Accessibility in terms of web development refers to making a website usable and accessible for as many people as possible. Accessibility in a website is added for convenience and to let people with disabilities use it. According to research, about 15% of the global population has some kind of disability. Leaving them out from using a website is an unwise decision.
This is why many businesses and individuals today are addressing accessibility issues and requirements in their web projects. They do this by acquiring the services of professional development companies that possess the requisite expertise. This way, your web project is ready to be launched with accessibility functions and capabilities from the beginning.
Are you ready to make your website accessible? If yes, then keep reading further to learn about the common accessibility issues to address in web development.
Top 6 Accessibility Issues to Resolve During Web Development
Resolving accessibility issues and requirements is highly preferable during the web development phase. This is because incorporating such factors post-development creates problems and takes more time. If not addressed prior, it also creates awareness among users that your website doesn’t support accessibility. However, adding features like ALT text, structured headings, accessible forms, and keyboards greatly improves your website’s accessibility.
Let’s delve deeper to explore some accessibility issues to resolve during the web development phase.
1. Unstructured Headings
One of the first accessibility issues to resolve during web development is unstructured headings. For people with disabilities, unstructured headings can present significant challenges. This is especially true for people who are visually impaired. Such people use assistive technologies (AT) to navigate web pages.
When your headings aren’t structured, people who suffer from disabilities can’t navigate your website properly. To structure your website properly, start from H1 and all the way up to H6. Proper heading hierarchy is crucial to ensure that users have no difficulties navigating your website.
2. ALT Text
One more accessibility issue to resolve during the web development phase is ALT text. ALT text in the language of IT and web stands for alternative text. This is the text that can be read by assistive technology and can be read out or transferred to people with disabilities and impairments.
ALT text is highly useful for images and content that isn’t in textual form. This is because pictures, animations, and images are useless for visually impaired or disabled individuals. ALT text is usually a brief description of an image that can be read by screen readers. It is also useful for SEO as search engines can read ALT text descriptions of images easily.
3. Non-accessible forms
Another issue on the list that requires attention is non-accessible forms. Web forms are essential for user interactions. Website forms can range from contact forms to any type of input field on pages. While these forms are essential, they can be tricky for the disabled population.
To make accessible forms, you must add labels to field names. This way people can interpret them when using assistive devices. You must also highlight input elements on focus and break long forms into smaller sections. In addition, you must avoid a horizontal form layout (unless necessary) and provide error messages.
4. Empty Links
One more accessibility issue to address is empty links. Empty links are a result of development issues. Developers often leave links and buttons empty. This is either because the container or button has a visual representation or symbol.
For instance, the “+” or “-” signs on a website often represent more information or contracting a container. However, it is difficult for visually impaired or disabled people to understand its intent. When you add empty links or containers, it is better to add their descriptions which can be read by screen readers or assistive technology.
5. Color Contrast Issues
Another accessibility issue on the list is color contrast. People who are visually impaired or color-blind have difficulty distinguishing colors. Inadequate color contrast can make it difficult for them to read the text properly.
This happens when the text color and page background are low. It becomes difficult for disabled or visually impaired people to distinguish between the text and the background. Adding sufficient color contrast is not only easy for disabled people but also for normal individuals.
6. Keyboard Accessibility
The last yet important accessibility issue to address during web development is keyboard accessibility. Keyboard accessibility here refers to an on-screen keyboard that can be used digitally. Such a keyboard can be launched in UI and can be used to navigate the website. A physical keyboard can also be used to access a website instead of a mouse and cursor.
Disabled or visually impaired individuals have difficulty navigating a website with a mouse. This is why adding keyboard accessibility is highly useful for this purpose. Using this functionality, disabled individuals can use keyboard shortcuts (physical and UI-based) to switch menus, and pages, and scroll them. You can contact professional companies to get web development services in Dubai and implement keyboard accessibility into your website.
Make Your Website Accessible Professionally
Making your website accessible is not just about adding colors, fonts, or sounds. It requires in-depth knowledge that aligns with modern trends and user demands. When you hire the right development experts, you add every element of accessibility to your website perfectly. Get in touch with reputable web development agencies today to make your website accessible professionally.