About 16% of the global population, or 1 in 6 people, which amounts to over 1.3 billion individuals, live with some form of disability, according to the WHO. This huge figure underscores a genuine need for web accessibility, as that would ensure everyone can engage with online content without barriers. Accessibility is not merely a legal requirement; it is an essential component of an inclusive digital environment that makes the user experience even for all.
Thus, to help you make your website more accessible, we present the 7-7-7 Accessibility Checklist. This actionable guide offers seven key principles. Each principal entails seven practical tips to help you implement and maintain them.
Whether you're a business owner, a web developer, or anyone committed to making the internet more welcoming, this checklist will equip you with the tools needed to transform your website into an accessible space for every user.
The First 7 - Key Accessibility Principles
Accessibility is crucial for creating inclusive digital experiences that ensure everyone an engage. Here are 7 key principles that you must follow to make your website inclusive. Let's go through the key principles that guide you through this important aspect:
1. Perceivable:
Any content asset must be presented in ways that users can perceive. For example, images should include descriptive alt text so that screen readers can convey the information to visually impaired users. This allows everyone to understand the context and meaning behind visual elements on the page.
2. Operable:
All interface components should be operable. This includes making sure that navigations, buttons, and links can be accessed and used effectively be it through mouse or keyboard. For instance, navigation menus should be fully accessible via a mouse and keyboard. A good practice would be to ensure that users can use the "Tab" key to navigate through links and buttons, allowing those who cannot use a mouse to interact with the content seamlessly.
3. Understandable:
Information and the operation of the user interface must be clear and understandable. For instance, using simple language and avoiding jargon helps all users grasp the content easily. A helpful example is providing clear instructions or labels that guide users through a registration process, ensuring they know exactly what information is needed.
4. Robust: Content should be robust enough to be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies. For example, using semantic HTML enables screen readers to correctly interpret and communicate the relationships between different elements on a webpage, ensuring that all users have an accurate viewing experience.
5. Keyboard Accessibility: Ensure all functionality is available from a keyboard. For instance, consider a media player embedded on a website. Users should be able to play, pause, and adjust the volume of the media using both the mouse and keyboard shortcuts. Implementing keyboard controls like the spacebar for play/pause and the arrow keys for volume adjustment ensures that users who rely on keyboard navigation can fully engage with the media without needing a mouse. Additionally, having visible play/pause buttons allows those using a mouse to interact comfortably as well.
6. Text Alternatives: Provide text alternatives for any non-text content. Providing text alternatives for any non-text content is crucial for users who may not be able to see or hear that content. For instance, offering captions for videos ensures that hearing-impaired users can access the spoken content, while also benefiting users in noisy environments.
7. Time-Based Media: Ensuring the accessibility of time-based media is crucial for inclusivity. One effective strategy is to provide alternative formats that cater to diverse audiences. For example, creating a written transcript for an audio podcast allows individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to engage with the content in a text format. This not only makes the information accessible but also enhances the overall user experience by accommodating different learning preferences. Additionally, including captions for videos can further support viewers who may benefit from visual aids while consuming audio-visual content.
The Second 7 - Practical Implementation Tips
When creating an accessible website, practical implementation tips can make all the difference. Here are seven key strategies to consider:
1. Use Semantic HTML: It's essential to use HTML elements according to their intended purpose. This means appropriately leveraging tags such as `
2. Color Contrast: It is essential to ensure sufficient contrast between your text and background colours. High contrast helps users with visual impairments read your content more easily. You can always use online tools to verify your colour combinations to comply with accessibility standards.
3. Responsive Design: Make sure your site is usable across all devices, from desktops to smartphones. A responsive and consistent design not only enhances the user experience but also assists users with disabilities, as it allows them to navigate more easily on their preferred devices.
4. Forms and Labels: Labels are descriptive text elements that provide context for input fields in forms, guiding users on the information required to complete the form accurately. This includes using `
5. Navigation: Navigation on a website is closely tied to UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) design. Effective navigation is essential for creating an intuitive and user-friendly experience. By focusing on clear layouts, informative headings, and straightforward links, designers can significantly enhance a site's usability. This is particularly important for users with cognitive disabilities, as it allows them to find what they need quickly and efficiently. Ultimately, good navigation contributes to an overall positive experience, making it easier for all users to navigate the website.
