Tools and Resources for Accessible Web Design and Better SEO

Imagine the internet as a vast library that’s open 24/7, offering endless knowledge and opportunities. Now, imagine if some of the doors were too narrow for everyone to enter. That’s what the web feels like for many users with disabilities when web accessibility is overlooked. Making your website accessible means ensuring everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access, navigate, and interact with your content. This commitment to inclusivity not only broadens your audience but also aligns with global digital standards. To help you on this journey, we’ve compiled a list of essential tools and resources for accessible web design.

1. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG):

‍The WCAG, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), is the gold standard for web accessibility. It provides a comprehensive set of guidelines to make web content more accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. Familiarising yourself with WCAG 2.1, at minimum, is a crucial first step in understanding the principles of accessible design.

Resource: W3C WCAG Overview

2. WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool:

‍WAVE, developed by WebAIM, is a free tool that evaluates the accessibility of web pages. It provides visual feedback by highlighting potential issues directly on your page, making it easier to identify and rectify accessibility barriers.

Tool: WAVE Evaluation Tool

3. Axe Accessibility Checker:

‍Axe is a browser extension and open-source library that offers comprehensive web accessibility testing. It’s designed to work with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, providing developers and designers with actionable insights to improve their website's accessibility.

Tool: Axe Accessibility Checker

4. Colour Contrast Analysers:

‍Ensuring sufficient contrast between your text and background colours is crucial for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. Tools like the Colour Contrast Analyser (CCA) or WebAIM’s Color Contrast Checker help you test and adjust the color contrast on your site to meet WCAG standards.

Tools: Colour Contrast Analyser (CCA), WebAIM Color Contrast Checker

5. Screen Reader Software:

‍Testing your website with screen reader software is essential for understanding the user experience for visually impaired users. NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) and VoiceOver (for Mac users) are popular options that simulate the screen-reading process, highlighting areas for improvement.

Tools: NVDA, VoiceOver on Mac

6. Keyboard Accessibility Testing:

‍Ensuring your website can be navigated using only a keyboard is a key aspect of accessibility. Simple manual testing, using the Tab key to navigate through your site, can reveal a lot about its keyboard friendliness. Look out for clear focus indicators and logical navigation order.

7. Inclusive Design Principles:

‍The Inclusive Design Principles offer a broader perspective on creating designs that work for everyone. These principles emphasise the importance of offering choice, considering situation, and being consistent in design to accommodate a wider range of users.

Resource: Inclusive Design Principles

Creating an accessible website is a journey that benefits from the right tools and resources. By leveraging these aids, web designers and developers can ensure their digital content is open to all, reflecting the true spirit of the World Wide Web. Remember, accessibility is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment to inclusivity and equality in the digital realm.