Creating a web accessibility checklist is crucial for ensuring that all users, regardless of abilities or disabilities, can navigate and interact with your website effectively.
Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is not just a legal requirement but also a commitment to inclusivity.
As web designers, our goal is to create digital spaces that accommodate everyone, including those who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, or alternative text for images.
By using tools like ARIA landmarks and ensuring color contrast standards, we can make our websites more accessible.
In this article, you will learn the essential components and steps to achieve a comprehensive web accessibility checklist. From assistive technology compatibility to testing for mobile accessibility, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to perform an accessibility audit and implement best practices to meet accessibility standards.
Principles of Web Accessibility
Perceivable
Text alternatives for non-text content
Images, charts, and other non-text elements should always have text alternatives.
Alt text for images provides crucial context for visually impaired users who rely on screen readers. Ensure every image, chart, and infographic has descriptive alt attributes.
Captions for audio and video media
Multimedia content like videos and audio clips must have captions and transcripts.
These ensure that all users, including those with auditory disabilities, can access the content. Synchronized captions enhance accessibility.
Adaptable content presentation
Content should be adaptable for different presentation formats without losing information or structure.
Use headings, lists, and well-organized HTML that can be reliably parsed by various assistive technologies.
Operable
Ensuring keyboard navigation
All interactive elements on a webpage must be accessible using a keyboard.
This includes forms, links, buttons, and more. Keyboard navigation is essential for users who can’t use a mouse.
Providing tools for timing adjustments
Users need to have control over time-sensitive content.
Provide options to adjust or disable time limits to avoid adding stress and ensure everyone can access the content comfortably.
Avoiding flashing or seizure-triggering content
Flashing content can trigger seizures in susceptible individuals. Avoid using content that flickers or flashes more than three times per second.
Always prioritize safety by following general guidelines on safe visual presentation.
Understandable
Using plain language and clear instructions
See the Pen
ARIA Accessible Accordion by Kiri Egington (@kiriegington)
on CodePen.
Communicate with straightforward language.
Complex jargon can hinder comprehension. Clear instructions support all users, especially those with cognitive disabilities.
Predictable navigation and interactive features
Keep navigation and interactive elements predictable.
Don’t surprise users with unexpected behavior or complicated navigation. Consistency in design improves usability.
Accessible error messages
Error messages must be clear and helpful. Offer explanations and, where possible, suggest solutions.
Ensure error indicators are accessible to screen readers and visually prominent for all users.
Robust
Compatibility with assistive technologies
Content should work well with current and future assistive technologies.
Follow guidelines and use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles to support diverse user needs.
Adherence to valid and semantic code standards
Stick to valid HTML and semantic code standards.
This enhances compatibility across devices and platforms, ensuring that content remains accessible as technology evolves.
Compliance with a well-crafted web accessibility checklist ensures a seamless, inclusive experience for all users.
Structural and Semantic Design
Organizing Content
The importance of headings and subheadings
Use headings and subheadings to break up content.
This structure helps everyone, especially those using screen readers. Headings allow users to navigate quickly.
Sequential and hierarchical content arrangement
Arrange your content hierarchically. Use a logical order, with H1 for main titles, followed by H2, H3, and so on. This helps in maintaining a clear, sequential flow.
Lists and Tables
Correct use of numbered and bulleted lists
Numbered lists for steps, bulleted lists for items. Simple.
Correct use of lists makes content scannable. Poorly structured lists confuse users and assistive technologies.
Simple and accessible table formatting
Tables should be straightforward. Use them only for tabular data.
Avoid unnecessary complexity. Ensure tables are accessible with proper headers and summaries.
Navigation
Descriptive and meaningful links
Links should be descriptive. “Click here” is a no-go.
Instead, make the link text meaningful by itself. This helps users understand where the link will take them.
Skip links for keyboard users
Implement skip links. These allow keyboard users to bypass repetitive navigation and jump straight to the main content.
Essential for a smoother user experience.
Breadcrumb navigation and site maps
Breadcrumbs and site maps offer context.
