Web accessibility is no longer an optional feature; it has become a necessity to ensure equal access to information for all users, regardless of abilities. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a solid framework for creating accessible websites, but many sites still fail to meet these standards. In this article, we’ll explore the most common mistakes developers make regarding accessibility and how you can avoid them.
1. Using Poor Contrast Between Text and Background
One of the most common mistakes is using insufficient contrast between text and background. Many designers choose colors that look aesthetically pleasing, but they are difficult to read for users with visual impairments.
How to avoid it:
Use online tools such as Contrast Checker to ensure your color contrast ratio complies with WCAG recommendations. Ideally, the contrast ratio should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.
2. Lack of Alt Text for Images
Images are often used to convey important information, but if they are not accompanied by alternative text (alt attribute), users with visual impairments who use screen readers will miss this information.
How to avoid it:
Ensure that all images on your site have descriptive alt attributes. If an image is decorative and does not add informational value, use an empty alt tag (alt=””) so that screen readers ignore it.
3. Unintuitive Navigation and Lack of Visible Focus
Keyboard users rely on a clear focus indicator to know where they are on the page. If the focus is not visible or the navigation is unintuitive, these users will have difficulty using the site.
How to avoid it:
Make sure all interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) can be accessed and used with the keyboard alone. Additionally, style the focus with CSS to make it visible (e.g., using a visible outline).
4. Incorrect Semantic Structure
Improper use of semantic HTML elements such as header, nav, article, and section can make the page structure confusing for screen reader users.
How to avoid it:
Use semantic HTML elements to structure content correctly. For example, use h1 to h6 elements for headings in their hierarchical order and ensure each page has only one h1.
5. Inaccessible Forms
Forms are essential on most websites, but many are inaccessible due to the lack of proper labels, inadequate error messages, or form fields that are not logically ordered.
How to avoid it:
Each form field should have a clear label. Labels should be linked to their fields using the for attribute to ensure they are correctly interpreted by screen readers. Make sure error messages are clear, precise, and placed in an accessible area for all types of users.
6. Using Color Alone to Convey Information
Relying solely on color to convey information (e.g., indicating form errors using only red text) can create problems for users with visual impairments, such as color blindness.
How to avoid it:
Use text, symbols, or other visual cues alongside color to convey essential information. For example, add an error symbol next to error messages in a form.
7. Lack of Accessible Multimedia Content
Multimedia content, such as videos and animations, without captions, audio descriptions, or transcripts, is inaccessible to users with hearing or visual impairments.
How to avoid it:
Ensure all videos have synchronized captions and that transcripts are available for audio content. For videos, provide audio descriptions where possible.
8. Unclear or Generic Links
Links that use generic text such as “Click here” or “Learn more” can be confusing for users who rely on screen readers or navigate quickly through the page. They won’t have enough context to understand where the link will take them.
How to avoid it:
Use descriptive link text so users immediately know where the link will lead. For example, instead of “Click here,” use “Learn more about accessibility solutions.”
9. Insufficient Time to Complete Actions
Some forms or website sessions have a time limit for completing an action, such as filling out a form or completing a purchase. This can negatively affect users who need more time to read and navigate, including those with cognitive or motor disabilities.
How to avoid it:
Ensure users have enough time to complete actions on the site. If a time limit is necessary, provide users with the option to extend the session or receive a warning before the session expires.
10. Lack of a “Skip to Content” Option
Keyboard users and screen reader users may find it difficult to navigate through long menus to reach the main content of a page. Without a “Skip to Content” option, they have to manually navigate through every menu link.
How to avoid it:
Include a visible and accessible “Skip to Content” link at the top of each page. This link allows users to skip directly to the main content, avoiding unnecessary navigation through repeated interface elements like the menu.
Conclusion
Web accessibility is not just a legal requirement in many countries but also an ethical responsibility. Avoiding these common mistakes is essential to creating a more inclusive and user-friendly web. By following WCAG recommendations and implementing best practices, you can ensure your website is accessible and functional for all users, regardless of ability.
