Understanding Web Accessibility
Accessibility has two key dimensions:
- Structural accessibility refers to how a site is built – its HTML, layout, and navigation structure. Proper headings, semantic markup, and responsive design help all users, including those using assistive technologies.
- Functional accessibility refers to how users interact with and experience your content – text alternatives for media, readable contrast, clear calls to action, and keyboard or voice navigation.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) defines accessibility as “the practice of making web content accessible to people with disabilities.” Every element, images, links, forms, videos, and text should be perceivable and operable for all users.
How to Make Your Website Accessible
Accessibility touches every aspect of web design and content creation. As technology evolves, modern websites can achieve compliance more easily than ever before. When reviewing your website, consider the following:
- Navigation: Menus, links, and buttons should be logical and reachable by keyboard.
- Content: Write in plain language, organize sections with headings, and avoid overly complex layouts.
- Language settings: Specify the language in your HTML to help screen readers pronounce text correctly.
- Colour contrast: Ensure strong contrast between text and background using tools such as WebAIM’s Contrast Checker.
- Motion and flashing: Avoid flickering or rapidly moving elements that can cause discomfort or seizures.
- Cognitive accessibility: Use consistent layouts, clear labels, and meaningful icons.
- Alternative text: Add descriptive alt text to all images and icons so screen readers can convey their purpose.
- Assistive technology compatibility: Test your site with screen readers, magnifiers, and voice navigation tools.
Modern Accessibility Tools
Testing accessibility has become easier thanks to AI-enhanced evaluation tools. Here are some reliable options:
- Google Lighthouse: Built into Chrome DevTools, it audits pages for accessibility, SEO, and performance.
- Siteimprove: Offers detailed accessibility reporting and integrates with WCAG 2.2 standards.
- axe DevTools by Deque: A free browser extension that highlights accessibility issues directly in the developer console.
- EqualWeb: Provides automated and manual remediation options, including screen reader simulation, keyboard shortcuts, and customization tools for users with vision impairments.
- Wave by WebAIM: A simple online tool that visually identifies accessibility errors on your pages.
When choosing tools, look for those referencing WCAG 2.2 Level AA, the current international benchmark (as of 2025) adopted by most countries and organizations.
Practical Steps You Can Take Today
Even if your website was built years ago, you can make meaningful improvements quickly.
1. Use alternative text (alt text)
Alt text describes the purpose of an image for users who cannot see it. For example:
<img src=”volunteer-event.jpg” alt=”Volunteers sorting donations at a community fundraiser”>
Good alt text explains context, not just appearance. It also helps search engines understand your visuals, improving SEO.
2. Ensure strong colour contrast
Low contrast is one of the most common accessibility issues. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text.
3. Choose readable fonts
Select clean, legible typefaces and maintain a minimum font size of 16 px for body text. Avoid using images of text.
4. Provide captions and transcripts
All videos should have closed captions, and audio files should include transcripts. This helps users who are deaf, hard of hearing, or in sound-sensitive environments.
5. Test keyboard navigation
Every interactive element, links, buttons, forms etc. should be accessible without a mouse. Use the Tab key to verify focus order and visibility.
Accessibility Regulations Around the World
The Accessible Canada Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) align with WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 AA. Federal and provincial sites must provide text alternatives, audio descriptions, and fully navigable layouts.
The Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018 require public websites to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act require federal agencies and contractors to comply with WCAG 2.1 AA.
The EU Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102) applies to all public-sector websites and apps, requiring WCAG 2.1 AA compliance.
Emerging Trends in Accessibility
- AI and automation: New platforms use AI to detect contrast errors, missing labels, and complex interaction issues in real time.
- Inclusive design culture: Accessibility is shifting from a compliance requirement to a design mindset integrated from the start.
- Accessibility overlays: While popular, these automated “fix” widgets should be used cautiously. They cannot replace proper coding and manual testing.
- Mobile accessibility: With more than half of all web traffic on mobile, responsive layouts and accessible touch targets are critical.
Final Thoughts
Web accessibility is not a one-time project but an ongoing commitment to inclusion. Ensuring that everyone can access your information, donate, or engage with your organization supports both your mission and your credibility. Take time to test, remediate, and document your accessibility progress. Achieving WCAG 2.2 compliance means your site will not only meet legal standards but also provide a better experience for every visitor. If you are interested in making your website accessible, our team can help you assess, update, and maintain your site for long-term accessibility and compliance.Where to go from here
Learn more about Accessibility and Digital Compliance.
