TL;DR:

Web accessibility ensures that websites are usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. However, many websites still have common accessibility issues, such as low-contrast text, missing alternative text for images, and unlabeled form inputs. Addressing these issues not only enhances user experience but also reduces legal risks and improves SEO.

Introduction

Ensuring that your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is both a legal obligation and a moral imperative. However, many websites continue to have accessibility issues that hinder user experience. Below are the top 10 common web accessibility mistakes and strategies to avoid them.

1. Low-Contrast Text

Issue: Text that doesn’t stand out sufficiently from its background can be difficult to read, especially for users with visual impairments. In 2024, 81% of homepages were found to have low-contrast text. ()

Solution: ✔ Ensure that text and background color combinations meet the recommended contrast ratios. ✔ For normal text, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is advised; for large text, a ratio of 3:1 suffices. ✔ Utilize tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker to verify compliance.

2. Missing Alternative Text for Images

Issue: Alternative text (alt text) provides descriptions of images for screen readers. 54.5% of homepages lacked appropriate alt text for images in 2024. ()

Solution: ✔ Provide meaningful alt text for all informative images. ✔ For decorative images, use an empty alt attribute (alt="") to allow screen readers to skip them.

3. Missing Form Input Labels

Issue: Without proper labels, users relying on assistive technologies may struggle to understand the purpose of form fields. This issue was present on 48.6% of homepages analyzed in 2024.

Solution: ✔ Ensure that all form inputs have associated labels. ✔ Use the <label> element and associate it with the corresponding input using the 'for' attribute.

4. Empty Links

Issue: Links without text or with only non-informative content can confuse users and assistive technologies. In 2024, 44.6% of homepages contained empty links.

Solution: ✔ Ensure all links have descriptive text that clearly indicates their purpose or destination.

5. Empty Buttons

Issue: Buttons without labels or text can be confusing, especially for users relying on screen readers. This issue was found on 28.2% of homepages in 2024.

Solution: ✔ Provide descriptive text or labels for all buttons to convey their function clearly.

6. Missing Document Language

Issue: Without specifying the document's language, screen readers may not interpret the content correctly. 17.1% of homepages lacked a defined document language in 2024.

Solution: ✔ Declare the primary language of the document using the 'lang' attribute in the HTML tag.

7. Insufficient Keyboard Accessibility

Issue: Not all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard navigation, posing challenges for users with mobility impairments.

Solution: ✔ Ensure that all interactive components, such as links, buttons, and form fields, are operable using keyboard inputs. ✔ Test your website by navigating solely with the keyboard to identify and rectify inaccessible elements.

8. Ambiguous Link Text

Issue: Links with non-descriptive text like "click here" or "read more" do not provide context about their destination or purpose. This issue was identified on 18% of evaluated pages.

Solution: ✔ Use clear and descriptive link text that conveys the content or purpose of the link destination.

9. Skipped Heading Levels

Issue: Improper heading structures, such as skipping heading levels, can disrupt the logical flow of content for users relying on assistive technologies. Skipped heading levels were found on 42.2% of websites.

Solution: ✔ Maintain a logical and hierarchical structure in your headings, ensuring that heading levels are used sequentially without skipping levels.

10. Misuse of ARIA Roles

Issue: Incorrect or unnecessary use of Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) roles can introduce accessibility issues. While 80% of websites utilized ARIA attributes, these pages averaged 68.6% more errors than those without ARIA.

Solution: ✔ Use native HTML elements whenever possible, resorting to ARIA roles only when necessary. ✔ Ensure proper implementation by following best practices and guidelines.

Conclusion

Prioritizing web accessibility is a win-win strategy that enhances user experience, boosts SEO performance, expands audience reach, and ensures legal compliance. By addressing common accessibility issues and implementing best practices, you create a more inclusive and effective online presence.

FAQs

Q: What is web accessibility?

A: Web accessibility refers to designing and developing websites so that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with them effectively.

Q: How does web accessibility impact SEO?

A: Many accessibility practices, such as using alt text for images and proper heading structures, align with SEO best practices, potentially improving search engine rankings.

Q: Are there legal requirements for web accessibility?

A: Yes, regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require websites to be accessible. Non-compliance can lead to legal action, as seen with 4,000+ lawsuits filed in 2024 related to accessibility issues. ()

Q: What are common web accessibility issues?

A: Common issues include:

• Low contrast text

• Missing alternative text for images

• Missing form input labels

• Empty links and buttons

• Skipped heading levels

Q: How can I improve my website’s accessibility?

A: Implement: ✔ Semantic HTML ✔ Descriptive alt text for images ✔ Keyboard accessibility ✔ Adequate color contrast ✔ Properly labeled form elements

By focusing on web accessibility, you not only create an inclusive environment for all users but also enhance your site's overall performance and reach.