6. Error Identification: Identify and describe errors in forms. When a user encounters an error, it is crucial to highlight the issue and provide constructive guidance on correcting it. Clearly describing why, it occurred and providing constructive steps to correct it reduces user frustration and guides them towards completing their registration.
7. Accessible Multimedia: Ensure all multimedia content has appropriate accessibility features. This includes providing captions for videos and transcripts for audio content. Making multimedia accessible not only benefits users with disabilities but also enhances the overall usability of your content.
You can create a more inclusive and user-friendly website by implementing these practical tips. Remember, accessibility is an ongoing process, so continually evaluate and improve your site's design and features to meet the needs of all users.
The Third 7 - Testing and Maintenance
Ensuring accessibility is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment. Here are key practices to maintain accessibility standards:
Automated Testing Tools
Utilize automated testing tools to identify common accessibility issues within your website efficiently. These tools can help pinpoint areas that need attention, allowing for a quicker review process.
For instance, you can use automated tools such as Axe or Lighthouse to identify issues on your website quickly. These tools can check for missing elements, like, alt text or poor colour contrast. This rapid review process enables you to focus on addressing these accessibility concerns efficiently before launching your site.
Manual Testing
Conduct manual checks to uncover issues that automated tools may overlook. This step is crucial as it allows for a more thorough examination of user experiences and how individuals interact with your website.
For example, you can manually test the checkout process by adding items to the cart, entering shipping information, and verifying that the total price updates correctly. This approach helps identify any usability issues or errors that automated tools might overlook. Similarly, you can explore other options or processes on the website or app to address any issues that users may encounter.
User Testing
Involve users with disabilities in your testing process. Their feedback will provide invaluable insights into the real-world accessibility of your website, helping you to identify and address obstacles they may face.
For example, you can conduct usability tests with users who have disabilities. Ask them to complete specific tasks on your website while observing how they interact with the website. Afterwards, also gather their feedback to identify any challenges they faced and take input on the areas for improvement according to them. This practice will help you enhance the overall user experience.
Regular Audits
Schedule regular accessibility audits to ensure ongoing compliance with accessibility standards. These audits are an essential part of maintaining a user-friendly experience for everyone.
For instance, to maintain accessibility compliance, we conduct quarterly audits of our website, evaluating key elements such as navigation and colour contrast. After each audit, we compile a report with findings and action steps, ensuring a user-friendly experience for everyone.
Training
Educate your team about accessibility best practices. Ensuring that all team members understand the importance of accessibility will foster a culture of inclusivity and encourage proactive improvements.
For instance, you could hold a workshop where team members assess an existing product for accessibility compliance and brainstorming enhancements. This hands-on activity can deepen their understanding and commitment to making your offerings more usable for all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Feedback Mechanism
Provide a clear way for users to report accessibility issues. This feedback is critical for continuous improvement and ensures that users feel heard and valued.
For example, implement an accessibility feedback form on your website where users can easily submit issues they encounter. Additionally, consider providing an email address or a chat support option specifically for accessibility concerns, allowing users to communicate their experiences directly.
Stay Updated
Keep up with the latest accessibility standards and guidelines. The landscape of digital accessibility is ever evolving, and staying informed will help you maintain compliance and provide the best experience for all users.
For example, regularly review the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and follow organizations like the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). Also, subscribe to newsletters or join relevant forums, these will help you stay informed about new techniques and best practices to improve accessibility for all users.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a more accessible environment that caters to the needs of every user, fostering inclusivity and enhancing overall usability.
Conclusion
Enhancing your website's accessibility is vital to creating an inclusive online experience for all users. By applying the key accessibility principles outlined in the first section, you establish a strong foundation for your site. The practical implementation tips in the second section offer actionable guidance to integrate accessibility into your design and development processes seamlessly. Finally, as discussed in the third section, ongoing testing and maintenance are essential for ensuring your website remains user-friendly over time.
By following this 7-7-7 accessibility checklist, you improve the user experience for individuals with diverse needs and enhance your website's overall performance and reach. Accessibility is an ongoing journey; by regularly executing these principles, tips, and testing strategies, you can create a website that truly serves everyone. Commit to accessibility today and make your website a more welcoming and equitable space for all users!