Website accessibility (WCAG), for whom, why and where to start

Digital accessibility sounds like a topic for public institutions and big portals. In reality it applies to every site, because an accessible site is simply one that everyone can comfortably use: a blind person using a screen reader, someone with weaker sight, an older person, but also an ordinary user in bright sunlight or with a slow connection. The standard that describes this is called WCAG.

Why it is worth doing

• You reach more people. People with various limitations are a significant share of your audience. A site that is not comfortable to use simply loses them.
• Google likes it. Many accessibility rules (clear structure, image descriptions, correct code) overlap with what helps with ranking. An accessible site can be more visible in search.
• It is increasingly a requirement. In the public sector accessibility is mandatory, and European regulations gradually cover some businesses and digital services too. It is worth being on the right side of that change.
• It is simply the right thing. Not cutting people off from information or a purchase because of a barrier that is easy to remove is plainly good practice.

Accessibility is not about making a separate, "simplified" site for the few. It is about building one site that works well for everyone.

Where to start: the basics that give the most

You do not have to meet all the guidelines at once. A few things handle most of the real barriers:

• Text contrast. Light grey text on a white background looks "elegant" but can be unreadable. Ensure clear contrast between text and background.
• Image descriptions (alt text). Every meaningful photo should have a description a screen reader can read (and which Google sees along the way).
• A clear heading structure. Headings used in order and sensibly help everyone, including people navigating the site by keyboard or screen reader.
• Keyboard operation. Can the site be navigated and clicked without a mouse? For many people that is the only way of using the internet.
• Clear forms. Fields with distinct labels and clear error messages, not "just" an asterisk or a colour.
• Do not rely on colour alone. "Click the red button" means nothing to someone who cannot distinguish colours. Add a label or an icon.

The good news: much of this is also a better site

Note that most accessibility rules are simply features of a well-made site: readability, order, sensible structure, correct code. By improving accessibility you usually improve speed, SEO and convenience for all visitors along the way.

Want to check how your site fares on accessibility and what to improve first? We can do a review and point out specific, most important fixes. Get in touch.