1 in 4 adults in the US has some type of disability. That's 61 million people who might not be able to use your website if it's not accessible. Beyond being the right thing to do, accessibility is increasingly a legal requirement-ADA lawsuits have increased 300% in recent years.
What is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility means designing and developing websites so that people with disabilities can use them. This includes people with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities.
The Four WCAG Principles (POUR)
Information must be presentable in ways users can perceive. This includes providing text alternatives for images, captions for videos, and sufficient color contrast.
User interface components must be operable. Users must be able to navigate with a keyboard, have enough time to read content, and not be subjected to content that causes seizures.
Content must be understandable. This means using clear language, consistent navigation, and helping users avoid and correct mistakes.
Content must be robust enough to work with current and future technologies, including assistive technologies like screen readers.
Most Common Accessibility Issues
1. Missing Image Alt Text
Screen readers rely on alt text to describe images to visually impaired users.
- Bad:
<img src="chart.png"> -
Good:
<img src="chart.png" alt="Sales increased 25% from Q1 to Q2">
2. Poor Color Contrast
Text must have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background. Light gray text on white backgrounds is a common violation.
3. Missing Form Labels
Every form field needs a label that's programmatically associated with it.
- Bad:
<input type="email" placeholder="Email"> -
Good:
<label for="email">Email</label><input id="email" type="email">
4. Keyboard Navigation Issues
Users must be able to navigate and interact with your site using only a keyboard. This means all interactive elements need to be focusable and have visible focus indicators.
5. Empty Links and Buttons
Screen readers can't describe a link that just says "click here" or an icon button with no text alternative.
⚖️ Legal Note: Businesses with 15+ employees are subject to ADA compliance. The average cost of an ADA website lawsuit settlement is $35,000.
Quick Accessibility Checklist
- All images have descriptive alt text
- Color contrast ratio is at least 4.5:1
- Site is navigable with keyboard only
- All form fields have labels
- Links and buttons have descriptive text
- Videos have captions
- Headings are used in logical order (H1, H2, H3)
- Focus indicators are visible
- ARIA labels are used where needed
- Page language is specified
Testing for Accessibility
Use a combination of automated and manual testing:
- Automated tools - axe DevTools, WAVE, Lighthouse
- Keyboard testing - Navigate using only Tab, Enter, and arrow keys
- Screen reader testing - Use NVDA (Windows) or VoiceOver (Mac)
- Color contrast checkers - WebAIM Contrast Checker
Check Your Accessibility Now
FixiWeb scans for WCAG violations and tells you exactly how to fix them.
Start Accessibility Scan →Benefits of Accessibility
- Larger audience - Reach the 15% of people with disabilities
- Better SEO - Accessibility improvements also help search engines
- Legal protection - Avoid costly lawsuits
- Improved UX - Everyone benefits from clearer design
- Brand reputation - Shows you care about all users
Conclusion
Web accessibility isn't just about compliance-it's about creating a web that works for everyone. Start with the most impactful fixes: alt text, color contrast, and keyboard navigation. Then gradually work through the full WCAG checklist.