
Making the Internet more inclusive for everyone is a priority for many people, including the folks at accessiBe. To ensure that everyone can access the Internet, some things need to be done to make it more accessible. Here are ten tips for better web accessibility:
1. Use contrasting colors and schemes
Many people with decreased visibility rely on contrasting colors to be able to see the web content. Make sure that there is a good contrast between the text and the background. Otherwise, it may be difficult or impossible to read. Also, avoid using colors that are difficult to see, like green on a black background.
2. Use clear and concise language
When writing website content, make sure to use clear and concise language. This will make it easier for everyone to understand, including people with decreased hearing or reading ability. It also makes it easier for translation services to work with your content.
3. Use images with an alternative text
When using images on your website, make sure to include alt text. This will ensure that people who can’t see the image will still be able to understand what it is. For example, if you have a picture of a person, include a short sentence describing who the person is.
4. Make sure all content is keyboard accessible
All content on your website should be accessible through a keyboard. This includes links, buttons, and form fields. It may also be helpful to provide keyboard shortcuts for common tasks, like opening the menu or search bar.
5. Use headings and subheadings to organize content
Headings and subheadings help to organize content and make it easier to read. They also help screen readers to understand the structure of a website. When creating headings and subheadings, use clear and concise language that accurately describes the content below it.
6. Use anchors to create links
Anchors are a way to create links that stay in the same place, regardless of where you scroll on a page. This is helpful for people who use screen readers, as they can follow the link and then return to their original spot on the page. Anchors can be created by adding an id attribute to an element and then creating a link using that id.
7. Use skip links
Skip links are a way to allow people to quickly skip over navigation menus and other content that they don’t need. They are especially helpful for people who use screen readers, as it allows them to focus on the content that they are interested in. Skip links can be created by adding a tabindex attribute to an element and then creating a link using the href attribute.
8. Use forms that are easy to fill out
When creating forms, make sure to use input fields that are easy to fill out. This includes making sure that all fields have labels and that the input fields are large enough to be easily accessed. Also, make sure that the submit button is easy to find and press.
9. Use playlists for multimedia content
It can be difficult for the deaf or hard of hearing to access multimedia content like videos and audio files. A way to make this content more accessible is to use playlists. This will allow people to access the content in sequential order, and they can pause or mute the audio if they need to.
10. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly
More and more people are accessing the Internet through their mobile devices, so it’s important to make sure your website is mobile-friendly. This means that the content will be easy to read and navigate on smaller screens and that all functionality will be accessible.
Closing thoughts
By following these tips, you can make your website more accessible for everyone. This not only makes it easier for people with disabilities to use, but it also makes it more inclusive for everyone.