Why Prioritize Website Accessibility in 2025

1. Expanding Market Reach for Your Clients

For many businesses, accessibility may seem like a secondary consideration, but it directly affects their ability to reach new customers. More than 1 billion people worldwide have some form of disability, making this a significant market segment with substantial spending power. Websites that are not accessible create barriers for these individuals, preventing them from engaging with your clients’ products or services. When a website is difficult to navigate, inaccessible, or lacks essential features like text alternatives for images, your clients miss out on potential customers.

Encouraging your clients to prioritize accessibility helps them expand their market reach. It enables them to connect with a wider audience, including those who may have previously been unable to access their services or information. This expansion not only increases revenue opportunities but also demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, which can enhance customer loyalty and trust.

2. Improving User Experience for All Visitors

An accessible website doesn’t just benefit users with disabilities; it enhances the experience for everyone. Accessibility features such as clear navigation, appropriate color contrasts, and alternative text for images make websites more user-friendly for all visitors. For instance, captions for videos can benefit users in noisy environments, and keyboard-friendly navigation helps those who prefer or need to use keyboards instead of a mouse.

By helping your clients create accessible websites, you are advocating for a better user experience across the board. This improved experience can lead to higher customer satisfaction, longer time spent on the site, and a greater likelihood of repeat visits. When users find your client’s website easy to use and navigate, they are more likely to engage positively with their brand and services.

3. Mitigating Legal Risks for Your Clients

Website accessibility is not just about inclusivity; it’s also a matter of legal compliance. Businesses that fail to meet accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), face the risk of legal action. The number of lawsuits filed against companies with inaccessible websites has been steadily rising, and courts have often ruled in favor of plaintiffs who cannot access digital services.

Advising your clients on the importance of accessibility helps them mitigate these legal risks. Proactively addressing accessibility concerns can protect them from potential lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage. Your role as a trusted advisor in helping clients navigate these legal risks can save them time, money, and stress while reinforcing your commitment to their success.

4. Strengthening Your Clients’ Brand Reputation

In today’s marketplace, customers gravitate towards businesses that align with their values, including a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. An accessible website visibly demonstrates that your client’s business values all customers, regardless of their abilities. By making their digital properties accessible, your clients position themselves as forward-thinking, socially responsible, and inclusive.

This positive brand reputation can have a lasting impact on customer loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing. When people see that your clients prioritize accessibility, they are more likely to trust their brand, engage with their services, and recommend them to others. This ripple effect can enhance brand loyalty and open new doors to partnerships and collaborations with like-minded organizations.

5. Boosting Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Online Visibility

An accessible website also benefits your client’s search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. Many accessibility best practices, such as using descriptive alt text for images, creating clear headings, and maintaining a logical page structure, align closely with SEO guidelines. These practices help search engines like Google better understand and rank a website, leading to improved visibility in search results.

By advocating for accessibility, you help your clients enhance their online presence. Higher search engine rankings make it easier for potential customers to find their business, driving more traffic to their website and increasing the chances of conversions. This dual benefit of accessibility and SEO makes a compelling case for prioritizing accessible design in 2025.

6. Ensuring Future Compliance and Preparedness

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and new regulations and standards for accessibility are likely to emerge. Businesses that do not make accessibility a priority may soon find themselves struggling to comply with these changes. Advising your clients to invest in accessibility now will future-proof their digital properties against potential regulatory shifts.

Proactively addressing accessibility issues means fewer urgent, costly updates later. It demonstrates a commitment to compliance and best practices, positioning your clients as leaders in their industry and reducing the likelihood of future legal challenges. Staying ahead of accessibility standards will also save them time and resources in the long term.

Advocate for Accessibility Now

Helping your clients understand the importance of website accessibility is not just about avoiding lawsuits—it’s about empowering them to succeed in a diverse, inclusive marketplace. By making their websites accessible, your clients can reach a broader audience, improve user experience, boost SEO, and strengthen their brand reputation.

Encourage your clients to prioritize accessibility in 2025 to protect themselves from legal risks, align with evolving standards, and better serve their customers. In doing so, they will position themselves as leaders in inclusivity and set a positive example in their industry. Your guidance on this critical issue will help your clients build stronger, more resilient businesses that are prepared for the future.

Celebrating World Braille Day: The Critical Importance of Digital Accessibility

January 4th marks World Braille Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of accessibility and the ongoing need to create inclusive environments for individuals with visual impairments. In today’s digital age, where much of our daily life occurs online, ensuring that websites are accessible to all is not just a necessity—it's a fundamental aspect of modern business practice.

As we observe World Braille Day, it’s essential to focus on the role that digital accessibility plays in our world and how businesses can take steps to ensure their online presence is inclusive to everyone, regardless of ability.

Why Digital Accessibility Matters

Digital accessibility ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can effectively interact with websites and digital content. This includes individuals with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. When websites are inaccessible, they exclude a significant portion of the population, limiting their ability to access information, products, and services.

For businesses, digital accessibility is not just about compliance; it’s about reaching a wider audience, improving user experience, and building a brand that values inclusivity. An accessible website can increase customer loyalty, enhance brand reputation, and even improve search engine rankings.
Moreover, inaccessible websites can lead to legal challenges. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses to provide accessible digital experiences. Failure to do so can result in lawsuits, fines, and a damaged reputation. As more consumers turn to the internet for essential services, the importance of ensuring your website is accessible to all users continues to grow.

