Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes
How to Properly Check Website Accessibility: The Complete Guide
In today’s digital landscape, an accessible website isn’t just a nice-to-have feature—it’s an essential business requirement. Yet many marketing professionals and business owners overlook this critical aspect of their online presence, potentially alienating millions of users and exposing their organizations to legal risks.
I’ve worked with countless businesses who had no idea their websites were effectively shutting the door on up to 20% of potential customers. That’s right—approximately one-fifth of the population lives with some form of disability that may affect how they experience your website.
Concerned your website might not be accessible to all users? Let’s identify and fix those barriers holding back your digital presence. Schedule a complimentary accessibility assessment with my team today.
Table of Contents
Why Website Accessibility Matters for Your Business
Website accessibility means designing and developing your site so that people with disabilities can navigate, understand, and interact with it effectively. But the benefits extend far beyond compliance.
Let me share a quick story. A mid-sized retail client came to me frustrated about their stagnant conversion rates despite increasing their ad spend. Upon investigation, we discovered their website was practically unusable for people using screen readers or keyboard navigation. After implementing accessibility improvements, they saw a 23% increase in conversions within three months—without spending an extra penny on advertising.
| Business Benefits | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Expanded Market Reach | Accessible websites can be used by the 1+ billion people worldwide with disabilities, representing a significant market segment with substantial buying power |
| Legal Compliance | Reduces risk of accessibility lawsuits, which have increased by over 300% in recent years |
| Improved SEO | Many accessibility practices align with search engine optimization techniques, leading to better rankings and visibility |
| Enhanced Brand Reputation | Demonstrates corporate social responsibility and commitment to inclusivity |
| Better User Experience for Everyone | Accessibility improvements benefit all users, not just those with disabilities |
Understanding Accessibility Standards and Compliance
Before you can effectively check your website’s accessibility, you need to understand the standards that define what “accessible” actually means.
Key Digital Accessibility Guidelines
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the internationally recognized standards for web accessibility. Currently, WCAG 2.1 outlines three levels of conformance:
- Level A (minimal compliance)
- Level AA (addresses major barriers, the generally accepted legal standard)
- Level AAA (the highest level of accessibility)
Most businesses should aim for WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance as a minimum standard.
Legal Implications of Website Compliance
Accessibility isn’t just about inclusion—it’s increasingly about legal compliance. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been interpreted to apply to websites, leading to a surge in lawsuits against businesses with inaccessible websites.
While I’m not a legal expert, I’ve seen firsthand how accessibility lawsuits can impact businesses. One client faced a $25,000 settlement plus legal fees and the cost of remediation—all of which could have been avoided with proactive accessibility testing and improvements.
| Accessibility Standard | Applicability | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| WCAG 2.1 | Global standard for web accessibility | Follows four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR) |
| ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) | U.S. businesses with websites serving the public | Websites must be accessible to people with disabilities (generally interpreted as WCAG 2.1 AA compliance) |
| Section 508 | U.S. federal agencies and contractors | Electronic and information technology must be accessible to people with disabilities |
| European Accessibility Act | Businesses operating in the EU | Ensures accessibility for products and services |
Not sure if your website meets current accessibility standards? Our team can conduct a thorough audit and provide a detailed compliance report. Contact Daniel Digital to ensure your business is protected.
Manual Website Accessibility Checks
While automated tools (which we’ll cover soon) are valuable, they typically only catch about 30% of accessibility issues. Manual testing is essential for a comprehensive accessibility audit.
Essential Manual Accessibility Audit Steps
Here are key manual checks you should perform regularly:
- Keyboard Navigation Test: Try navigating your entire website using only your keyboard (Tab, Enter, arrows, etc.). Can you access all functionality without a mouse?
- Screen Reader Review: Use a screen reader like NVDA (free), VoiceOver (Mac), or JAWS to experience your site as visually impaired users do.
- Color Contrast Assessment: Ensure text has sufficient contrast against backgrounds for users with low vision or color blindness.
- Form Field Accessibility: Check that all forms have proper labels, error messages are clear, and submission is possible without a mouse.
- Alt Text Audit: Verify all meaningful images have appropriate alternative text descriptions.
| Manual Test Type | How to Perform | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard Navigation | Use Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, Space, and arrow keys to navigate |
|
| Screen Reader Testing | Install free screen reader software (NVDA, VoiceOver) and browse your site |
|
| Content Structure Review | Examine HTML structure and semantic elements |
|
Top Accessibility Tools and How to Use Them
While manual testing is crucial, automated accessibility tools can help you quickly identify many common issues. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective tools I recommend to clients:
Automated Accessibility Checkers
These tools scan your website and generate reports highlighting potential accessibility issues:
| Tool Name | Best For | Key Features | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAVE by WebAIM | Quick visual assessment of single pages |
| Only evaluates one page at a time |
| axe DevTools | Developers during build process |
| Free version has limitations |
| Lighthouse (Google) | SEO teams working on performance and accessibility |
| Less detailed than specialized tools |
| SiteImprove | Enterprises needing ongoing monitoring |
| Paid enterprise solution |
Specialized Accessibility Assessment Tools
These tools focus on specific aspects of accessibility:
- Color Contrast Analyzers: WebAIM’s Color Contrast Checker and Contrast Checker help ensure text is readable for users with visual impairments.
