There is a lot of talk these days about website accessibility, and for a good reason. Websites are increasingly becoming the main way people interact with the world around them. For people with disabilities, having an accessible website (by using tools such as accessiBe) can mean the difference between being able to participate in society and being shut out from it.
But what does it mean for a website to be accessible? The answer, unfortunately, is not as simple as it might first appear.
Several different factors can affect the accessibility of a website, and it can be difficult to keep track of all of them. However, there are a few key things that you can do to make sure that your website is as accessible as possible.
Speak plainly and simply
When writing content for your website, it is important to use language that is easy to understand. This can be especially difficult when you are trying to communicate complex ideas. Still, it is important to remember that not everyone who visits your website will have the same knowledge about your topic.
If you can, try to use short, simple sentences and avoid jargon. However, if you must use jargon, explain it clearly.
Make sure that your website can be navigated with a keyboard
One of the most important things to consider when making your website accessible is how it can be used by people who cannot use a mouse. This includes people with physical disabilities and those using a screen reader due to blindness or low vision.
There are a number of things you can do to make sure your website can be used with a keyboard:
- All interactive elements on your page should be reachable using the tab key.
- You should make sure that there is a way to cancel any action that has been started, such as a form submission.
- You should ensure that keyboard users can access all the same content and functionality as mouse users.
Use clear and concise labels
When you label your website’s content, it is important to use language that is easy to understand. This includes both the text displayed on the screen and any accessibility labels that you might use.
For example, if you have a link to a PDF document, the label should make it clear that the link will open a PDF. Similarly, if you have an input field for a phone number, the label should say “Phone number” rather than just “Number.”
Make sure your website can be used with a screen reader
Screen readers are software programs that allow people who are blind or have low vision to access the content of websites. They work by reading the text on the screen aloud, and they can also provide information about the structure of a page and the identity of interactive elements.
If you want to make sure your website can be used with a screen reader, there are several things you can do. First, you should use clear labels for all of your content. Second, you should ensure that your website’s structure is easy to understand. Finally, you should test your website with a screen reader to make sure everything is working.