The State of Digital Accessibility Today

Despite the clear benefits of digital accessibility, many websites still fall short of meeting accessibility standards. Common issues include poor color contrast, lack of alt text for images, inaccessible forms, and videos without captions. These barriers can make it difficult or impossible for individuals with disabilities to use your website.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a comprehensive set of standards to help businesses create accessible websites. WCAG 2.1, the latest version, outlines specific criteria that websites should meet to be considered accessible. These guidelines are organized into three levels of conformance: A (minimum), AA (mid-range), and AAA (highest). For most businesses, achieving Level AA compliance is both a legal necessity and a practical goal.
While some businesses have taken significant steps toward improving digital accessibility, there is still much work to be done. As technology continues to evolve, businesses must stay vigilant in ensuring that their websites remain accessible and compliant with the latest standards.

The Business Case for Digital Accessibility

Investing in digital accessibility is not just about avoiding legal risks—it also makes good business sense. An accessible website can help you tap into a larger market, including the aging population and people with disabilities. By making your website accessible, you demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, which can enhance your brand’s reputation and attract more customers.

Additionally, accessible websites tend to perform better in search engine rankings. Google and other search engines prioritize websites that offer a good user experience, and accessibility is a key factor in that equation. By improving your website’s accessibility, you can boost your SEO efforts, leading to higher rankings, more traffic, and increased conversions.

Moreover, accessible websites often have lower bounce rates and higher user engagement. When users can easily navigate and interact with your site, they are more likely to stay longer, explore more pages, and take the desired actions, whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting your business.

Steps to Enhance Website Accessibility

To ensure that your website is accessible to everyone, it’s important to take a proactive approach. Here are some key steps you can take to improve your website’s accessibility:

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Accessibility Audit

Begin by assessing your website against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This audit should cover all aspects of your website, including text, images, videos, forms, and navigation. While automated tools can provide an initial overview, a manual audit conducted by experts will offer a more thorough evaluation.

Focus on identifying common accessibility barriers, such as insufficient color contrast, missing alt text for images, and non-functional keyboard navigation. These issues can significantly impact the user experience for individuals with disabilities.

2. Implement Accessibility Enhancements

Once the audit is complete, work on implementing the necessary changes. This might involve updating your website’s code, redesigning certain elements, or adding new features that enhance accessibility. For example, ensure that all images have descriptive alt text, videos are captioned, and forms are accessible to screen readers.

It’s important to prioritize changes that will have the most significant impact on accessibility. Working with experienced developers and designers who understand WCAG guidelines can help you make these improvements effectively.

3. Maintain Accessibility with Regular Updates

Digital accessibility is an ongoing commitment. As you add new content or features to your website, make sure accessibility remains a top priority. Regular audits and updates are essential to maintaining compliance with WCAG and other accessibility standards.

Educate your team on accessibility best practices to ensure that future updates continue to meet the needs of all users. By integrating accessibility into your website’s ongoing maintenance strategy, you can create a digital experience that is inclusive and user-friendly.

4. Publicize Your Commitment with an Accessibility Statement

An accessibility statement is a public declaration of your commitment to providing an accessible website. It should outline the steps you’ve taken to ensure accessibility and provide information on how users can contact you if they encounter any issues.

Place your accessibility statement in a prominent location on your website, such as the footer or a dedicated accessibility page. This not only demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity, but also encourages feedback from users who may identify additional areas for improvement.

The Future of Digital Accessibility

As we celebrate World Braille Day, it’s important to recognize that the future of accessibility lies in continuous improvement and adaptation. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), voice recognition, and virtual reality (VR), have the potential to make digital experiences even more inclusive.

AI-powered tools can help personalize the user experience for individuals with disabilities, while VR can create immersive environments that are accessible to everyone. These technologies, combined with a commitment to accessibility, will shape the future of the digital landscape.

By staying ahead of these trends and continually improving your website’s accessibility, you can ensure that your business remains inclusive and compliant in the years to come.

Making Digital Accessibility a Priority

World Braille Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accessibility in all aspects of life, including the digital world. For businesses, ensuring that your website is accessible is not just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about creating an inclusive environment where everyone can access the information and services they need.

At Accessibilities, we’re dedicated to helping businesses navigate the complexities of digital accessibility. Whether you need a comprehensive audit, expert remediation, or ongoing support, we’re here to ensure your website is accessible, compliant, and inclusive.

Is your website accessible to all users? Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve compliance and create a digital experience that welcomes everyone.

The Legal Landscape of Website Accessibility: What Every Business Needs to Know

In today’s digital world, your website serves as the front door to your business. It’s where customers find you, learn about your offerings, and make purchasing decisions. However, this opportunity comes with an essential responsibility: ensuring your website is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. This responsibility is not only a moral one but also a legal obligation. Failure to meet accessibility standards can result in lawsuits, fines, and damage to your business’s reputation.

This guide examines the legal framework surrounding website accessibility, covering key regulations, recent legal trends, and the necessary steps to ensure your website is compliant.

Why Website Accessibility Is Critical

Website accessibility is about making sure that all users, including those with disabilities, can navigate, interact with, and understand your website’s content. This includes people with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments.

The importance of website accessibility is underscored by the fact that approximately 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability. In the United States, nearly 61 million adults have a disability, making accessibility not just a niche concern but a mainstream necessity. By making your website accessible, you’re not only reaching a broader audience but also enhancing the overall user experience and boosting your search engine optimization (SEO).

