Ensuring your website is ADA-compliant means making it accessible to people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that websites be designed to accommodate users with visual, auditory, or physical impairments. Here’s how to make sure your website meets these standards.
Use Clear and Simple Navigation
The easier your website is to navigate, the more accessible it will be for users with disabilities. Use simple, intuitive menus and avoid complex designs that can be difficult to follow. Make sure that all navigation can be done using just a keyboard, as some users may not be able to use a mouse. This is especially important for users with motor impairments.
Ensure Text is Readable
To make your text accessible, use a legible font, a suitable font size (preferably at least 16px), and high contrast between text and background colors. Avoid using light text on light backgrounds or dark text on dark backgrounds. This makes it easier for people with visual impairments to read your content.
Provide Text Alternatives for Non-Text Content
For images, videos, and other non-text content, make sure to provide text alternatives. This can include alt text for images and captions or transcripts for videos. Screen readers use these text alternatives to describe content to visually impaired users.
Ensure Video Accessibility
If your website includes video content, ensure that it includes captions and a transcript for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. Videos should also be navigable using a keyboard and include controls for pause, play, and volume adjustments. Providing subtitles also improves your website’s accessibility for a wider audience.
Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications)
ARIA is a set of attributes that can help improve the accessibility of your website, especially when using dynamic content like drop-down menus or interactive elements. ARIA tags help screen readers understand the content and provide context for users with disabilities.
Make Forms Accessible
Ensure your forms are easy to navigate and complete for users with disabilities. Use clear labels for form fields and provide instructions where necessary. For Contact Forms, ensure they’re designed to be easily understood by screen readers. You can also make sure that error messages are clearly marked and provide helpful suggestions.
Test Your Website with Accessibility Tools
To check your website’s accessibility, use online tools like WAVE, Axe, or Lighthouse. These tools scan your website and highlight potential accessibility issues. Regular testing can help you spot issues before they impact your users.
Offer Keyboard Shortcuts and Focus Indicators
For users who navigate your website using a keyboard, make sure to include keyboard shortcuts and clear focus indicators. This helps users who may not be able to use a mouse to navigate through your site easily. Ensure that each interactive element is focusable and easily accessible via the keyboard.
Avoid Auto-Playing Media
Auto-playing media can be problematic for users with disabilities. It can be difficult for screen readers or users with auditory impairments to access content if videos or audio start automatically. Allow users to control media playback by providing a pause button or the option to turn it off.
Provide Clear Error Messages
When users encounter errors while interacting with your website, ensure that error messages are clearly visible and easy to understand. Provide instructions or suggestions for how to fix the issue. This is especially important for forms and checkout pages, where users may need help to correct mistakes.
Regularly Update Your Website’s Accessibility
Accessibility is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. As you add new features, content, or updates to your website, always ensure that it remains compliant with ADA standards. Regularly testing and reviewing your site for accessibility ensures it continues to serve all users.
Need Help Making Your Website ADA-Compliant?
At Social Media Max, we help businesses create websites that are accessible and compliant with ADA standards. If you need assistance ensuring your website meets accessibility guidelines, contact us today at 0161 399 3517 or email Syed_66@hotmail.com!
