A growing number of people have disabilities or aging-related issues that impact their ability to access websites. These individuals might have the following challenges:
- Moving a mouse
- Seeing text and images
- Viewing colors
- Hearing
- Processing information
Enhancing website accessibility helps people with disabilities or aging-related issues discover your company’s products or services and become loyal customers. Focusing on the following areas can help.
Screen Reader Compatibility
People who have low vision or are blind or dyslexic often navigate the internet using a screen reader that converts text to speech and provides non-visual navigation commands. This assistive technology requires consistent, detailed navigational elements such as headers, titles, and lists in the page structure. You can use Narrator on Windows, Voiceover on Mac OSX, or another built-in screen reader to test your website.
Alternative Text for Images
Individuals who cannot see images require descriptive text visible to screen readers to understand the information conveyed. Alternative text helps provide an understanding of the image.
Keyboard Accessibility
The ability to access a website without a mouse is essential. Tab through your content to determine whether there are keyboard traps that should be fixed.
Controls for Moving Content
Your website might include videos, popups, animations, slideshows, or other moving content to engage users. If so, avoid excessive blinking that can cause seizures. Also, include a stop or pause button for users with visual processing or cognitive disabilities or who use assistive technology that requires sound-based navigation.
Controls for Timed Content
People who use assistive technology often require additional time to navigate a website and finish tasks. Therefore, include options to turn off, adjust, or extend any web page time limits.
Labeled Forms
Clearly label checkboxes, data fields, radio or option buttons, and other form fields so people using assistive technology can understand them. Let the user know they encountered a field, explain the type of field, and provide additional cues for the type of information needed.
Color Contrast
Because many people are color blind, test your design elements for proper color contrast for website accessibility.
Accessible Downloadable Files
Ensure any downloadable files are accessible before posting them. Or, add all website content in HTML to avoid any issues.
Plain Language
Simple, concise language helps people with intellectual and learning disabilities, cognitive issues, traumatic brain injuries, and other issues navigate your website.
Captions
Provide captions and transcriptions for videos and other media to enhance understanding, increase SEO, and boost user engagement.
Need to Update Your Website?
BARQAR’s team of marketing professionals specializes in helping small businesses achieve their website goals. Contact our digital marketing experts today to learn more about how we can assist you in boosting your website’s conversion rate and driving business growth.