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Its Impact on Websites

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. While the ADA was initially focused on physical spaces, its application has increasingly extended to the digital realm, including websites.

Title III of the ADA requires businesses that are open to the public—such as hotels, restaurants, and retail stores—to provide accessible facilities. In recent years, courts have interpreted this requirement to include websites, particularly those that serve as gateways to goods and services. This interpretation means that if your website is not accessible, your business could be at risk of violating the ADA.

Understanding the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

To comply with the ADA, businesses often look to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the standard for website accessibility. Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), WCAG provides specific criteria to ensure websites are accessible to people with disabilities.

WCAG 2.1 is the most current version of these guidelines, offering three levels of conformance: A (minimum), AA (mid-range), and AAA (highest). Most legal requirements and lawsuits focus on meeting WCAG 2.0 or 2.1 Level AA standards, which strike a balance between accessibility and practicality.

The Rise of Website Accessibility Lawsuits

The legal landscape surrounding website accessibility has become increasingly complex, with a significant rise in lawsuits filed against businesses for failing to make their websites accessible. In 2020 alone, over 2,500 ADA website accessibility lawsuits were filed in federal courts, highlighting the growing importance of compliance.

High-profile cases such as those against Domino’s Pizza and Winn-Dixie have set legal precedents that emphasize the need for accessible websites. These lawsuits often result in costly settlements or legal fees, underscoring the importance of proactively ensuring your website meets accessibility standards.

Steps to Achieve Website Accessibility Compliance

Given the legal implications, ensuring your website is accessible should be a top priority. Here’s how your business can achieve compliance:

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit

Start by performing an accessibility audit of your website. This audit involves a comprehensive review to identify areas that may not meet WCAG standards. While automated tools can provide an initial assessment, a manual audit conducted by experts is more thorough and can catch issues that automated tools might miss.

Your audit should cover all aspects of your website, including text, images, videos, forms, and navigation. The goal is to ensure that users with disabilities can fully access and interact with your site.

2. Implement Necessary Changes

Based on the results of your audit, make the necessary changes to your website. This might involve adding alt text to images, ensuring your site is navigable via keyboard, improving color contrast, or making forms accessible to screen readers.

3. Regularly Update and Maintain Your Website

Website accessibility isn’t a one-time task. As your website evolves with new content and features, it’s crucial to ensure accessibility remains a priority. Regularly schedule audits and updates to maintain compliance with the latest standards.

Educating your team on accessibility best practices can also ensure that your website remains accessible over time. This ongoing commitment will help you avoid legal issues and create a better experience for all users.

4. Provide an Accessibility Statement

An accessibility statement is a public declaration of your commitment to providing an accessible website. This statement should outline the steps you’ve taken to ensure accessibility and provide information on how users can contact you if they encounter any issues.

Placing your accessibility statement in a prominent location on your website encourages transparency and fosters trust with your audience. It also serves to gather feedback, which can help you continuously improve your website’s accessibility.

Leveraging Technology to Enhance Website Accessibility

Advances in technology have made it easier for businesses to create and maintain accessible websites. Content management systems (CMS) like WordPress offer accessibility plugins that help ensure your site meets WCAG standards. Additionally, tools like screen readers, voice recognition software, and accessibility checkers can assist in testing your website’s usability.

By leveraging these technologies, you can simplify the process of maintaining an accessible website and ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities, can navigate your site effectively.

The Business Case for Website Accessibility

Beyond legal compliance, making your website accessible offers significant business benefits. Accessible websites tend to rank higher in search engine results, as Google rewards sites that provide a better user experience. Additionally, accessible websites often have lower bounce rates and higher customer satisfaction, as they are easier for all visitors to use.

By prioritizing accessibility, your business can tap into a broader market, including the aging population and people with disabilities. This not only enhances your brand’s reputation but also contributes to your bottom line.

Dispelling Common Myths About Website Accessibility

Despite the clear benefits, some businesses hesitate to invest in website accessibility due to common misconceptions. Let’s address and dispel a few of these myths:

Myth 1: Accessibility Is Expensive: While there may be initial costs associated with making your website accessible, the long-term benefits far outweigh the expenses. Moreover, many affordable tools and resources are available to help you meet accessibility standards.
Myth 2: Accessibility Only Benefits People with Disabilities: Accessibility improvements often benefit all users. For example, captions on videos not only assist those with hearing impairments but also help users in noisy environments or those who prefer reading text over listening.
Myth 3: Automated Tools Can Handle Everything: While automated tools are helpful, they cannot catch every issue. Manual audits by experts are essential to ensure comprehensive accessibility and to address more complex accessibility challenges.

Taking Action to Ensure Website Accessibility

In the current digital landscape, website accessibility is not optional—it’s a legal requirement and a best practice for businesses aiming to succeed online. By understanding the legal landscape and proactively taking steps to ensure compliance, you can protect your business from lawsuits, enhance your SEO, and create a better experience for all users.

At Accessibilities, we specialize in guiding businesses through the complexities of website accessibility. Whether you need a comprehensive audit or expert remediation, our team is here to help ensure your website is accessible, compliant, and inclusive. Are you ready to make your website accessible? Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in achieving compliance.

How Website Accessibility Can Protect Your Business from Lawsuits

In today’s digital age, ensuring your website is accessible to everyone isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a legal necessity. As more businesses shift their operations online, the importance of complying with accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), has grown significantly. Failure to do so can expose your business to costly lawsuits, reputational damage, and a loss of customer trust.

