30 Web Accessibility Tips

Creating an inclusive website is no longer optional—it’s essential. Web accessibility ensures that people of all abilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive challenges, can easily navigate and interact with your content. Beyond compliance, accessibility improves user experience, boosts SEO, and expands your audience reach. In this blog, we’ll share 30 practical web accessibility tips to help you build websites that are user-friendly, accessible, and future-ready.

1. Add proper alt text to images.

People who are unable to view images, such as those who use screen readers or Braille output devices, can access the content of images by employing alt text. The majority of document formats, including HTML, Microsoft Word, and Adobe PDF, enable alt text. See Making Images Accessible on the UW Accessible Technology website for further details.

2. Use headings properly.

Create a page outline by using headings and subheadings. Heading levels should not be skipped. They facilitate navigation for screen reader users and aid non-visual users (including search engines) in understanding how the website is structured. See Providing Structure in Web Pages and Documents on the UW Accessible Technology website for further details.

3. Create accessible PDFs.

Use “tagged PDF” as it is the only PDF format that allows alt text for pictures and headers. Make use of Adobe Acrobat’s PDF Accessibility Checker. See Creating Accessible Documents on the UW Accessible Technology website for further details.

4. Know when to use PDF.

PDF maintains a document’s look across devices and operating systems. Use an other format, such HTML, which is considerably more accessible, if this feature is not necessary.

5. Use ARIA landmarks.

Accessible interactive online apps may be created thanks to the W3C Accessible Rich Internet apps (ARIA) definition. Landmark jobs are a simple way to get into ARIA. One keystroke will allow visitors to navigate straight to any of the eight landmark roles (such as role=”navigation” or “main”) by simply adding an HTML property for that role. Use HTML semantic elements that correspond to ARIA roles as an alternative. See Providing Structure in Web Pages and Documents on the UW Accessible Technology website for further details.

6. Add labels to form fields.

To let screen reader users know which labels or prompts correspond to which form fields, utilize the HTML label element. See Creating Accessible Forms on the UW Accessible Technology website for further details.

7. Group related form fields together.

Groups of checkboxes or radio buttons should be wrapped in a fieldset element in HTML, and the question or prompt that applies to all of them should be wrapped in a legend element. See Creating Accessible Forms on the UW Accessible Technology website for further details.

8. Markup tables appropriately.

To convey the relationships between column and row headers and the data cells that fall inside their scope, use HTML markup appropriately. See the WebAIM page Creating Accessible Tables for further details.

9. Identify language of text.

Because some screen readers are multi-lingual, use markup to specify the default language of a page and any material that differs from it. Visit UW Accessible Technology’s Identifying Language of a Document and its Parts page to find out more.

10. Provide sufficient color contrast.

Make sure there is enough contrast between the backdrop and the foreground. Numerous free tools are available to assist with this. See Providing Sufficient Color Contrast on the UW Accessible Technology page for further details.

11. Avoid using tiny fonts.

Use a very large font size by default since people might not know they can use browser hot keys to enlarge it. If they want to, they can reduce it. Because 1em is the default font size used by the browser, it is the best option for the majority of text and respects user expectations and preferences.

12. Respect white space.

Leave lots of space between text blocks and lines. This makes text simpler to read in general and makes it easier for many people to track text horizontally.

13. Provide visible indication of focus.

To make the website come to life and react to the user’s mouse movements, utilize CSS’s :hover property. Use :focus to give the same capability for users who are not using a mouse. See Providing Visible Focus for Keyboard Users on the UW Accessible Technology website for further details.

14. Use text, not pictures of text.

Instead of utilizing pictures of words, use text, and use CSS to determine how it looks. Text images are inefficient for the website creator to change, take longer to download, and appear fuzzy when magnified.

15. Think twice about the words you choose.

Make sure your writing is easy to read and comprehend. Web writers frequently employ longer phrases and bigger words than are actually needed.

16. Caption video.

All users benefit from captions. The process of transcribing and captioning videos is supported by a number of user-friendly, free software. Visit the Creating Accessible Videos page on the UW Accessible Technology website for further details.