They allow users to understand their location within the site. Easily navigable structures help users go back or forward without hassle.
Visual and Media Accessibility
Color and Contrast
Ensuring sufficient contrast between text and backgrounds
Text must be readable. Use high contrast between text and background.
Tools like the Color Contrast Checker help check ratios. Aim for at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio, which meets WCAG standards. This is especially critical for users with low vision.
Avoiding reliance on color to convey information
Never use color alone to communicate important information. Combine color with text, shapes, or patterns.
For example, an error message shouldn’t just be red; it should include an icon or text. It ensures comprehension by those with color blindness.
Images
Writing meaningful alternative text (alt text)
Every image needs alt text. For informative images, describe the content succinctly. For example, “A woman shopping online using her laptop.”
This makes visual content accessible to screen readers. For decorative images, use empty alt attributes (alt="").
Handling decorative images
Decorative images don’t convey essential information. They should have empty alt attributes to be ignored by screen readers.
This avoids clutter and improves usability for visually impaired users.
Audio and Video
Synchronizing captions and transcripts
For videos, provide synchronized captions. This includes dialogue, sound effects, and any other audible information.
For audio content, transcripts are necessary. Tools like Google Lighthouse can assist in ensuring media accessibility.
Audio descriptions for visual content
In videos, audio descriptions narrate visual elements. They describe actions, scenery, and expressions, supplementing what’s heard.
This is indispensable for users who are blind or have low vision. Always aim for comprehensive audio descriptions.
Interaction and Input Accessibility
Forms and Labels
Providing descriptive labels and instructions
See the Pen
Accessible Web Form Example by Bogdan Sandu (@bogdansandu)
on CodePen.
Forms should speak clearly. Ensure every input field has a descriptive label. “First Name” before a text box—basic, right?
Clear instructions help users know exactly what is required, reducing confusion and mistakes.
Designing accessible error messages
Error messages need clarity. No one wants to see “Error: Invalid.” Spell it out: “Error: Please enter a valid email address.”
Use accessible language and make sure the error messages are easy to find and understand. Visually highlight them, and provide suggestions if possible.
Using HTML5 input types effectively
Utilize the power of HTML5. Input types like email, tel, and number guide users and improve validation.
Leveraging these types ensures better user experience and minimizes errors during form submission. HTML5 attributes also help assistive technologies understand the form’s purpose.
User Inputs
Supporting device-independent input methods
People interact with web content using various devices. Ensure mouse, keyboard, and touch inputs all work seamlessly.
If a feature relies on drag-and-drop, provide an alternative for keyboard-only users. Inclusivity ensures no user is left out.
Ensuring focus visibility for keyboard users
Keyboard users need to see where they are on the page. Make the focus indicator obvious. Use CSS to enhance the default focus state, making it stand out.
This allows users to navigate through forms and interactive elements without frustration.
Dynamic and Interactive Content
Accessibility in JavaScript and AJAX content
Dynamic content? It needs to talk to assistive technologies. Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles, states, and properties to ensure dynamic content updates are conveyed properly. Always test JavaScript and AJAX elements for accessibility compliance.
Managing modals, alerts, and popovers
Modals, alerts, and popovers must be accessible. Ensure focus shifts naturally to these elements when they appear. Users should easily navigate out using keyboard commands. Proper ARIA roles can make interactive elements user-friendly and inclusive.
Testing and Validation
Tools and Methods
Accessibility checkers like WAVE and Axe DevTools
Automated tools make life easier. WAVE, Axe DevTools—both phenomenal. They scan for common issues, from missing alt attributes to problematic contrast ratios. Just a few clicks, and you’re armed with a report full of actionable insights.
Color contrast analyzers and screen reader testing
Use color contrast analyzers to ensure readability. Color Contrast Analyzer is a go-to. Then there’s screen reader testing. Fire up NVDA, VoiceOver. Listen, don’t just look. This uncovers gaps automated tools might miss.
Regular Audits
Importance of consistent accessibility reviews
One-and-done checks? Not enough. Websites evolve. New content, new features. Regular audits keep accessibility in check. Catch issues before they snowball, maintain compliance.