- Readability Tools: Hemingway Editor helps simplify content for users with cognitive disabilities.
- Text-to-Speech Simulation: ChromeVox and NaturalReader let you experience how screen reader users interact with your content.
Remember, these tools are aids, not replacements for comprehensive testing. They typically catch only 30-40% of all accessibility issues.
Overwhelmed by all the accessibility tools and options? Let our experts handle the technical details. Book a consultation with Daniel Digital for a professional accessibility assessment.
Common Accessibility Issues and How to Fix Them
Based on hundreds of website audits I’ve conducted, these are the most frequent accessibility problems and their solutions:
Top Website Accessibility Barriers
- Missing or Inadequate Alt Text: Images without alternative text leave screen reader users in the dark.
- Poor Color Contrast: Text that doesn’t stand out from its background is difficult for many users to read.
- Non-Keyboard Accessible Functions: Features that require mouse interaction exclude many users.
- Missing Form Labels: Unlabeled form fields confuse screen reader users and those with cognitive disabilities.
- Inaccessible PDF Documents: Many websites offer PDFs that aren’t structured for screen readers.
| Common Issue | Impact on Users | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Image Alt Text | Screen reader users can’t understand image content | Add descriptive alt text to all meaningful images. Use empty alt=”” for decorative images. |
| Low Contrast Text | Users with low vision struggle to read content | Ensure text meets WCAG 2.1 AA contrast ratios (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text) |
| Unlabeled Form Fields | Screen reader users can’t identify what information to enter | Add proper <label> elements connected to inputs via the “for” attribute |
| Non-descriptive Link Text | Screen reader users can’t determine link purpose | Avoid “click here” or “read more” in favor of descriptive link text |
| Missing Heading Structure | Screen reader users can’t navigate content efficiently | Implement logical heading hierarchy (H1-H6) to structure content |
Quick Wins for Better Website Accessibility
If you’re short on time or resources, focus on these high-impact improvements:
- Add alt text to all informational images
- Ensure all text has sufficient color contrast
- Make sure forms have proper labels
- Implement keyboard navigation for all interactive elements
- Use a logical heading structure (H1, H2, H3, etc.)
Creating an Ongoing Accessibility Strategy
Website accessibility isn’t a one-time fix but an ongoing process. Here’s how to build it into your operations:
Building Accessibility Into Your Digital Workflow
Effective accessibility management requires integration throughout your digital processes:
- Establish Baseline: Conduct a comprehensive audit to identify current issues
- Prioritize Fixes: Address critical issues first (e.g., keyboard traps, missing alt text)
- Train Your Team: Ensure content creators understand accessibility requirements
- Implement Checkpoints: Add accessibility reviews to your content publication workflow
- Regular Re-testing: Schedule periodic accessibility checks, especially after major updates
| Role | Accessibility Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Content Creators |
|
| Designers |
|
| Developers |
|
| Marketing Managers |
|
Need a sustainable accessibility strategy for your organization? Our team can develop custom processes tailored to your workflow and resources. Contact Daniel Digital to discuss your accessibility needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Website Accessibility
How much does it cost to make a website accessible?
The cost varies widely depending on your website’s complexity, current state, and desired compliance level. Small sites might require $3,000-$5,000 in remediation work, while large corporate sites could cost $20,000 or more. Implementing accessibility from the start of a project is significantly more cost-effective than retrofitting later.
Can I be sued if my website isn’t accessible?
Yes. ADA-related digital accessibility lawsuits have increased dramatically in recent years. Businesses of all sizes have faced litigation. The most common targets include e-commerce sites, restaurants, educational institutions, and healthcare providers.
Do I need to make my website accessible if I’m a small business?
Yes. The ADA applies to businesses of all sizes that serve the public. Small businesses have been targets of accessibility lawsuits, and courts have generally not accepted company size as an exemption from accessibility requirements.
What’s the difference between ADA and WCAG compliance?
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is a law requiring equal access, while WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) provides technical standards for how to achieve digital accessibility. Courts generally consider WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance as satisfying ADA requirements for websites.
How often should I check my website for accessibility issues?
At minimum, conduct a thorough accessibility audit annually and after any major website update. Implement basic checks (automated scans, keyboard testing) as part of your regular publishing workflow for new content.
Taking the Next Step with Website Accessibility
Website accessibility is no longer optional for businesses that want to maximize their reach, maintain legal compliance, and demonstrate social responsibility. By learning how to properly check website accessibility and implementing regular testing, you’re not just avoiding potential legal headaches—you’re also creating a better experience for all users.
Remember that accessibility is a journey, not a destination. Start where you are, prioritize the most critical issues, and gradually build accessibility into your regular digital processes.
At Daniel Digital, we’ve helped businesses of all sizes navigate the complexities of digital accessibility. From comprehensive audits to remediation planning and staff training, we provide the expertise and support you need to make your online presence accessible to everyone.
Ready to make your website more accessible?
Whether you’re just starting your accessibility journey or looking to address specific issues, we’re here to help. Our team offers:
- Comprehensive accessibility audits
- Remediation planning and implementation
- Staff training on accessibility best practices
- Ongoing monitoring and support