Making Websites Work for Everyone: A Simple Guide to Accessibility

Websites should be easy for everyone to use, but many aren't. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) says websites must be accessible, but it doesn't give specific rules. Instead, it points to a set of guidelines called WCAG 2.1 Level AA. These guidelines have four main ideas:

1. Perceivable: Making sure information is easy to see.
2. Operable: Ensuring the website is easy to use.
3. Understandable: Making content easy to understand.
4. Robust: Ensuring the website works well with different technologies.

Key Fixes for Accessibility

To make a website accessible, consider these key fixes:

• Color Contrast: Ensure colors contrast enough for people with low vision.
• Alt Text: Provide descriptions for images so screen readers can understand them.
• Keyboard Navigation: Make sure everything is usable with just a keyboard, not just a mouse.
• Form Labels: Use clear labels and error messages for forms.
• Heading Structure: Use a logical order for headings, like H1, then H2, then H3.
• Video Captions: Include captions or transcripts for videos.
• Descriptive Links: Use descriptive links instead of generic phrases like "click here."

Cost and Effort

Making a website accessible takes time and money. For a small business website, it might cost between $5,000 and $11,000. For a larger website, the cost could be much higher. Tools like WAVE and axe DevTools can help, but manual testing is also important.

Accessibility Widgets

Some people think they can add an accessibility widget and be done. However, these widgets don't fix the underlying issues and can even make things worse. They can also lead to lawsuits. It's better to fix the website's code properly.

Accessibility Statement

Every accessible website should have an accessibility statement. This statement should outline:

• What the website is doing to be accessible.
• Which standards it is following.
• How people can provide feedback.
• Be honest about what's not working yet.

Ongoing Maintenance

Accessibility isn't a one-time thing. Websites change frequently, so they need to be checked regularly. Plan to spend time and money on ongoing maintenance.

Professional Help

If you're unsure how to make your website accessible, you might need professional help. This is especially true if you've been sued or if your website is complex. However, if your website is simple and you have the time to learn, you can do it yourself.

Why Accessibility Matters

Making your website accessible is important. It's not just about following the law; it's about ensuring everyone can use your website, regardless of their abilities. It's also a good business decision. Making your website accessible from the start costs less than fixing it later. And it helps you reach more people.