Accessibility is one of the most overlooked aspects of website design. So many people don’t even realize that they need to think about it. However, making your website accessible is not only the right thing to do, but it can also be a smart business decision. Here are five super smart ways to make your website accessible, including using tools like accessiBe:
Pay attention to alt text for images.
If you have images on your website, include alt text. Alt text is a short description of an image if you can’t display the image for some reason. This is important for people using screen readers or other assistive technology.
Include captions for videos.
Just like images, videos should also have captions. Captions provide a text version of the audio for people who can’t hear the audio or don’t have speakers. They can also be helpful for people who are trying to watch a video in a noisy environment.
Use plain, non-jargony language.
The language on your website should be clear and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that people might not be familiar with.
Make sure your website works with assistive technology.
People use several assistive technologies to browse the web, such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and Braille displays. Make sure your website is compatible with these technologies.
Test your website with different browsers and devices.
Different browsers and devices can render websites differently. So test your website on as many different browsers and devices as possible to make sure it looks and works the way you want.
Some mistakes to avoid
Now that you know some of the ways to make your website accessible, here are a few things to avoid:
Don’t rely on color alone.
Color is an important part of website design, but don’t use it as the only way to convey information. For example, don’t make all the links on your website blue and underlined. That might make it difficult for people with color blindness to see the links.
Don’t use images of text.
Some web designers like to use images of text instead of actual text. However, this can be a problem for people using screen readers or other assistive devices. The screen reader might not be able to read the text in the image, or the person might not be able to see the image.
Avoid using flash.
Flash is a technology that is not compatible with all browsers and devices. Additionally, flash can be problematic for people using screen readers or other assistive technology. If you must use flash, make sure there is also a non-flash version of your website.
Don’t make your website too busy.
A common mistake people make is making their websites too busy. Too much text, too many links, and too many images can be overwhelming for some people. Instead, keep your website clean and simple for the best results.
Don’t forget about mobile.
More and more people are using their phones and other mobile devices to browse the web. Make sure your website looks good and works well on mobile devices.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can make your website more accessible to many people. This is not only the right thing to do, but it can also give you a competitive edge. So, what are you waiting for? Start making your website more accessible today!
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