Understanding Web Accessibility

and How to Improve It

Understanding Web Accessibility

What is web accessibility? Simply put, web accessibility is equal access for everyone. An accessible website is a site that can be navigated and understood by everyone, including people with disabilities.

For website professionals, creating an accessible website means implementing certain development standards so that web content can be understood and operated properly. Although it was originally developed to help people with disabilities. In reality, accessible web design has been proven to provide benefits to a wider audience.

Why is Web Accessibility Important?

Of course you are wondering why web accessibility is important. To answer this question, see the following information.

1. Expanding the Audience

A common misunderstanding is that many people think that web accessibility is something that is deliberately developed for the blind or deaf only. But did you know that people with disabilities access websites with various tools.

Of course, if you can develop web accessibility correctly, you can expand your audience. In order for the website to be accessible to everyone, you need to pay attention to several basic principles such as easy-to-understand content, easy-to-operate web, and strong.

Of course, when a website is easily accessible either via mobile devices or the web, it can significantly increase reach without the need for special accommodations to access it.

2. Able to Improve User Experience

The principle of website accessibility is in line with the best practices of web design. When content is easy to see, understand, and operate, every user will benefit. Examples of accessibility that are beneficial to everyone.

Closed caption sizes can accommodate people with hearing disabilities.

The contrast ratio of appropriate colors to ensure that text can be read by people with visual disabilities.

A simpler user authentication process can accommodate people with mobility or memory disorders.

Writing content clearly and concisely can accommodate people with learning disabilities.

3. Low Maintenance Costs

An accessible website will have faster load times, fewer errors, and better search engine positions. When you are ready to add features, redesign your site, or refresh your content, you will need to pay less for development and maintenance.

4. Legal and Ethical Obligations

Web accessibility is a legal and ethical obligation because many countries have laws and regulations related to it. Actually, even if the rules did not exist, increasing web accessibility would be very beneficial.

However, currently many business actors prioritize users with disabilities to avoid legal consequences.

How to Increase Web Accessibility

How to improve web accessibility can be done by implementing several key strategies to overcome accessibility challenges effectively.

1. Adding Alt Text to Images

The way you can do this is by providing a brief and clear description of each image and communicating key information without using excessive words.

Add relevant keywords related to the contents of the image, but still make sure to maintain clarity and accuracy of the information.

Also avoid using excessive phrases such as “image of” because screen readers have identified the content as an image.

2. Place the Title Correctly

Create a clear and organized title structure by using HTML heading tags. Next, maintain a hierarchical structure to ensure that the title reflects the organization and hierarchy of the content accurately. This structure is important because it is used as a navigation guide by users.

3. Pay Attention to Color Contrast

Evaluate the color contrast you have and target a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 (normal text) and 3:1 (large text). This is very important to note so that the writing on your website is easy to read for users with visual impairments.

Perform regular checks on color combinations and especially on text elements and backgrounds. This is done to ensure that accessibility standards can be maintained.

4. Create Descriptive Links That Are Easy to Access

Create link text that is meaningful and descriptive, so you provide a clear understanding for users regarding the intended content.

Avoid using general phrases such as “click here” and use descriptive language to clearly communicate the purpose of the link. Make sure that the link text has contextual relevance with the content.

5. Keyboard Navigation Test

Perform keyboard navigation tests regularly using your keyboard to identify and address potential navigation issues.

Then make sure all elements are interactive and add a “skip to content” link at the beginning of the page so keyboard users can skip repetitive navigation and go straight to the main content.

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