1 in 7 people worldwide live with some form of disability. As web technology continues to evolve, its design must be inclusive and accessible to accommodate this demographic. This article delves into the basics of accessibility measures commonly employed by websites and highlights websites that exceptional in their accessibility design.
Important Features of Accessible Web Design
Keyboard Navigation
Keyboard navigation is essential for users with limited mobility or fine motor control. Accessible websites allow users to navigate pages using the tab and enter keys.
Alt Text
Alternative text or alt text provides a text equivalent of visual content. This is crucial for users who cannot perceive the content visually or audibly. A good alt text is short, concise, and accurately describes the associated content.
Color Contrast
Color contrast affects text readability. Accessible web design must ensure that the text color significantly contrasts the background color.
Meaningful Links
Accessible websites use meaningful text in their hyperlinks, ensuring that the destination of the link is clear from its context.
Semantic HTML
Semantic HTML improves the comprehension of the page structure for assistive technologies, making it easier for users to navigate the page.
Scalable Text
Accessible web designs must allow users to increase the text size up to 200% without disrupting the page layout or viewing experience.
Minimal Animations and Visual Effects
While visual effects can enhance the page, overuse can detract from the user experience and make the website less accessible. Accessible sites avoid excessive use of animations and any flashing effects that may overwhelm or disorient the user.
Use of ARIA
Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) provide descriptions for specific user interface elements that lack semantic HTML tags.
Exemplary Accessible Websites
This section highlights some of the websites that are doing a commendable job of incorporating the above best practices.
Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks is a platform for creating community apps. Its website features legible text and imagery with some animated effects that do not intrude on the user experience.
1% for the Planet
1% for the Planet commits to donate 1% of their profits towards environmental causes. It’s an excellent example of an accessible website with high-contrasting text, ARIA tags, and thorough HTML page structure.
BBC
BBC sets a standout example for accessible news websites with universally impressive accessibility scanning tool scores. The website’s keyboard navigation is particularly noteworthy.
Built By Silo
Built By Silo, a web design and development agency, shows the possibility of a website being stylish and accessible at the same time.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite, an event management platform, presents a clean and easy-to-understand layout making it highly accessible.
Conclusion
Incorporating accessible design practices when creating a website is a fulfilling process that empowers users with disabilities, impairments, and limitations to engage with your content. These accessible website examples demonstrate just how rewarding including inclusivity in your site design can be.
Note: This post was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
Tags: #WebAccessibility #AccessibleWebDesign #WebsiteExamples #InclusiveDesign
[Reference Link](!https://blog.hubspot.com/website/accessible-website-examples)