Steps to implement user feedback
Act on feedback. Users often highlight what tools can’t. Gather feedback through usability studies or direct comments. Implement it. Improving based on real-world use makes the site genuinely accessible.
Compliance and Documentation
Tracking WCAG conformance levels (A, AA, AAA)
Document everything. WCAG conformance levels—track ’em. Aim for AA at least. A? Not enough. AAA? Ideal but sometimes impractical. Know where your site stands and strive for better.
Maintaining comprehensive accessibility records
Keep detailed records. What issues were found? How were they fixed? Who’s responsible? It’s part of due diligence. This also helps if questioned on compliance or when new staff come on board.
FAQ on Web Accessibility Checklist
What is a web accessibility checklist?
A web accessibility checklist is a guide used to ensure that a website complies with WCAG guidelines, ADA requirements, and other digital accessibility standards.
It covers elements like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and color contrast to ensure an inclusive web experience for all users.
Why is web accessibility important?
Web accessibility is crucial because it allows users with disabilities, such as those relying on assistive technology, to effectively navigate and interact with the website.
Compliance with standards like Section 508 not only fulfills legal requirements but also promotes inclusivity and better user experience design for everyone.
How do I start an accessibility audit?
Begin by evaluating your current site against a web accessibility checklist. Use accessibility validation tools to identify issues such as non-compliant color contrasts and missing alternative text for images.
Audit various elements including keyboard navigation and interactive components to understand where improvements are needed.
What are common web accessibility issues?
Common issues include lack of alt text for images, poor color contrast, non-functional keyboard navigation, and inaccessible forms.
Problems with captions for videos and lack of screen reader support often emerge, making content difficult for users with disabilities to access.
How can I make my website accessible to screen readers?
To make your site accessible to screen readers, ensure semantic use of HTML5, add appropriate ARIA landmarks, and provide alt text for all images.
Keep navigation straightforward and use meaningful link texts. Ensure all dynamic content is accessible by assistive technology.
What are ARIA landmarks, and why are they important?
ARIA landmarks are attributes added to HTML elements to enhance the navigation experience for users with assistive technology.
They mark areas like navigation, main content, and forms, helping screen readers identify and announce sections of the page, leading to smoother navigation and a better user experience.
How do I test for color contrast compliance?
To test for color contrast compliance, use tools designed to check against WCAG guidelines.
These tools analyze the contrast ratio between text and background colors. Ensure that all content meets minimum contrast requirements to be easily readable by users with visual impairments.
What guidelines should I follow for accessible forms?
For accessible forms, use appropriate label tags, provide error identification and correction, and ensure keyboard accessibility.
Every input field should have a clear, descriptive label, and instructions should be concise. Implement ARIA attributes as needed to enhance form accessibility for users with disabilities.
How do I provide accessible video content?
To provide accessible video content, include captions and transcripts. Make sure your captions are in sync with the audio and cover all spoken words and important sounds.
Providing transcripts will help users with hearing impairments to access the content without missing any information.
What tools can I use for web accessibility testing?
There are numerous tools available for web accessibility testing: WAVE, axe, and Accessibility Insights are some of the popular ones.
These tools help identify issues and suggest improvements, allowing you to test various aspects like keyboard navigation, color contrast, and alt text for images.
Conclusion
A web accessibility checklist is essential for ensuring inclusivity and compliance with legal standards like ADA and WCAG. By focusing on screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and color contrast standards, we create a web environment accessible to all. Incorporating ARIA landmarks, alternative text for images, and ensuring mobile accessibility are key steps in this process.
Enhancing features such as captions for videos and comprehensive usability testing helps in identifying potential issues and addressing them effectively. Tools like accessibility validation tools aid in performing thorough audits, helping you maintain compliance with Section 508 and other standards.
In conclusion, using a web accessibility checklist ensures your website is usable by everyone, including those with disabilities. By implementing these practices, you’ll not only meet regulatory requirements but also create a better user experience. An accessible website is a commitment to inclusivity and best practices.