17. Describe video.

Make a screenplay with succinct explanations of key visual elements for those who cannot view videos, and then offer that as a distinct description track in the form of timed text or recorded narration. Audio description is the term for this solution. See the Creating Accessible Videos page on the UW Accessible Technology page for further details, paying particular attention to the Audio Description section.

18. Provide a transcript.

For the benefit of the deaf-blind and those with limited Internet connection, provide a transcript for the audio and video. All users gain from transcripts as they make material easily accessible.

19. Choose media players that support accessibility.

Consider the following when selecting a media player: Does this player allow closed captions? Is description supported? Is it possible to use it without a mouse? Do screen reader users have access to buttons and controls? With assistance from the open source community, the University of Washington developed the free player Able Player with accessibility in mind.

20. Use a website navigation menu that works for all users.

Consider the following when designing a navigation menu: Is it possible to use this menu alone with a keyboard? If it can, is it effective, or does it need hundreds or even thousands of keystrokes? For examples of how to correctly code navigation menus and accessible design patterns, consult reliable sources like the WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices.

21. Create JavaScript widgets that support accessibility.

A widget is considered accessible if it can be used just with the keyboard, communicates with assistive technology (AT) via ARIA, and gently degrades for users without the newest AT. For accessible design patterns and examples of how to correctly code a wide range of common widgets, refer to the WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices.

22. Choose JavaScript widgets that support accessibility.

Do your research before using an existing widget instead of making your own. Information about accessibility can be found in the bug reports and documentation. Ask people with impairments to test widgets using the keyboard alone or with an AT.

23. Know how your Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Content Management Systems (CMS) support accessibility.

The majority of CMSs and LMSs include some degree of accessibility assistance. Recognize how the tools you’re employing are accessible. Recognize the workarounds for any accessibility issues. Recognize which modules, plug-ins, and themes are available and suggest or mandate them over those that are not.

24. Test web pages using a keyboard.

Accept the challenge of #nomouse! Instead of using the mouse, try using the keyboard’s tab key to navigate the website and control all of its functions. Usually, this easy test is a reliable gauge of accessibility. Visit nomouse.org to learn more.

25. Test pages using high contrast color schemes.

High contrast color schemes are available in most major operating systems and some web browsers. Verify that all significant page content is still viewable when they are enabled.

26. Test pages with assistive technologies.

Free screen readers and other assistive technology are available for testing. Simple AT tests can give you important information about whether specific elements on a webpage might offer accessibility issues, but you don’t need to become an expert user. See the WebAIM article Testing with Screen Readers and their series of brief tutorials on testing with particular screen readers for additional details.

27. Test pages on mobile devices.

More and more people are utilizing phones, tablets, and other mobile devices to access the web, including those with impairments. Make careful to check for accessibility while testing your website on mobile devices.

28. Ask vendors specific questions about the accessibility of their products.

We rely on third-party suppliers to deliver items that are functional for all users when we purchase from them. Always inquire about product accessibility, particularly when making small transactions. Think about using a more structured approach to accessibility for large items. See Procuring Accessible IT on the UW Accessible Technology website for further details.

29. Demand accessibility!

Avoid purchasing, utilizing, or endorsing a product if it is not available. Strive to establish campus regulations that mandate the accessibility of IT purchases. Inform the vendor that you anticipate to buy an accessible alternative when it becomes available if using an inaccessible product is necessary since it is the only option.

30. Get involved!

There are many communities of practice that are working together on making the web (and world) more accessible. For example, consider getting involved with the Access Technology Higher Education Network (ATHEN) or EDUCAUSE IT Accessibility Community Group. Together we can make a difference!

Conclusion

Making your website accessible is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment. By implementing these 30 accessibility tips, you’ll not only meet global standards but also create a digital space where everyone feels welcome. Remember—an accessible website is a better website for all users. Start small, stay consistent, and keep refining to ensure your site remains inclusive and impactful.

Need expert help making your website fully accessible? Contact Ecodesoft Solutions today and let our team guide you toward an inclusive digital experience.