10 Tools to Enhance Digital Accessibility
1. Build in accessibility from the beginning
Make digital accessibility and inclusion a foundational element or even a driver of your design program when building, refreshing or redesigning web sites, apps or events. Integrating accessibility from the beginning, rather than following a complaint or even lawsuit, is more efficient and cost-effective. This approach ensures your digital offerings are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities, broadening your reach and inclusivity. For additional resources, visit:
2. Review Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
With your digital team, review the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and decide what level of compliance you wish to achieve. Your team should familiarize themselves with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which are the established standards for digital accessibility. Decide on a target level of compliance so that everyone understands your specific accessibility goals.
3. Integrate continuous training
Empower your digital team with the tools and training to continually manage accessibility on your web pages and apps as you add new content or make other changes. Since websites and apps are frequently updated, it's important to equip your team with the necessary knowledge and resources to maintain accessibility as new content is added. Without these tools, the rapid pace of change both internally and in the world of web development can easily lead to the introduction of new barriers that your team may not even notice. A helpful resource to monitor accessibility is the Wave Accessibility Checker.
4. Check digital accessibility
Automated tools can identify some accessibility issues, but they can't replicate the human experience, especially for users with disabilities relying on assistive technologies. Involving human testers, particularly those with disabilities, provides crucial insights into real-world usability. Helpful resources are:
5. Clearly label all navigation elements
Design pages so that these elements will guide screen reader users through the page geography. Clear and descriptive labels for all navigational elements like links, headings, buttons, and form fields are vital. This is especially important for screen reader users, as these labels help them understand the page structure and navigate effectively. Helpful resources include:
6. Confirm third-party accessibility
Confirm that third-party content, such as booking systems, embedded widgets, and check-out links are accessible. The overall accessibility of your platform can be compromised if these external elements are not usable by everyone. For resources on this topic, visit WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind).
7. Use plain language for instructions, directions and other content
Using plain and straightforward language for instructions, directions, and other content benefits all users. It's particularly helpful for individuals with cognitive or learning disabilities, or those for whom the primary language of the content is not their native language, making information easier to comprehend. Helpful resources and links can be found on these websites:
8. Use and optimize ALT TEXT
Create ALT TXT (Alternate Text) for all images that are not part of the design but are integral to the page narrative or content (photos, illustrations, maps, charts and graphs). It’s okay to exclude purely decorative images. Providing concise ALT TXT descriptions allows users who cannot see the images, such as screen reader users, to understand the information conveyed, and are usually more descriptive than typical captions. Helpful online resources include:
9. Adding captions and audio descriptions
All video content should include captions. Captions are essential for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, and also benefit those in noisy environments or who prefer to read along with the audio. Resources include:
Add audio description for videos when crucial visual details (like actions, scene changes, or on-screen text) are integral to understanding content that is not explained by the main audio. These narrated explanations of visual information ensure that users with visual impairments can understand the full context. Learn more through the following resource - Making Audio and Video Media Accessible (W3C)
10. Check color contrast
Make sure that the contrast between text color and background color meets WCAG standards. Sufficient color contrast is essential for readability, especially for users with low vision or color blindness. Helpful resources include:
