”, role=”navigation”, role=”main”, role=”contentinfo”) to define the main sections of your page.
• ARIA Attributes: Use ARIA attributes (such as aria-label, aria-labelledby, aria-describedby) to provide additional information about elements and improve navigation for screen reader users.
• Interactive Elements: Ensure all interactive elements (such as buttons, links, and widgets) have appropriate ARIA roles to define their behavior.

ARIA landmarks and roles enhance the accessibility of your website by providing clear and meaningful information to assistive technologies.

Conclusion

Improving your website’s accessibility involves using semantic HTML, ensuring keyboard accessibility, providing transcripts and captions, creating accessible forms, and implementing ARIA landmarks and roles. By following these strategies, you can create an inclusive and user-friendly website that accommodates all users. At RevWolf, we specialize in designing accessible websites that comply with the latest accessibility standards. Contact us today to learn how we can help you enhance your website’s accessibility.