10 Ways Your Website Can Be More Accessible For People With Disabilities – accessiBe
Your website is accessible. But what about the millions of people with disabilities who are without your content? Your webpage can never be so perfect that it speaks to everyone. However, there are some tools like accessiBe and other steps you can take to make it more accessible for those with temporary or permanent disabilities.
The following list is a great place to start increasing your site’s accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
1. Provide alt Tags to Images
Many people are quick to include the alt tag on headings, buttons, and other elements that should be described in detail by their labels. But what about all those images throughout your website? Someone unable to see the image may still appreciate a detailed description, especially for more complex graphics.
2. Use Visual Alternatives
Some people are unable to see images. Some are unable to hear audio, and others may not be able to interact with certain parts of your website without the appropriate visual or auditory alternatives. Some alternative options can include video tutorials, text tutorials, and person-to-person support over the phone or via chat.
3. Make it easy to navigate
Navigation is the primary tool web surfers use to move around your site. How you design your website navigation can make people with disabilities feel lost or trapped in one section of your site where they cannot easily reach any other part of it. Provide clear and concise naming conventions, alternate ways to navigate, and a search function for those who have difficulty navigating your site.
4. Make it easy to read
Images, graphics, and other elements on your site can add layout creativity and beauty, but they should not get in the way of someone being able to quickly scan or read your text. Try using larger fonts when possible, shorter paragraphs, and using a clean, unobtrusive layout.
5. Make it easy to interact with your site
People who have difficulty using a mouse or keyboard may wish to navigate and interact with your website in other ways. Whether you offer text-only options, allow touch-screen interaction, or provide voice recognition, finding ways for people with disabilities to interact with your site will allow them to engage and participate with it.
6. Be consistent in your use of colors
Navigation bars should be consistently designed and spaced throughout your site so those who can’t see well can easily find their way through the primary sections. The same goes for any other tools or elements you may include, such as buttons, checkboxes, etc.
7. Make sure the text is clear
This one may seem obvious, but it can be easy to forget this basic principle. Every text element on your site should be easily legible by people who cannot see well or have difficulties reading common typefaces and color combinations against various backgrounds.
8. Make sure your site is responsive
Changing the size of text, images, and other content elements on your page can irritate some people with disabilities. Your website should automatically adjust to different devices or browsing preferences so that everyone has an optimal experience whether they are using a desktop computer or mobile device.
9. Use an easy-to-read font
Fonts such as Helvetica and Arial are popular, but they may not be the easiest to read for people with low vision. Be sure your website is using a typeface that is easily legible for those who have reduced visual acuity or color blindness problems. You can also check out web safe fonts optimized for on-screen use.
10. Provide an easy way to contact you
People with disabilities should never be left wondering how they can get in touch with you. Ensure your website includes a clear link to your customer service phone number or email address so those who need it can easily find it.