Top 7 Accessibility Features Every Website Should Include

We all love a website that just works, right? It loads quickly, it’s easy to navigate, and, most importantly, it’s user-friendly. But, here’s the thing—how do we make sure that our websites are truly accessible for everyone? That means thinking about more than just good design. It means making sure people with disabilities can use the site just as easily as anyone else. So, whether you’re building a new website or sprucing up an existing one, here are the top accessibility features you absolutely need to include.

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1. Keyboard Navigation

Ever tried navigating a website without a mouse? For some, that’s the daily reality. Keyboard navigation is essential for people who rely on their keyboards due to mobility impairments. Your website should allow users to tab through links, buttons, and form fields easily. What’s more, there should be visual cues—like a highlight or outline—around the element that’s currently selected. Otherwise, how would someone know where they are on the page?

Think about this: If your website isn’t keyboard-friendly, you’re shutting out a whole group of potential users before they even get started.

A good rule of thumb is to test your site by navigating solely with your keyboard, especially the tab key. You might be surprised at how challenging it can be!

For visually impaired users, screen readers are like personal narrators guiding them through your website. But here’s the catch: screen readers need clear instructions from your website’s code to work properly. This is where proper semantic HTML structure comes into play. Headings should be used logically, images need descriptive alt text, and interactive elements like buttons or links should have clear labels.

Don’t make your user guess. Imagine how frustrating it would be to hear, “Button…button…link,” without knowing what any of them actually do. Screen reader users deserve better! Make sure everything on your site is labeled clearly and flows in a logical order.

3. Text Resizing and Zoom

Not everyone has 20/20 vision, and even if they do, sometimes your website’s text just feels too small. Giving users the option to resize text or zoom in on your site without breaking the layout is a game-changer. You’ve probably seen sites where zooming makes everything go haywire, with text overlapping or images disappearing. It’s messy, and it’s easily avoidable.

Responsive design is the key here. Make sure your content adjusts smoothly as people zoom in or out. A good site should maintain its structure at different sizes without making anyone squint or scroll horizontally for miles.

4. Color Contrast and Customizable Themes

Color choices are more important than you might think. Sure, colors set the mood and enhance the brand, but they also affect readability. High contrast between text and background colors makes your content easier to read for everyone, especially people with visual impairments like color blindness.

But why stop at just choosing good contrast? Offering customizable themes—such as light or dark mode—lets users pick what works best for them. With a simple switch, they can read your content more comfortably, day or night. Think of it as a small tweak that can make a big difference.

5. Accessible Forms

Forms are the backbone of many websites. Whether it’s for signing up, checking out, or leaving a comment, forms need to be as accessible as the rest of your site. Make sure every input field is clearly labeled—users should know exactly what information is being asked for. Also, error messages need to be just as clear. There’s nothing worse than submitting a form only to get a vague error message like, “Invalid input.” Invalid what?

Make sure your forms are easy to navigate with a keyboard, and always test them with screen readers to ensure users know what’s required and where they are in the form-filling process.

6. Accessible Video and Multimedia

Videos are a fantastic way to engage your audience, but if they’re not accessible, you could be leaving some people out. Always include captions and transcripts for your video content. Captions help users who are deaf or hard of hearing, while transcripts are great for those who prefer to read or need additional accessibility support.

Additionally, think about users who are visually impaired. Have you heard of audio descriptions? It’s a feature that narrates what’s happening in a video, helping to paint the picture for users who can’t see it. Offering these kinds of multimedia options shows that you’ve thought about all your users, not just the ones with perfect vision and hearing.

7. Regular Website Accessibility Reviews and Widgets

Once you’ve added all these features, your job isn’t done, as accessibility is not a one-time project. Regular website reviews are crucial to keeping your site user-friendly for everyone. There are plenty of automated tools out there that can scan your website and point out potential issues, but don’t stop there.

Accessibility widgets are another useful tool to consider. These handy add-ons allow users to customize their browsing experience in real time. With an accessibility widget, visitors can easily adjust font sizes and color contrast. They can even activate text-to-speech or screen reader functions. It’s an easy way to ensure your website stays adaptable for a range of needs, without requiring constant manual updates.

Of course, manual testing—getting real people with disabilities to use your site—is still essential. After all, what good is a website if it’s not working for the people who need it the most?

It’s About Inclusion, Not Just Compliance

At the end of the day, making your website accessible isn’t just about meeting legal requirements. It’s about creating an inclusive online experience for everyone, no matter their abilities. By incorporating these top accessibility features, you’re not only ensuring a better user experience but also expanding your reach. Isn’t that what every website owner wants?

Take a look at your website today. Are you doing everything you can to make it accessible to all users? If not, it’s time to start!