This blog post explores how prioritizing website accessibility can protect your business from legal challenges and create a better experience for all users.

The Rise of Website Accessibility Lawsuits

Website accessibility lawsuits have been on the rise in recent years. These lawsuits are often filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. While the ADA was originally focused on physical spaces, its application has expanded to include websites, particularly those that provide goods and services.

In 2020, more than 2,500 ADA website accessibility lawsuits were filed in federal court, highlighting the growing trend of digital accessibility litigation. High-profile cases against companies like Domino’s Pizza, Nike, and Winn-Dixie have set precedents that underscore the importance of compliance. Businesses that fail to provide accessible digital experiences can face lawsuits, fines, and settlements, often amounting to thousands or even millions of dollars.

Legal Requirements and Standards

The ADA requires that businesses open to the public, including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, provide accessible facilities. In the context of the internet, this means websites must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Courts often refer to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 as the standard for determining whether a website is accessible.

WCAG provides a set of guidelines that help ensure websites are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users with disabilities. The guidelines are divided into three levels of conformance: A (minimum), AA (mid-range), and AAA (highest). Most legal actions and settlements focus on meeting WCAG 2.0 or 2.1 Level AA standards.

Common Accessibility Barriers That Lead to Lawsuits

Businesses often face legal challenges due to common accessibility barriers on their websites. Some of these include:

Missing Alternative Text (Alt Text): Images without descriptive alt text make it difficult for screen readers to interpret visual content for visually impaired users.
Inaccessible Forms: Forms that are not properly labeled or lack error identification can prevent users with disabilities from submitting information.
Poor Color Contrast: Text that lacks sufficient contrast with its background can be hard to read for users with visual impairments.
Keyboard Navigation Issues: Websites that cannot be navigated via keyboard alone can be challenging for individuals who cannot use a mouse.
Missing Video Captions: Videos without captions exclude users with hearing impairments from accessing the content.

Addressing these barriers is critical to achieving compliance and avoiding legal issues.

Steps to Protect Your Business

Conduct an Accessibility Audit: The first step in protecting your business from lawsuits is to conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit of your website. This audit will help identify areas where your site does not meet WCAG standards. While automated tools can provide a basic overview, a manual audit conducted by accessibility experts offers a more thorough evaluation.
Implement Accessibility Enhancements: Based on the results of your audit, work with experienced developers to implement necessary changes. Focus on areas that have the most significant impact, such as adding alt text, improving keyboard navigation, and ensuring forms are accessible.
Regularly Update Your Website: Accessibility is not a one-time fix. As you add new content and features to your website, it’s essential to continuously monitor and update your site to maintain compliance. Regularly scheduled audits and updates help ensure your website remains accessible and legally compliant.
Provide an Accessibility Statement: An accessibility statement on your website demonstrates your commitment to providing an accessible experience. This statement should outline your efforts to comply with accessibility standards and provide contact information for users who need assistance.
Train Your Team: Ensure your team understands the importance of accessibility and how to implement best practices. Training content creators, developers, and designers can help maintain accessibility standards across all digital content.

Business Benefits of Accessibility Compliance

Beyond legal protection, making your website accessible offers significant business benefits. Accessible websites often see improved search engine rankings, as Google and other search engines prioritize sites that provide a positive user experience. By ensuring your website is accessible, you can also tap into a broader market, including the aging population and individuals with disabilities, enhancing your brand reputation and customer loyalty.

Proactively Protect Your Business

Website accessibility is more than a compliance requirement—it’s a commitment to inclusivity and good business practice. By taking proactive steps to ensure your website meets accessibility standards, you can protect your business from costly lawsuits, improve user experience, and demonstrate your dedication to serving all customers.

Don’t wait for a legal challenge to take action. Invest in website accessibility today to safeguard your business and create a welcoming digital environment for everyone.

World Autism Awareness Day: Creating Inclusive Websites for All

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day, a time to raise awareness and promote acceptance of individuals on the autism spectrum. As businesses and organizations, it's crucial to recognize the importance of digital accessibility and the role it plays in creating an inclusive environment for everyone, including those with autism. Ensuring your website is accessible is not just about compliance—it’s about embracing diversity and providing equal opportunities for all users.

Why Website Accessibility Matters for Individuals with Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects millions of people worldwide, and each individual's experience is unique. Many individuals with autism encounter specific challenges when navigating the web, such as difficulties with sensory overload, understanding complex navigation, or processing certain types of content. By making your website accessible, you help reduce these barriers, making your digital presence more welcoming and usable for everyone.

Key Accessibility Features to Support Users with Autism

Clear and Consistent Navigation: A straightforward navigation structure with clear labels helps users with autism find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. Avoid overly complex menus and unexpected changes in layout, as these can create confusion.
Minimalist Design and Reduced Clutter: A clean, minimalist design reduces sensory overload. Avoid flashing elements, auto-playing videos, or busy backgrounds that can distract or overwhelm users. Instead, use a simple color scheme and keep the layout consistent across pages.
Predictable Functionality: Ensure that all interactive elements—such as buttons, forms, and links—behave in predictable ways. For example, if a button looks like it should submit a form, it should not redirect users to another page unexpectedly. Predictable functionality helps build user trust and confidence.
Readable Text and Clear Instructions: Use simple language and short paragraphs to make content easier to understand. Break up large blocks of text with headings, bullet points, and spacing. Providing clear instructions for completing forms or navigating the site can make a significant difference for users with cognitive processing differences.
Provide Alternatives for Audio and Visual Content: For users who might struggle with processing sensory information, offering text alternatives for audio and video content is crucial. This includes providing transcripts for videos, captions for audio, and descriptive text for images, allowing users to consume information in the format that best suits them.

