Accessibility · 18 Apr 2023 · 2 min read

How to improve your website's accessibility support

There are many ways to improve a website’s accessibility support. Here’s where to start.

Content and visual changes

• Use high-contrast colours, so text and interface elements are easy to see for people with low vision.
• Use a legible font size — small type is hard to read for many visitors, not just those with visual impairments.
• Write in clear, concise language so people with cognitive disabilities can follow the content easily.
• Avoid blinking or flashing content, which can be disruptive or even trigger seizures for some users.
• Add alt text to every image, so screen reader users understand what they’re missing.
• Test the site with a screen reader to confirm it actually works, not just that the markup looks correct.

Structural fixes

• Use semantic HTML markup, so screen readers and other assistive technology can understand the page’s structure.
• Keep navigation consistent across pages, so people don’t have to relearn the layout each time.
• Label every interactive element clearly, so its purpose is obvious without relying on visual cues alone.
• Avoid frames, which are difficult to navigate with assistive technology.
• Keep the site fast — slow load times are a bigger obstacle for users on older assistive tech or slower connections.

Conclusion

Accessibility isn’t one setting to switch on — it’s a set of habits covering both what a page contains and how it’s built. The payoff is a site more people can actually use, and several of these practices — alt text, heading structure, contrast — double as good SEO practice too.