Website accessibility means people with disabilities can use your site — including people using screen readers, keyboard navigation or magnification. In the US, inaccessible websites have been the subject of many ADA-related lawsuits, and accessibility also improves usability for everyone.
WCAG in brief
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are organized around four principles: content should be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust. Many organizations target WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA.
Common issues and fixes
- Missing alt text on meaningful images → add descriptive alt text.
- Low color contrast → ensure text meets contrast ratios.
- Keyboard traps → make every interactive element reachable and usable by keyboard.
- Unlabeled form fields → associate labels with inputs.
- Missing focus indicators → keep visible focus styles.
- Videos without captions → add accurate captions.
- Unclear headings → use a logical heading hierarchy.
Overlays aren't a complete solution
Accessibility overlay widgets don't fix underlying code issues. Build accessibility into design and development.
FAQs
Is accessibility legally required?
Requirements vary by organization type and jurisdiction. Consult legal counsel for your situation; following WCAG is a widely accepted best practice.
How do I test accessibility?
Use automated tools plus manual keyboard and screen reader testing.
Does accessibility help SEO?
Many practices — alt text, headings, clear structure — also support SEO.
