Making an accessible website ensures that all users, regardless of their abilities, can steer and interact with your content without barriers. Accessibility is important for inclusivity and also for complying with legal requirements in many regions. The goal is to ensure your website can be used effectively by people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, or motor impairments. Accessibility is a key consideration in web design Dubai and should be integrated from the start of the website creation process.
Use clear and readable fonts
To make your content more accessible, it’s essential to use fonts that are easy to read. Stick to simple, sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica, and ensure that the text size is large enough for users to read comfortably. Allowing users to adjust font sizes can also improve accessibility, especially for those with visual impairments. Ensure that there’s sufficient contrast between text and background to make reading easier for everyone.
Implement alternative text for images
Images are an important part of any website, but they can pose a challenge for visually impaired users. By adding alt text (alternative text) to all images, you provide a description that screen readers can use to convey what the image is about. This ensures that users with visual impairments can still understand the content of your images. Ensure the alt text is concise yet descriptive enough to convey the meaning of the image.
Ensure keyboard accessibility
Many users with disabilities rely on keyboard navigation instead of a mouse. This makes it important for your website to be fully navigable using just a keyboard. Ensure that all interactive elements, such as buttons, forms, and links, are accessible through tab navigation and can be activated using keyboard shortcuts. Test your website without using a mouse to identify and fix any areas that may be difficult to steer.
Provide captions and transcripts for multimedia
Audio and video content is a valuable resource, but it can be challenging for those with hearing impairments to access. Offering captions for videos and providing transcripts for audio content ensures that everyone can access the information. This also benefits non-native speakers and those in sound-off environments who may prefer to read rather than listen.
Make links descriptive
Links should clearly indicate their purpose. Avoid using generic text like “click here” or “read more.” Instead, use descriptive phrases that explain what the user will find when they click the link. This helps users with screen readers understand the context of each link and steer your site more easily.
