Website accessibility considers the needs of people with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments. IIt’s often a legal requirement and a critical step in providing equal access to information and services in today’s digital world.
At Professional Saver, we recognise the importance of digital accessibility for businesses of all sizes. This article on website accessibility explores key aspects, from understanding foundational principles to implementing best practices and meeting accessibility standards.
What Is Website Accessibility?
Website accessibility refers to ensuring all users, including those with disabilities, can easily use and understand your website. This involves creating content that is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, ensuring everyone can interact with your website effectively.
Why Is Website Accessibility Important?
There are many reasons why website accessibility is important, such as:
- Legal compliance – Laws like the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 require many organisations to make digital content accessible.
- Expanded audience – By improving accessibility, your website becomes usable for millions of people with disabilities worldwide.
- Improved user experience – Features such as clear navigation and structured content benefit all users.
- Better SEO – Practices like providing alt text and using proper heading structures can enhance search engine optimisation (SEO).
- Corporate social responsibility – A commitment to accessibility demonstrates inclusivity and enhances your reputation.
Understanding Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are globally recognised accessibility standards. Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) as part of their Web Accessibility Initiative, WCAG provides a framework for inclusive web content.
The Four Principles of WCAG (POUR)
- Perceivable – Information and components must be presented in ways users can perceive.
- Operable – Interfaces and navigation must be operable by users.
- Understandable – Information and functionality must be understandable.
- Robust – Content should be compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers.
WCAG Conformance Levels
WCAG defines three levels of conformance:
- Level A – Basic accessibility features.
- Level AA – Addresses common barriers for people with disabilities.
- Level AAA – The most complex level of web accessibility.
Most organisations aim to meet WCAG Level AA to balance accessibility and feasibility.
Key Areas of Website Accessibility
The key areas of website accessibility include:
1. Visual Accessibility
Colour Contrast
Ensure sufficient colour contrast between text and background. The WCAG 2.1 guidelines specify the following contrast ratios:
| Conformance Level | Normal Text | Large Text |
| AA | 4.5:1 | 3:1 |
| AAA | 7:1 | 4.5:1 |
Alternative Text for Images
Provide descriptive alternative text (alt text) for images. A user with a visual impairment uses a screen reader to convey the image’s content or function.
Example:
html
Copy
<img src=”company-logo.png” alt=”Professional Saver company logo”>
Resizable Text
Ensure that text can be resized without losing its content or functionality. This helps users with visual impairments who may need to enlarge text to read it comfortably.
2. Auditory Accessibility
Provide captions for video content and offer transcripts for audio content. You should also ensure that audio doesn’t play automatically on web pages.
3. Motor Accessibility
Make all functionality available via keyboard and provide visible focus indicators for keyboard navigatio. Ensure that clickable elements are large enough and have sufficient spacing
4. Cognitive Accessibility
Use clear and simple language and provide consistent navigation across your website. Break content into manageable chunks with clear headings and subheadings.
Best Practices for Implementing Accessibility
The best practicies for implementing accessibility include:
1. Carry Out an Accessibility Audit
Begin by conducting an accessibility audit of your website. This can involve automated testing using tools like WAVE or aXe, manual testing, including keyboard navigation and screen reader testing, and user testing with individuals who live with disabilities.
2. Develop an Accessibility Statement
Compile and publish an accessibility statement on your website. This should include your commitment to accessibility and meeting WCAG standards, the accessibility standard you’re aiming for (e.g., WCAG 2.1 Level AA), and known accessibility issues and plans to address them.
- Provide Training Your Team
Ensure that everyone involved in creating and maintaining your website understands accessibility principles. This includes team members like web developers, content creators, designers, and marketing teams.
4. Make Accessibility Part of Your Workflow
Incorporate accessibility checks into your development and content creation processes. This might include:
- Using accessibility checkers in your content management system
- Including accessibility requirements in your design specifications
- Carrying out accessibility audits on a regular basis
5. Stay Updated
Web accessibility standards and technologies are continually evolving. Stay informed about updates to WCAG guidelines, modern assistive technologies, and changes in accessibility legislation.
Legal Requirements in the UK
In the UK, several laws and regulations govern website accessibility:
Equality Act 2010
This act makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities, including in the provision of services. This has been interpreted to include websites.
Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018
These regulations mandate accessibility for public sector websites and mobile apps.
The European Accessibility Act
While not yet fully implemented (the act will apply after 28 June 2025), this act sets accessibility requirements for products and services, including digital services, across the EU.
Web Accessibility with Professional Saver
Building an accessible website is a continuous process that reflects a commitment to inclusivity and enhanced user experience. However, even the best-intentioned efforts can encounter challenges, such as non-compliance claims, accessibility disputes, or unexpected legal costs.
At Professional Saver, we provide tailored insurance solutions designed to protect professionals and businesses navigating these complexities. Our policies, including professional indemnity, public liability, and legal expenses coverage, offer a safety net for potential risks associated with your digital initiatives.
Whether addressing unforeseen claims or safeguarding your business against financial setbacks, our comprehensive policies help you focus on creating a more inclusive online presence with confidence. Get a quote today.
