Tips to Make Your Website Accessible

Published: Monday, July 25, 2022 | Tags: Chamber of Commerce resources, EDO resources, JCC Resources, Website Resources, YMCA Resources

When it comes to web design, there are a lot of important factors to consider, including user experience, visual appeal, and functionality. However, one vital component often overlooked is ADA compliance. The Americans with Disabilities Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including access to websites. If your website is not accessible to people with disabilities, you could risk violating the ADA. For example, websites must be designed to allow people with vision impairments to use screen readers and people with hearing impairments to use captioning. Websites must be able to be navigated using only a keyboard, and all form fields must be labeled correctly. Failure to comply with these guidelines can result in significant penalties. It is important to note that ADA compliance is not only a legal requirement but also an important ethical consideration. Ensuring your website is accessible demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

During the website development process at 立博客户端app下载, our website and Content Management System (CMS) professionals guide our customers in creating ADA-compliant websites and ensure they are equipped with tools to maintain it when they take over managing their sites. We put together some tips to help your organization ensure your website is accessible.

Please note that these are only recommendations, and you should always consult with your in-house counsel or attorney for anything legal-related.

Table of Contents

8 Ways to Make Your Website Accessible

FAQ about Website Accessibility

8 Ways to Make Your Website Accessible

1. Choose a content management system that supports accessibility

If you're looking to make your website more accessible, one of the best things you can do is choose a content management system (CMS) that supports accessibility. A CMS built with accessibility in mind can go a long way toward making your site more user-friendly for everyone. Look for CMS that offers features such as:

Alternate text for images and vide
Support for screen readers
Ability to adjust font size and color
Options to give title tags to links and calls to action
Proper labeling of forms fields

Pro tip: 立博客户端app下载's Website and CMS, powered by Freedom Software, offers these features.

2. Utilize the UserWay widget

The UserWay website widget is an industry standard to increase ADA compliance. This AI-powered website accessibility solution provides an automated way for organizations to comply with all standards, including WCAG 2. and Section 508, making it the perfect choice for companies that want to ensure that their website is accessible to everyone. The widget is easy to install and can be used on any website. This comprehensive automated tool is constantly updated with new features and improvements, making it the most effective accessibility solution on the market.

3. Create a compliance landing page

A compliance landing page is one way to show that your website is accessible and offers equality for all. This is a formal way of asking users if your organization can do more and shows a high level of conviction. By creating a compliance landing page, you're taking an important step in ensuring that your website is accessible to everyone. This will help to build trust with users and also help to improve your search engine ranking by addressing readability. In addition, a compliance landing page is a great way to show that you're committed to equality and inclusion. Taking this critical step helps create a more inclusive society for everyone.

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges accessibility landing page is an excellent example.

4. Provide alt text on images

You can help keep your website accessible to everyone by including alt text. Images should always include alternative (“alt”) text, which screen readers use to describe the image to users who are blind or have low vision.

Keep the text brief, descriptive, and relevant to the image when adding alt text.
Another good practice is to use captioning and transcripts for all videos. This will ensure that people with hearing impairments can still access your content.

5. Make sure forms are properly designed and labeled

Form fields across your website should be large enough to be legible, and labels must be placed close to the corresponding field.

Use placeholder text wisely. Placeholder text is the default text that appears in a form field before a user begins typing.
While it can be tempting to use placeholder text as a label, doing so can cause problems for users with screen readers.
When used correctly, however, placeholder text can be helpful.
For example, if a form field is intended to collect a date, including the format in the placeholder text (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY) can be helpful.

6. Use headlines that are clear and easy to read to establish a hierarchy of the page

A critical element of an accessible website is clear and legible headlines. Headlines help establish a hierarchy on the page and make it easier for users to find the information they want.

Text on a white background with dark text is generally the most readable, so this should be used for headlines and other necessary content.
Use font sizes that are large enough to be seen from a distance, and choose fonts that are simple and easy to read.

7. Add descriptive action items

Rather than simply using vague terms like "learn more" or "click here," it is essential to indicate the desired action on each button or link.

For example, a button that says "Sign Up to Become a Member" is much more straightforward than one that says "Learn More."
Similarly, a link that says "Download the Free eBook" is more specific than one that says "Click Here."

By taking the time to label each action item, you can create an accessible website that is easy for everyone to use.

8. Proof of compliance

While many organizations take great care to ensure their website is compliant, there is always the risk of an audit. Fortunately, there is a way to prove compliance and avoid potential penalties. Many CMS providers offer ADA compliance reports as part of their bill. This documentation can show auditors that the website is accessible and up-to-date. For community-based organizations, such as nonprofits, it is imperative to have an accessible website.

Organizations of any size can show that they are committed to inclusion and making their services available to everyone in the community by following these tips to make your website more accessible. Please get in touch with our team if you have more questions about website accessibility or are interested in implementing these steps.

FAQ about Website Accessibility

Is my 立博客户端app下载 website ADA compliant?

In our build-out and development cycle, our Project Managers and Support Staff are attentive and make the best effort to follow the ADA compliance recommendations. Once we turn over the website, it’s up to the customer to maintain compliance and accessibility.

How can I help my site become more accessible?

The best tool to relieve you of all your stress is the UserWay widget on your website, which offers accessibility to those who are motor impaired, blind, color blind, visually impaired, or have dyslexia. The UserWay widget offers hundreds of AI-Powered WCAG and ADA-compliant functions. It’s also important to be mindful of any changes you make on your website once your website provider hands it over to your organization.

How do I know if my website is ADA compliant?

If accessibility is a top priority for your organization, you should consider hiring a compliance company to run an audit. However, there are also virtual companies that scan and audit your site. UserWay offers a free scanner to see if websites meet WCAG 2.1 conformance standards.

How long does it take to install the widget?

If you are a current 立博客户端app下载 customer, contact your Project Manager or reach out to our Senior Vice President, Topher Kline, at topher.kline@517b2b.com. Contact our team today to learn more about creating an ADA-compliant website with 立博客户端app下载.