Ensuring your website is accessible will help you reach a wider audience and improve user experience. By making your website navigable for people with disabilities, you’re opening doors to nearly one billion potential users worldwide.
Implementing accessibility features often enhances overall usability, boosts SEO, and mitigates legal risks.
In this blog post we’ll explore the most common website accessibility issues so you have a better understanding of how to make your website ADA compliant.
Failure to provide descriptive alt text for images leaves screen reader users without context.
Solution: Ensure all images have meaningful alt text that describes the content and function of the image. This is crucial for conveying information that might be missed by users who cannot see the images.
Using color combinations that are difficult to read can hinder users with visual impairments.
Solution: Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text, following WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. Tools are available to test color contrast and ensure readability.
Contact Martin Brothers ADA Inspection Services today to get compliant!
Forms lacking proper labeling for fields make it difficult for screen reader users to fill them out.
Solution: Ensure that each form field has a clearly associated label. Use HTML attributes to link labels to their respective input fields, and provide instructions or error messages that are easy to understand.
Using vague link text like “click here” fails to inform users about the link’s purpose.
Solution: Create descriptive link text that conveys the destination or action, such as “View our menu” or “Learn more about our services.” This helps users understand where they are navigating.
Key Takeaways Temporary disabilities need specific accommodations. The ADA protects individuals with temporary impairments. ADA laws support temporary..
Websites that can’t be fully navigated using only a keyboard exclude users with motor disabilities.
Solution: Design websites to be fully operable with a keyboard. This includes ensuring that all interactive elements are accessible and can be focused using the Tab key.
Not using HTML heading tags correctly makes it difficult for screen readers to navigate content.
Solution: Use proper heading levels (H1, H2, H3) to create a logical structure for your content. This helps users quickly understand the hierarchy and navigate the page effectively.
Uploading scanned PDFs or those without proper tagging renders them unreadable by screen readers.
Solution: Create PDFs that are properly tagged and accessible. Use text-based formats whenever possible, and ensure that scanned documents are OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processed to allow text extraction.
Use alt text for images and ensure keyboard navigation to make your website ADA-friendly.
ADA Compliance Specialist
Failing to provide captions for video content excludes deaf or hard-of-hearing users.
Solution: Include captions and transcripts for all video content. This not only aids accessibility but also benefits users in noisy environments or those who prefer reading.
Using color alone to convey information can be problematic for colorblind users.
Solution: Ensure that all information conveyed through color is also available through text or patterns. For example, use symbols or labels alongside color indicators.
Neglecting the mobile version of the site can lead to accessibility issues for mobile users.
Solution: Design responsive websites that maintain accessibility standards on all devices. Test mobile interfaces for keyboard accessibility and screen reader compatibility.
Creating navigation structures that are hard to understand can confuse users relying on assistive technologies.
Solution: Simplify navigation menus and use clear, logical labels. Ensure that dropdowns and submenus are accessible via keyboard and screen reader.
Key Takeaways Temporary disabilities need specific accommodations. The ADA protects individuals with temporary impairments. ADA laws support temporary..
Automatically starting videos or audio can disrupt users, particularly those using screen readers.
Solution: Avoid auto-play features or provide controls for users to play media at their discretion. Include pause and stop buttons prominently.
Using visual CAPTCHAs without audio alternatives can prevent some users from accessing content.
Solution: Implement CAPTCHAs that offer both visual and audio options, or consider using alternative verification methods that do not rely on visual perception.
Not using ARIA attributes can hinder accessibility for dynamic content.
Solution: Use ARIA labels and roles to enhance the accessibility of interactive elements, especially for complex components like sliders, modals, or dynamically updated content.
Contact Martin Brothers ADA Inspection and get complaint in 2024!
Changing the layout or navigation between pages can confuse users with cognitive disabilities.
Solution: Maintain a consistent layout, navigation structure, and design elements throughout the website. This familiarity helps users navigate more comfortably and reduces cognitive load.
Contact Martin Brothers ADA Inspection Services today!
ADA website compliance ensures that websites meet accessibility standards for users with disabilities.
It ensures equal access for all users and avoids legal consequences.
Missing alt text, poor color contrast, and lack of keyboard navigation are common errors.
WCAG provides international guidelines for making web content more accessible.
Improving accessibility can involve costs like updating web design, training staff, and acquiring assistive technologies. However, investing in accessibility enhances user experience and can prevent potential legal liabilities down the line.
Emerging trends in web accessibility standards focus on inclusivity, emphasizing user involvement, adaptive technologies, and compliance with updated guidelines like WCAG 2.2. You’ll find these changes enhancing overall user experience and accessibility for everyone.
Mark Thompson is a passionate ADA Compliance Specialist with over 15 years of experience. His journey began as an environmental technician, where he recognized the importance of inclusive design. With a keen understanding of ADA regulations, Mark helps businesses navigate compliance challenges and create welcoming environments for all.
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