10 Tips for an Accessible Website
- Do make sure the text on your website is resizable
It might look funky - but small text can be extremely hard to read for people with even mild visual impairments. If your site is built properly, then visitors can resize the text using controls in their browser. If you go to the 'view' menu of your browser, you will see an option called 'text size'. If you change this setting, but the text on your web page stays the same, then you might have a problem. A well built site should allow your web development agency to change this in a short time - make sure you ask them! - Don't hide your site navigation in images or animation
Most people love to have some quirky animation or lovely imagery on their website. To a degree, that's fine - because your website is primarily a showcase for your company. If taken too far, it can prove to be a huge liability. People with limited motor skills might find it next to impossible to use a menu that flies around the screen, for example. If you really can't bear to part with your animation, make sure you provide an alternative means to get around the site - normally by adding a 'sitemap'. This is simply a page which lists all of the other pages on your site. - Do provide alternative information for images
As odd it might sound, not every website visitor will be able to see your images. Those with extreme visual impairments can use special browsers that only displays the text. Your website developers are able to provide a description of a picture, so that these visitors don't miss out. To check if your site has this feature, hold your mouse over a picture on your site. If you don't see a little flag appear with some text in it, get on to the phone to your agency and ask them to add "alt attributes" to the images. That's the technical term, and they should know exactly what you mean. - Don't say "click here"
You can only actually click anywhere if you use a mouse. For those whose ability to use a mouse is limited, a huge range of different devices is available - from voice recognition software to specially adapted keyboards. In such occurrences, 'click here' may well be meaningless, and the visitor might not understand that this means a link that can be followed. Be as descriptive as possible when writing your text, or if inspiration has abandoned you, try more neutral terms such as 'read more'. - Do use colours that contrast
Designers love pale grey text on a white background. Or dark blue on black. And it may well look very very stylish. But if you're partially sighted, it will probably just look like a blank page. Use colours that contrast well against each other to maximise legibility. Black or dark grey on white, and pale yellow on deep blue are examples that can instantly make your site's content stand out. And if you're absolutely set on a low-contrast colour scheme for reasons of style, then invest in simple technologies that let people set a more suitable colour scheme for their vision. - Don't Use Pop-ups
If you are tempted to have information popping up in separate windows, then bear in mind that this can have dramatic effects on your visitors. For those with motor difficulties, getting back to the main page can prove very problematical. Some assistive software won't even recognise commands to open a new window. If you must use pop-ups, make sure they are identified clearly, and only occur when the visitor does something. Marking a link 'opens in new window' is often enough of a clue. - Do write clearly and concisely
For those with reading problems like dyslexia, or anyone with communication difficulties, reading online is often harder than reading the printed page. If you have something to say, say it clearly in short sentences and paragraphs. Occasionally, there are fads for not capitalising words properly, or not using punctuation. If you're feeling like following such a fad, the simple advice is: don't. If you're not sure - hire a copywriter. They will not only provide expertise in grammar, but should be able to say what you want in the minimum number of words. - Don't over complicate online forms
Website forms present many potential stumbling blocks for the disabled, and the longer the form, the more problems they will encounter. Well designed forms should let the visitor enter the least amount of information necessary. Each form field must also be labelled accurately, and any fields that must be filled in should be clearly identified. If your form uses javascript to check whether a user has entered the right information, then people using assistive technology will very easily fail to fill in the required information. If that sounds too technical - speak to your web agency, who should be able to suggest alternatives. - Do test your website
There are various tools online which can perform basic checks on your site and provide you with a list of potential problems. As they are automated, they are not always the most reliable guide, and often report in very technical terms. It is normally the rule that testing with real people will find problems much more easily. Even drafting in a short sighted relative can highlight problems you never guessed were there. If you want to do this on a more involved basis, disabled charities should be able to help you understand the relevant legislation, and may even be willing to offer you help assessing your website. - Don't ignore the law
The Disability Discrimination Act came into force in 1999, and required that all websites be treated as public spaces. Just as shops and restaurants must make their premises accessible to the physically impaired, then all reasonable steps must be taken to make sure your website is also available to the disabled. Type "disability discrimination act" into your search engine and you will see the act itself, but also information about how it might affect your business. Alternatively, talk to your web designers, who should be fully aware of the act, and what you can do to improve your site.
Don't forget: these tips won't just help your disabled visitors. Most of them will help all of your customers find their way around your site with increased confidence. And if all that isn't reason enough, a truly accessible website will be much more visible to the search engines. It really is a win-win situation - for both your customers and you.