In today’s digital world, ensuring accessibility in websites and digital content is not just a legal requirement but also a moral imperative. Accessibility means creating an inclusive experience for all users, including those with disabilities. However, many websites still face common accessibility issues that can hinder user experience. In this blog, we’ll identify frequent accessibility problems and provide practical solutions to fix them. We’ll also discuss how VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) certification can help in systematically identifying and rectifying these issues.
1. Missing or Inadequate Alt Text for Images
Problem: Alt text (alternative text) is crucial for screen readers to describe images to visually impaired users. Many websites either lack alt text or use vague descriptions.
Solution: Always provide meaningful and descriptive alt text for all images. The text should convey the content and function of the image. For decorative images, use empty alt text (alt=””) to prevent screen readers from reading them aloud unnecessarily.
2. Poor Color Contrast
Problem: Insufficient color contrast between text and background can make content difficult to read, especially for users with visual impairments or color blindness.
Solution: Use tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker to ensure your text meets the recommended contrast ratio (4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text). Adjust colors as needed to meet these standards.
3. Inaccessible Forms
Problem: Forms without proper labels, instructions, or error messages can be challenging for users with disabilities to navigate and complete.
Solution: Ensure all form fields have clear and descriptive labels. Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles and properties to enhance form accessibility. Provide helpful error messages and instructions for form fields.
4. Non-Descriptive Link Text
Problem: Links with text like “click here” or “read more” do not provide enough context for screen reader users.
Solution: Use descriptive link text that clearly indicates the destination or purpose of the link. For example, instead of “click here,” use “download the accessibility guide.”
5. Lack of Keyboard Navigation
Problem: Users who cannot use a mouse rely on keyboard navigation to interact with websites. If a site is not keyboard-friendly, it can be inaccessible to them.
Solution: Test your website using only the keyboard to ensure all interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) are reachable and operable. Use logical tab order and provide visual focus indicators.
6. Missing or Incorrect Document Structure
Problem: Improper use of headings and lack of semantic HTML can make content difficult to navigate for screen reader users.
Solution: Use HTML heading tags (<h1> to <h6>) to create a logical document structure. Ensure headings are used in a hierarchical order and accurately reflect the content hierarchy.
7. Video and Audio Without Captions or Transcripts
Problem: Multimedia content without captions or transcripts can exclude users with hearing impairments.
Solution: Provide synchronized captions for all video content and transcripts for audio content. Tools like YouTube’s automatic captioning can be a starting point, but manual review and editing are often necessary to ensure accuracy.
VPAT Certification: A Systematic Approach
One effective method to identify and rectify accessibility issues is through VPAT certification. The VPAT is a document that evaluates how accessible a product is according to established guidelines, such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Here’s how VPAT can help:
1. Systematic Evaluation: VPAT provides a comprehensive checklist to evaluate the accessibility of your website or digital product.
2. Transparency: It allows organizations to transparently report their product’s accessibility features and limitations.
3. Continuous Improvement: VPAT helps in identifying specific areas needing improvement, guiding ongoing accessibility efforts.
Conclusion
Addressing accessibility issues is essential for creating an inclusive digital environment. By tackling common problems like missing alt text, poor color contrast, and inaccessible forms, you can significantly improve the user experience for all visitors. Incorporating VPAT certification into your accessibility strategy provides a structured approach to identifying and resolving issues systematically. Remember, accessibility is not a one-time fix but an ongoing commitment to inclusivity.
By implementing these solutions and embracing tools like VPAT, you can ensure your digital content is accessible to everyone, fostering a more inclusive online community.