Benefits of Inclusive Web Design

Enhanced User Experience: By making your website accessible, you improve the user experience for everyone—not just individuals with autism. Features like clear navigation, predictable interactions, and easy-to-read text benefit all users, leading to higher satisfaction and engagement.
Expanded Audience Reach: An accessible website opens your business to a broader audience, including the 1 in 36 children identified with autism, according to the CDC, and their families. By accommodating their needs, you can increase your audience reach and foster a more inclusive brand image.
Legal Compliance and Risk Reduction: Websites that do not meet accessibility standards may face legal challenges under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Ensuring your website complies with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) helps protect your business from potential lawsuits while aligning your practices with inclusivity standards.

How to Get Started

Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Begin by assessing your website against WCAG standards to identify barriers that may impact users with autism. While automated tools can catch many issues, a manual audit by accessibility experts will provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
Implement Accessibility Enhancements: Work with developers familiar with WCAG guidelines to implement necessary changes. Prioritize updates that significantly improve usability, such as simplifying navigation, reducing sensory input, and providing clear content structures.
Commit to Ongoing Accessibility: Digital accessibility is not a one-time project. Regularly review your website for accessibility issues, especially when adding new content or features. Engaging with the autism community for feedback can also offer valuable insights into making your site more inclusive.

Creating Inclusive Websites for All

World Autism Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the importance of creating digital spaces that are inclusive and welcoming to all. By prioritizing accessibility, your business can play a crucial role in supporting individuals with autism and promoting a more inclusive online environment. Accessible websites are not just a legal requirement—they are an opportunity to connect with a diverse audience, enhance your brand’s reputation, and make the digital world a better place for everyone.

If you need help ensuring your website is accessible, our team is here to guide you through the process. Together, we can create a more inclusive digital space for all users.

Ready to make your website accessible? Contact us today to get started!

5 Common Website Accessibility Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

In today’s digital world, ensuring website accessibility is more than just a legal requirement—it's a fundamental aspect of building an inclusive and user-friendly online presence. Yet, many businesses still struggle with common accessibility mistakes that prevent users with disabilities from effectively engaging with their websites. Addressing these issues can help your business reach a wider audience, improve user experience, and avoid potential legal consequences.

In this post, we’ll explore five of the most common website accessibility mistakes and offer practical tips on how to avoid them.

1. Insufficient Color Contrast

Mistake: Many websites use color schemes that fail to provide enough contrast between text and background, making it difficult for users with visual impairments or color blindness to read content. Low color contrast is one of the most common accessibility barriers and can significantly affect the readability of your site.

Solution: To ensure sufficient color contrast, use tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker to verify that your text and background colors meet the minimum contrast ratios specified by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Additionally, consider using high-contrast modes or offering users the ability to switch to a high-contrast theme.

2. Lack of Text Alternatives for Non-Text Content

Mistake: Websites often neglect to provide text alternatives, or "alt text," for non-text content such as images, icons, and multimedia. Without descriptive alt text, screen readers cannot convey the meaning of these elements to visually impaired users, resulting in a poor user experience.

Solution: Ensure that all non-text content has descriptive alt text that clearly conveys its purpose or function. For images, use alt text to describe the content and context. For multimedia content like videos, provide captions and transcripts. Remember to keep alt text concise yet informative to effectively communicate the element's purpose to all users.

3. Poor Keyboard Navigation

Mistake: Many websites are designed primarily for mouse users, neglecting those who rely on keyboards or other assistive technologies to navigate. If your website’s interactive elements, such as menus, forms, or buttons, are not fully operable using a keyboard, it can create significant barriers for users with motor disabilities.

Solution: Make sure your website is fully navigable using a keyboard. This involves checking that all interactive elements are accessible and can be reached using the "Tab" key, and that users can activate them with the "Enter" or "Space" keys. Conduct regular keyboard-only navigation tests to identify and address any barriers. Provide visual indicators, such as a visible focus outline, to show which element is currently selected or focused.

4. Improper Use of Headings and Structure

Mistake: A common mistake is failing to use proper heading structure (e.g., H1, H2, H3) to organize content. Headings are essential for helping users understand the hierarchy and structure of the content, especially those using screen readers to navigate a webpage. Improper use, such as skipping heading levels or using headings purely for visual formatting, can create confusion and reduce content accessibility.

Solution: Use HTML heading tags (H1-H6) to create a clear and logical structure on each page. Ensure there is only one H1 per page, which should be reserved for the main title or topic. Subsequent sections should use H2 for primary headings, H3 for subheadings under H2, and so on. Avoid using headings purely for styling; instead, use CSS for visual adjustments while keeping a semantic structure.

5. Failure to Provide Accessible Forms

Mistake: Forms are a critical component of many websites, but they are often designed without accessibility in mind. Common issues include missing labels for form fields, unclear error messages, and forms that require a mouse for interaction. These problems make it difficult for users with disabilities to complete forms, resulting in frustration and abandonment.

