The 10 Most Common Accessibility Issues
Are you new to the concept of accessibility and have questions like - “what is accessibility issues?”. You are in the right place.
Quite simply, accessibility refers to the design of products or websites that can be used by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. This encompasses people who are blind, deaf, have mobility impairments, or have cognitive disabilities.
There are various accessibility issues that can arise, but some of the most common ones include:
1. Missing or incorrect alternative text for images
Alternative text, also known as alt text, is text that describes the purpose of an image. Screen readers, which are devices that read text aloud to people who are blind or have low vision, use alt text. Without alt text, screen readers cannot interpret the purpose of images, making it challenging for users to navigate websites.
2. Low-Contrast Text
Text that is difficult to read, such as text that is too small or has low contrast, can be problematic for people with low vision. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) recommends that text have a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1.
3. Poor Heading Hierarchy
Headings are used to structure web pages and help users comprehend the content. Poorly structured headings can make it difficult for people to find the information they are looking for. The W3C recommends that headings be used to create a clear hierarchy of information, with each heading being more specific than the headings above it.
4. Too many navigation links
Having too many navigation links can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate, especially for people with cognitive disabilities. The W3C recommends that navigation links be limited to the most important pages on a website.
5. Poorly structured labels
Form labels are used to describe the purpose of form fields. Poorly structured form labels can make it difficult for people to fill out forms. The W3C recommends that form labels be clear, concise, and descriptive.
6. Inaccessible Multimedia
Multimedia, such as videos and audio files, can be inaccessible if they do not have captions or transcripts. This can be a problem for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The W3C recommends that all multimedia on a website have captions or transcripts.
7. Seizure-Triggering Content
Certain types of content, such as flashing lights, can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. This type of content should be avoided on websites. The W3C recommends that websites avoid using flashing lights or other content that could trigger seizures.
8. Unpredictable Behavior
Websites that have unpredictable behavior, such as pop-ups that open automatically, can be difficult to use for people with disabilities. The W3C recommends that websites should have predictable behavior, and users should be able to control the appearance and behavior of the website.
9. Lack of support for assistive technologies
Assistive technologies are devices that help people with disabilities use computers and other devices. Websites that do not support assistive technologies can be difficult or impossible to use for people with disabilities. The W3C recommends that websites be designed to be accessible to people who use assistive technologies.
10. Inaccessible Forms
Forms are often used on websites to collect information from users. However, if they are not properly designed, forms can be inaccessible for people with disabilities. Forms that lack clear labels or instructions can be particularly challenging for people with cognitive disabilities. The W3C recommends that form labels be concise, clear, and descriptive to help users understand the purpose of each form field. By ensuring that your website's forms are accessible, you can make it easier for people with disabilities to engage with your brand online.
These are just a few of the most common accessibility issues of persons with disabilities. By making your website accessible, you can make it easier for people with disabilities to use it. This can help you attract new customers, improve your SEO, and comply with the law.
If you are unsure how to make your website accessible, there are many resources available to help you. One such resource is Wally, a comprehensive accessibility auditing platform. Wally can identify the areas where your website is not accessible or does not comply with accessibility laws, and it can provide you with custom codes that just need to be plugged in. Additionally, Wally offers an Auto-Fix option that allows you to easily correct errors without the need for developers. Wally also monitors your website's performance over time and alerts you when action needs to be taken.
In addition to the ten accessibility issues examples listed above, there are many other building accessibility issues that can affect people with disabilities. It is crucial to be aware of these issues and take steps to address them, so that your website does not become a bad accessibility websites example. By making your website accessible, you can help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Make your website 360° accessible today with ease, using Wally. Contact us today at hello@wallyax.com to learn more about Wally.
