Did you know that over 16% of the global population lives with some type of disability, according to the World Health Organization (Source: World Health Organization)? That’s more than 1 billion people who could be visiting your website, but if your site isn’t accessible, you might be unintentionally excluding them. In today’s digital age, ensuring your website is accessible is not just a legal obligation; it’s a moral imperative and a smart business strategy.

Furthermore, companies that have improved their inclusion of persons with disabilities over time were four times more likely than others to have total shareholder returns that outperformed those of their peer group (Source: Accenture). This statistic highlights that accessibility is not just about doing the right thing; it’s also about driving business success. In this post, we’ll share a crucial accessibility checklist based on real audit findings that can help you identify and fix these issues before it’s too late!

The Importance of Accessibility

Accessibility is about creating an inclusive digital environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access and benefit from your content. It goes beyond compliance with legal standards; it’s about fostering a culture of inclusivity that recognizes the diverse needs of all users. Here are several key reasons why accessibility is crucial for your website:

Wider Audience Reach

By making your website accessible, you open the door to a significant portion of the population. With over 1 billion people living with disabilities (Source: World Health Organization), ensuring your site is usable for them means tapping into a vast and often underserved market. This not only enhances your user base but also fosters a more inclusive society.

Legal Compliance

Many countries have laws and regulations requiring websites to be accessible. Failing to comply can lead to legal repercussions, including lawsuits and fines. By prioritizing accessibility, you not only protect your business from potential legal issues but also demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility.

Positive Brand Image

Companies that prioritize accessibility are often viewed more favorably by consumers. Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity can enhance your brand’s reputation, foster customer loyalty, and attract a diverse audience. In today’s socially conscious market, consumers are increasingly choosing to support brands that align with their values.

Financial Performance

Organizations that improve their inclusion of persons with disabilities are four times more likely to achieve superior shareholder returns compared to their peers (Source: Accenture). This statistic underscores the financial benefits of investing in accessibility, making it a smart business decision.

Your Accessibility Checklist to Follow

To create an inclusive online experience, it’s essential to address common accessibility issues that may hinder users from fully engaging with your website. Based on our real audit findings, we’ve compiled a checklist that highlights prevalent accessibility challenges and provides actionable steps to resolve them. Each item includes a brief description of the issue and a checklist to guide you in making your website more accessible to all users.

Missing Alt Text for Images

Images without descriptive alt text can leave visually impaired users in the dark. Screen readers rely on alt text to convey the content and purpose of images, making it essential for accessibility.

Steps Required

1. Ensure every image on your website has appropriate alt text.
2. Use clear, descriptive language that conveys the image’s purpose.

Poor Color Contrast

Text that doesn’t stand out against its background can be difficult for users with visual impairments to read. Insufficient contrast can lead to eye strain and hinder readability for all users.

Steps Required

1. Check color contrast ratios using online tools (e.g., WebAIM’s Contrast Checker).
2. Ensure that text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background.

Inaccessible Forms

Forms that lack proper labels or instructions can be frustrating for users with disabilities. Without clear labeling, users may struggle to understand what information is required.

Steps Required

1. Ensure all form fields are clearly labeled with descriptive text.
2. Provide error messages that are easy to understand and guide users on how to correct their input, ensuring that the error message is bundled with the relevant input field for clarity.

Lack of Keyboard Navigation

Many users rely on keyboard navigation instead of a mouse. If interactive elements on your site cannot be accessed or operated using a keyboard, it can create significant barriers.

Steps Required

1. Test all interactive elements (buttons, links, forms) to ensure they can be accessed using the keyboard alone.
2.  Ensure that the tab order is logical and intuitive.

Non-Descriptive Links

Links that say “click here” or “read more” do not provide context for users who rely on screen readers. Descriptive link text helps users understand where the link will take them.

Steps Required

1. Use descriptive text for all links that clearly indicates the destination or action.
2. Avoid generic phrases like “click here” or “read more”.

Missing Headings and Structure

A lack of proper headings and structure can make it difficult for users to navigate your content. Screen readers use headings to help users understand the layout and hierarchy of information.

Steps Required

1. Use proper heading tags (H1, H2, H3) to create a clear content hierarchy.
2. Ensure that headings are descriptive and relevant to the content that follows.

Inconsistent Navigation

Inconsistent navigation can confuse users, especially those with cognitive disabilities. A predictable navigation structure helps users find information quickly and easily.

Steps Required

1. Maintain consistent navigation menus across all pages.
2. Ensure that the navigation is intuitive and easy to use.

Real-World Examples

At SolDevelo, we have successfully conducted accessibility audits for various projects, including OpenIMIS, OpenLMIS, and OpenMRS. These test cases highlight our commitment to improving digital inclusivity and ensuring that all users can access essential services.

If you’re interested in learning more about our work and how we can help your organization, check out these case studies and see the impact of our accessibility audits:

• Improving inclusivity: SolDevelo’s accessibility audit of openIMIS
• Accessibility matters: SolDevelo’s audit of OpenLMIS
• Bridging the digital divide: Advancing digital healthcare accessibility in OpenMRS