Solution: Ensure that all form fields have clear and descriptive labels that are programmatically associated with the input fields using the <label> element. Provide helpful error messages that are specific and easy to understand. Make sure all forms are keyboard-accessible and that users can easily navigate between fields using the "Tab" key. Consider using ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to enhance the accessibility of more complex form elements.

Taking Steps Towards a More Accessible Website

Addressing these five common accessibility mistakes can significantly improve the usability and inclusivity of your website. By ensuring sufficient color contrast, providing text alternatives, enabling keyboard navigation, using proper heading structure, and designing accessible forms, you can create a more welcoming digital experience for all users. Not only will this help you comply with legal requirements, but it will also enhance your brand reputation, increase user engagement, and reach a wider audience.

Accessibility is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Regularly reviewing and updating your website to align with the latest accessibility standards is essential. At Accessibilities, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of website accessibility. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you in creating an inclusive online presence.

By avoiding these common mistakes, your website can be a welcoming and user-friendly space for everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Website accessibility inspection case study: Amazon.com

There are one billion people in the world living with some form of disability. Regardless of the scale of this fact, it is essential to ensure these people have the same level of online access as everyone else. So, what barriers might we find on the most popular websites out there?

We have performed a website accessibility inspection on Amazon.com. The following will outline how it falls behind in accessibility and what it should do to improve its design.

Why this matters

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of instructions for website developers. They explain how to make the Internet more accessible to those with disabilities. This allows people with a wide variety of needs to have an equitable experience.

It is essential to create such experiences for everyone accessing your site. This is because the Internet is so ingrained in our lives that we must consider it a human right, alongside other utilities.

Barriers and other issues

The following areas on Amazon.com breach WCAG and make it harder for disabled people to use the site. Each barrier explains how it can affect a person with a disability.

Screen Reader Button Parsing

The website has locations where screen readers do not read out page content accurately. For example, the "Select your address" button during ordering. For a person who requires a screen reader, this can cause confusion or a lack of ability to navigate the site.

Screen Reader Header Misclassification

The site's headers are not the correct header level on some occasions. This can create difficulty in navigating between these headers. It also creates confusion for people listening to a screen reader describe the site's hierarchy.

Main Menu Keyboard Access Issues

One cannot access all locations without a mouse. The main menu, for example, will not open when the main menu button is selected, and the user presses enter. This locks off the user from all navigation under this menu.

Synchronized Closed Captions on Videos

In some instances, close captioning was not available. For those who do not hear, closed captions are essential to understand the contents of a video. Amazon.com, specifically product pages, lacks closed captioning.

Horizontal Scrollbar Zoom

Some zoom levels create a horizontal scrollbar, which could intrude on those with mobility issues. This is because it can capture any attempts to scroll vertically. An example of where this is relevant is if a person has mobility issues and has a habit of accidentally swiping sideways.

More on website accessibility

As you can see above, there are a number of places Amazon.com falls behind in web accessibility.

With a lack of screen reader functionality and closed captions, they fail to engage with those with hearing or sight difficulties. As the main menus do not work without a keyboard, those who are unable to use a mouse have no recourse to access vast swathes of their site. Also, by showing a horizontal scrollbar, those with motor impairment will have frustration using every page.

A Guide to the ADA Tax Credit: How to Apply, Who Qualifies, and More

According to the World Health Organization, 15% of the world's population lives with some disability.

Disabilities can make it harder for people to access websites. Still, businesses can take steps to improve this experience and make it easier for these people. The IRS offers an ADA tax credit to incentivize businesses to make their websites accessible. Keep reading to learn about this credit and how you can claim it.

Disclaimer: we are not tax professionals. Please confirm with your CPA.
Here is what we know through discussion with many of our clients and our CPA:

Website accessibility initiatives (inspections and remediation) qualify for the Disabled Access Credit.
Small businesses (i.e., less than $1M in revenue OR less than 30 employees) qualify for the Disabled Access Credit.
The Disabled Access Credit is a TAX CREDIT, not a tax deduction.
Expenditures between $250-$15K qualify for a 50% tax credit.

What Is the ADA Tax Credit?

The ADA tax credit is listed under Section 44 in the IRS codes. This credit can cover 50% of the expenses made in the previous tax year.

For example, if you spent $500 on an accessibility inspection for your website, you could subtract $250 from that. This means you'll have $250 left over that is eligible and receive 50% of what's left over. This means you'd get $125 in credit and only have to pay $375 a year on the website inspection (after the credit).

Who Is Eligible?

When managing your budget for the next year, the ADA tax credit is available for businesses that make less than $1 million or have less than thirty full-time employees.

If you meet either of those requirements, you can then file for the credit.

If you purchased a manual inspection of the accessibility of your website, this will qualify, depending on how much was spent.

How Does This Apply to Accessible Websites?

The ADA was initially written to apply the regulations and rules to the Internet and make it more accessible. The ADA covers websites, and it mandates that they must be digitally accessible.

The tax credit can apply to businesses that are investing in creating an accessible website to accommodate those with a disability.

They can also be used for fees on ADA consulting services, removing architectural barriers, producing accessible printed materials and adaptive equipment, or hiring sign language or interpreters.

How to Apply

You'll need to first refer to the IRS's Tax Incentives for Improving Accessibility Fact Sheet. This will give you even more information about this tax credit and how to apply for it.

Once you've ensured that your business is eligible, you'll need to find Form 8826. You'll need to fill this out and attach it to your annual tax return. You can find this form on ADA.gov.

