Web DesigningA truly successful website in today’s digital world is one that is accessible to all users, regardless of skill level. People with disabilities can interact, navigate, and use your website just like everyone else thanks to web accessibility.
Inclusive design ensures that no one is left out, regardless of whether they are using a screen reader, a keyboard, or are dealing with visual or hearing impairments.
Why Accessibility Matters
1 in 6 people worldwide experience significant disability.
Accessible design improves usability for everyone, not just people with disabilities.
It’s not just ethical—it’s often legally required (like ADA or WCAG compliance).
It also boosts SEO and user retention.
Key Principles of Accessible Web Design
Perceivable
Information must be visible and understandable to all users (e.g., text alternatives for images, captions for videos).
Operable
Users should be able to navigate using a mouse, keyboard, or assistive technology.
Understandable
Content and UI must be clear and predictable—avoid jargon or confusing navigation.
Robust
Code should be compatible with all devices, browsers, and assistive technologies.
Best Practices for Accessibility
For every image, use alt text.
Make sure the background and text have the right amount of colour contrast.
Make every function accessible via the keyboard.
For improved structure, use semantic HTML (such as <header>, <nav>, and <main>).
For screen readers, include ARIA labels.
Provide video transcripts and captions.
Tools to Test Accessibility
WAVE (WebAIM)
Lighthouse (Chrome DevTools)
axe Accessibility Checker
NVDA or JAWS screen readers
Color contrast checkers like WebAIM Contrast Tool
Final Thoughts
Accessibility isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s a must-have in modern web design. When you design with accessibility in mind, you create a more inclusive, ethical, and user-friendly experience for all.
Remember: Accessibility is not a feature. It’s a responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Web accessibility means designing and developing websites that can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities such as visual, hearing, cognitive, or motor impairments.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a global standard that outlines how to make web content more accessible. They are organized under four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).
Many accessibility practices—like alt text, proper headings, and fast-loading pages—also help with SEO, making your site more discoverable and user-friendly.
Popular tools include WAVE, axe, Lighthouse, and screen readers like NVDA or VoiceOver for real-world testing.
No. Accessibility improves the experience for all users, including people using mobile devices, low-bandwidth connections, or temporary impairments (like a broken arm or poor lighting).