12 Common Web Accessibility Issues to Avoid

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Almost everyone uses the internet in some way, shape, or form these days. With so many people using the web for different reasons, making sure your website is accessible and inclusive to everyone is essential. That means making sure your website is compliant with accessibility standards. Here are some common web accessibility errors to avoid.

1. Low Contrast in Text

Web browsers use a default “style sheet” to render pages. This style sheet includes a text color and background color. If the contrast between these two colors is too low, it can be difficult or even impossible for some people to read the text on your website. This is a common accessibility issue, especially for people with low vision or vision impairments.

2. No Alt Text for Images

Another common accessibility error is forgetting to add alt text to images. Alt text is a short description of an image displayed if the image can’t be loaded for some reason. It’s also used by screen readers, which are used by people who are blind or have low vision.

3. Poorly Labeled Form Fields

If you have a form on your website, it’s vital to label the form fields correctly. Otherwise, people may not know what information they’re supposed to enter in each field. This can exclude people with cognitive disabilities from your website.

4. Unclear Links

Links should be clear and descriptive, so people know where they will be taken when they click on them. A vague or misleading link text can be misleading or incomprehensible for users. Unclear navigation links lead to a poor user experience overall.

5. No Skip to Main Content Link

If your website has a lot of content before the main content, it can be helpful to add a “skip to main content” link. This allows users to bypass all the other content and go right to the part they’re interested in. This is especially important for people who use screen readers.

6. Non-Descriptive Page Titles

The title of each page on your website should be descriptive and give users an idea of what they’ll find on that page. Generic titles like “Home” or “About Us” don’t give users any information about the page content.

7. No Transcripts or Captions for Videos

If you have videos on your website, it’s important to provide transcripts or captions. This allows people who are deaf or living with auditory impairments to access the content of the videos. It also makes your videos more accessible to people who don’t speak the same language as the audio.

8. Inaccessible PDFs

If you have any PDFs on your website, it’s important to ensure they’re accessible. That means screen readers and other assistive technologies can read them. It also means that users with disabilities can more easily fill out forms in the PDFs.

9. No Keyboard Navigation

It’s important to ensure your website can be navigated using a keyboard. This is especially important for people who use screen readers or other assistive technologies that require keyboard input. If your website can’t be navigated using a keyboard, it’s not accessible.

10. Non-Standard Fonts

Using non-standard fonts on your website can make it difficult or impossible for some people to read the text. This is especially true for people with vision impairments. Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman to ensure everyone can enjoy your content.

11. Uses Flash

Flash is an outdated technology that isn’t compatible with all web browsers and devices. It’s also not accessible to people who use screen readers or other assistive technologies. If you’re using Flash on your website, providing an alternative way for people to access the content is crucial.

12. No Accessibility Statement

An accessibility statement is a short description of the steps you’ve taken to make your website accessible. It’s a good idea to include an accessibility statement on your website, even if you’re not required to by law. This shows your commitment to accessibility and lets users know what to expect from your website.

Conclusion

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