Is your website accessible to everyone? Website accessibility ensures people with disabilities can use your site. It’s both ethical and beneficial for SEO.
What is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility means designing websites that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with.
Types of Disabilities to Consider
- Visual: Blindness, low vision, color blindness
- Auditory: Deafness, hearing impairment
- Motor: Limited mobility, tremors
- Cognitive: Learning disabilities, attention disorders
Key Accessibility Features
1. Alt Text for Images
Describe images for screen reader users. Also helps SEO.
2. Keyboard Navigation
All functionality should work without a mouse.
3. Color Contrast
Text should have sufficient contrast against backgrounds (4.5:1 minimum).
4. Readable Fonts
Use minimum 16px font size. Avoid fancy fonts for body text.
5. Form Labels
Every form field needs a visible, associated label.
6. Video Captions
Provide captions or transcripts for video content.
7. Descriptive Links
Avoid “click here”. Use descriptive link text.
8. Consistent Navigation
Keep navigation in the same location across pages.
Benefits of Accessibility
- Reach wider audience (15% of world has disabilities)
- Improved SEO (alt text, structure)
- Better user experience for everyone
- Legal compliance
Accessibility Checklist
- ☐ All images have alt text
- ☐ Site works with keyboard only
- ☐ Color contrast is sufficient
- ☐ Forms have labels
- ☐ Links are descriptive