Other Benefits of Being Website Accessibility Compliant

In addition to being able to claim this ADA tax credit, you'll also enjoy other benefits of having an accessible website. For example, having an accessible website will help reduce the chances of an accessibility complaint. You'll also have an accessible website that makes it easier for your disabled customers and employees.

How The Last of Us Accessibility Options Help Disabled Gamers

If you've seen HBO's latest hit show, The Last of Us, you might know this series is based on a critically acclaimed video game.

Initially released on the PlayStation 3, players praised the game's ability to balance engaging gameplay with rich storytelling and nuanced characters.

In addition to its initial success, The Last of Us made headlines due to an impressive suite of accessibility features that broke new ground for accessibility in video games in 2013.

The Last of Us: Part I

The Last of Us: Part I is the 2022 remake of the original game and has carried on the franchise's legacy of accessible gaming.

It builds on the original and gives gamers a visual and gameplay experience fit for the PlayStation 5's capabilities. It's a great way to catch up on the series for those who have heard about it but have never played it. The story follows Joel and Ellie as they travel across the United States amid a zombie-like outbreak. The game was lauded for its graphical prowess, enriching gameplay, and immersive story.

The developer, Naughty Dog, has long emphasized accessibility as a foundational part of the game's development.

Some key accessibility innovations include DualSense haptic vibrations, a screen reader narration function, and cinematics that come with audio descriptions.

Other accessibility options included alternate controls for gameplay—such as changing the directional input for movement on ladders and removing the need for repetitive button presses.

In the accessibility menu of the game, players can set Navigation and Traversal settings, enabling customization of their character's movement through the game. This feature provides a range of options, including automatic jumping, unlimited underwater breathing, and various other settings to make movement more manageable.

Gamers with disabilities will also appreciate the game's Enhanced Listen Mode. This mode provides sound and audio cues for items within a character's proximity.

A new accessibility feature introduced in The Last of Us Part 1 is the Speech to Vibrations option—if activated, the DualSense wireless controller produces vibrations that simulate spoken dialog, enabling the player to experience the emotions behind each line delivered.

Another key accessibility feature, called Combat Accessibility in the game settings, allows players to modify the game's difficulty by tailoring enemy behavior to suit their preferences. The result is a customizable gameplay experience accommodating various player abilities and preferences.

Room for improvement

While The Last of Us: Part I has made significant strides in accessible gaming, there is still room for improvement. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has noted that the game's Enhanced Listen Mode lacks customization and range.

This feature is triggered by hitting the circle button to look for items and the square button to search for enemies. It is expected that the developers will keep making improvements to this mode in subsequent releases.

Audio Description Mode

The game's audio description mode was a wildly successful implementation of the updated PlayStation 5 version. This mode was the first of its kind for a Triple-A game and is a strong indicator that companies are increasingly keeping disabled gamers in mind and making these sorts of features par for the course.

Remakes provide an excellent opportunity to add these features to popular and successful games released throughout the years. These features are a welcome addition mainly because they bring more gamers into the fold when it comes to taking in and appreciating the story.

Without some of these additions, it'd be incredibly difficult for gamers with disabilities to complete the game. With the audio description feature on, gamers will be able to get narrations for cut scenes. Since The Last of Us franchise depends on cutscenes to move the story along, gamers would be missing out if they didn't have this feature.

Criticisms the Franchise Has Faced

Though The Last of Us is widely hailed as one of the greatest games of its generation and of all time, it still hasn't been exempt from criticism.

The $70 price tag for the latest edition, The Last of Us: Part I, is one of the most notable criticisms the franchise has received. Many gamers felt that the rise in the price tag was a slap in the face. One of the big reasons they felt this way was because The Last of Us: Part I is the third release of the original title.

So conceivably, many gamers had already bought and played the game twice. This would include gamers who purchased the original 2013 title for PlayStation 3, the remastered edition for the PlayStation 4, and the current version.

The Last of Us: Part II

The Last of Us: Part II came before The Last of Us: Part I in the franchise's timeline. This one was released in 2020 for the PlayStation 4. While PlayStation 5 gamers could play it once the system was released, it wasn't a game that was initially developed for the system.

As such, The Last of Us: Part II doesn't have the number of options gamers would later get from the original remake. It has been rumored that the PlayStation 5 will also get a full remaster, but no official announcement has been made.

Room for Improvement

While Naughty Dog originally made some accessibility upgrades for The Last of Us: Part II, the consensus was that the game left room for improvement.

It was considered a step forward in achievement since the developer gave PlayStation 4 gamers some accessibility presets and the ability to control more of their settings. One of the biggest rooms for improvement was the area of audio descriptions.

The game modes didn't make The Last of Us: Part II fully accessible to blind and low-vision gamers. It was clear that Naughty Dog learned from this since the PlayStation 5 original remake featured every accessibility setting that people appreciated in The Last of Us: Part II while adding audio descriptions and other vital features.

Optimize for Accessible Gaming

There has never been a better time for accessibility in video games—and there are steps you can take to optimize your setup. There are many steps that you can take to enjoy your favorite games despite disability issues!

Here are a few things that you can do to get the most out of your gaming setup:

Always Check the Settings

Now that gamers know how The Last of Us franchise has improved accessibility in gaming, gamers should be mindful of settings in other video games with these features. In addition to the ones we've covered, there are many general features that you might want to look for, including large subtitles, audio for cutscenes, vibration modes, navigation assistance, and several different contrast and brightness levels.

Look for games with several accessibility options, and research these options before purchasing the game.

Purchase Accessible Controllers

Aside from the built-in settings, there are also some disability-friendly controllers and other peripherals that gamers can look into. These controllers are set up to help gamers with a variety of disabilities to get the most from a variety of titles that they have in their catalog.

Third-party companies have released controllers with various plug-and-play presets that can be configured in whatever way works for the need. They have several triggers that are lightweight and sensitive to the touch, so they are responsive to however they are chosen.

Companies have also developed controllers that feature several joysticks that gamers can use to have more control over how characters move. These controllers are more spread out and made to help gamers with different physical limitations.

There are even controllers that gamers can control with their mouths if they are amputees or otherwise don't have the full use of their arms, hands, or fingers.

Deaf gamers can buy special vests that vibrate and shake as their character interacts with environments in the game. It makes the game more immersive so they can feel what is happening even though they can't hear the audio cues.

Companies have also come out with single-handed controllers for gamers who only have the use of one of their hands.

Consider Other Devices and Equipment

Finally, consider the many other types of equipment available to gamers with disabilities. Now that accessibility awareness is rising, look for more peripheral developers to develop products that help. This includes everything from voice command technology to gamer chairs for gamers with disabilities.

The Future of Accessibility in Gaming

Naughty Dog truly showed with The Last of Us franchise that accessibility in gaming is vital to delivering groundbreaking experiences. There are roughly 400 million disabled gamers worldwide, representing a large population hoping to see these features become more commonplace.

It not only fosters goodwill, but it also makes good business sense to provide service to the millions of people who want to play their favorite titles. Many other developers are also following suit. Games like God of War Ragnarök and Elden Ring were not only smashed hits – they also had accessibility features.

By continuing this trend, you can expect these features to become more commonplace in gaming. The key is for gamers and advocates to keep using their voices so that these features are included in every piece of hardware and software that developers release.

The Last of Us franchise did an admirable job of furthering the conversation, but it's clear that there's still much work to be done. All indications point toward the fact that it's only the beginning.

Why Manual Accessibility Audits Are Better Than Automated Scans

Did you know that there are approximately 2 billion websites on the Internet as of 2022?

One of the most critical responsibilities business owners have is maintaining an accessible website. Audits are a great way to do so, but not everybody understands why manual audits are superior to automated scans.

Let's take a closer look at the key information you need to know.

More Accurate Results

The inspectors conducting the inspection can check for errors in real time and address any potential performance issues that could arise in the future. This level of accuracy is unmatched by automated scans, which often miss errors or misdiagnose the barrier.

Even a single overlooked problem could evolve into something greater that could be difficult to navigate in the future.

Adhere to Current Trends and Standards

As time passes, accessibility trends develop, and new standards must be met. If you aren't on top of these, you could find yourself dealing with complications in the future.

One of the most notable is dealing with a lawsuit—something that has become much more common over the past couple of years.

Fortunately, working with a professional will help you avoid a situation like this and the problems that come with it.

Time-Efficient Process

Manual inspections can save you time in the long run since they help your website run more smoothly and efficiently.

This means fewer errors or problems that need to be addressed down the line and fewer resources necessary for maintenance and upkeep.

Can You Use Automated Scans in Addition to Manual Audits?

Yes, it's possible to use automated scans in addition to manual inspections.

Automated scans can provide a broad overview of your website and its performance, while manual audits can go into greater detail and provide more accurate results. Both methods are essential for maintaining the highest quality website possible.

However, it's recommended that you use a manual inspection first to get a comprehensive idea of any issues that might be present.

What Are the Downfalls of Automatic Scans?

There are certain attributes you should consider before hiring someone to inspect your website. One of the most important is the downfalls of automatic scans.

Let's take a closer look at some of the most notable reasons.

Oversight

Interestingly, many people are unaware of the fact that automatic scans are prone to making oversights. To clarify, there are certain things automatic scans cannot do compared to humans.

Put simply, they won't be able to tell if certain aspects of your site make sense to users. This can prove to cause a large number of issues in the future if you don't take this into consideration.

Lower Accuracy Rates

Many people choose automatic scans to save time. However, the time you save won't matter much if you sacrifice accuracy. This is especially true for those who are unfamiliar with automatic scans.

This process involves using different tools, and those with more experience will be able to get better results from them. However, even the most accurate automatic scan user still won't be able to match a professional auditor.

You Cannot Consult With a Human

Once you receive your scan results, you are left to fend for yourself. You won't be able to get in touch with acumen and discuss them. For many business owners, this leaves them in the dark and unsure of what steps to take next.

A professional, on the other hand, will be able to guide you through the process.

How Do I Know When I Need an Audit?

it's essential to be proactive when it comes to your website. Manual inspections should be conducted regularly to keep up with the ever-evolving web.

If you haven't had an inspection done in a while, it might be time to schedule one. You may also consider scheduling an inspection if you're making major changes to your website or recently added new content.

This will ensure that everything is in line with current standards and ensure there aren't any compatibility issues.

Finally, it's worth booking one if you aren't quite sure if you are meeting the relevant standards. It's much better to get a professional opinion to take the appropriate action if necessary.

Don't Overlook the Importance of Manual Audits

Manual audits are an invaluable tool for maintaining the highest quality website possible. By following the advice outlined above, you can make sure to get the most out of the ones you implement.

Looking for more information on what we can do? Contact us today to see how we can help.