Websites should work for everyone – no exceptions. Whether you’re a business owner looking to reach more customers, or a developer thinking about best practices, website accessibility is more important than ever. Not only does it help people with disabilities navigate your site, but it also improves usability for everyone, boosts your SEO, and demonstrates your company’s commitment to inclusivity.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what website accessibility really means, why it matters, and what you can do to make sure your site is accessible to everyone.
What is Website Accessibility?
Website accessibility means designing and developing your website so that people with disabilities, such as vision, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments can use it just as effectively as everyone else. This is more than just a nice-to-have feature. For millions of people, it’s a necessity.
When a website is accessible, it removes barriers and creates an inclusive digital experience. This can include adding descriptive alternative text to images so that screen readers can convey what the image shows. It also means choosing color combinations with enough contrast so that text is easy to read for people with vision impairments like color blindness. Websites should also be fully navigable by keyboard, since some users can’t use a mouse. Even something as simple as providing captions or transcripts for videos and podcasts makes a world of difference to those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Why Does Accessibility Matter?
You might be wondering why accessibility should be a priority for your business or organization. There are many reasons, and together they paint a clear picture of why it’s not only the right thing to do, but also a smart business move.
First and foremost, making your website accessible is the ethical choice. The internet plays a huge role in our daily lives, from shopping and booking appointments to staying informed and connecting with others. Everyone deserves equal appointments to staying informed and connecting with others. Everyone deserves equal access to these opportunities, and your website can help make that happen.
Accessibility also expands your audience significantly. Over one billion people around the world live with some form of disability. By creating a website that is easy for them to use, you are opening your business up to a much larger customer base. It’s a win-win: more people can interact with your brand, and you gain loyal customers who appreciate your commitment to inclusivity.
There’s another benefit that many business owners don’t realize – accessibility is good for your SEO. Search engines like Google prioritize websites that are easy to navigate, use clear structure, and include descriptive text alternatives for images. All of these accessibility best practices make your site more search-engine friendly, which means better rankings and more traffic.
Finally, accessibility can help you stay compliant with the law. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been interpreted in many cases to apply to websites as well as physical spaces. Failing to make your site accessible could put you at risk of costly lawsuits or penalties.
How Can You Make Your Website More Accessible?
The good news is that improving your website’s accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are many steps you can take, and even small changes can make a big difference for your users.
One of the simplest and most effective steps is to use descriptive alternative text for all images. This allows screen readers to describe the image to visually impaired users, making your content more meaningful to them. Adding captions or transcripts to any videos on your site ensures that people who are deaf or hard of hearing can still engage with your content. Checking the color contrast between your text and background is also important, as low-contrast combinations can be difficult for some users to read.
Another important aspect of accessibility is making sure your website can be navigated entirely by keyboard. Many users rely on keyboards rather than a mouse, so it’s critical that all buttons, menus, and forms can be accessed this way. Finally, clear and simple language combined with a logical heading structure makes your content easier to understand and navigate for all users, not just those with disabilities.
At AnoLogix, we build accessibility into our websites from the ground up. We also offer accessibility audits of existing websites to help identify issues and recommend improvements. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to enhance your current site, our team can guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Website Accessibility
Here are some of the most common questions when it comes to learning about the importance of website accessibility:
What does “website accessibility” actually mean?
Website accessibility refers to designing and developing your website so that people with disabilities can use it just as effectively as everyone else. This includes making your content usable by people who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, ensuring proper color contrast, providing text alternatives for non-text content, and more. In short, it means removing digital barriers so your site is inclusive for everyone.
Is website accessibility required by law?
In many cases, yes. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been interpreted by courts to apply to websites, especially for businesses that serve the public. Other countries have similar laws, such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in Canada and the Equality Act in the UK. Even if you’re not legally required, accessibility is strongly recommended to avoid legal risk and to show social responsibility.
How does accessibility benefit my business?
An accessible website reaches a wider audience, including the millions of people with disabilities around the world. It can improve your search engine optimization (SEO), since many accessibility best practices overlap with good SEO practices. It also shows your customers that your business values inclusivity and provides equal access to all, which can enhance your reputation and customer loyalty.
Will making my website accessible hurt my design or creativity?
Not at all! In fact, accessible websites can still be beautifully designed and highly creative. Accessibility guidelines are about usability and ensuring everyone can interact with your site. A thoughtful designer can seamlessly integrate accessibility features into a modern, attractive design. At AnoLogix, we specialize in creating websites that are both stunning and accessible.
How can I tell if my website is accessible?
The best way to find out is to have your website professionally audited. At AnoLogix, we offer comprehensive website accessibility audits to help you identify barriers and recommend solutions. There are also free online tools that can give you a general idea, but a professional audit is more thorough and accurate.
How much does it cost to make a website accessible?
The cost depends on the size and complexity of your website and how much work is needed to meet accessibility standards. Building accessibility into a new website from the start is often more cost-effective than retrofitting an existing website. Either way, AnoLogix can work with you to develop a plan that fits your budget and improves your site’s accessibility.
How often should my website be checked for accessibility?
Websites evolve over time as new content and features are added, so accessibility should be reviewed regularly. We recommend a full accessibility audit at least once a year, and anytime you make significant updates to your site. Regular maintenance ensures your site remains inclusive and compliant.
What’s the difference between ADA compliance and website accessibility?
ADA compliance refers specifically to meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which in many cases applies to websites. Website accessibility is a broader concept that refers to the practice of making sites usable by everyone, regardless of specific laws. In other words, ADA compliance is one legal reason to make your site accessible – but accessibility also provides business, ethical, and user experience benefits beyond just compliance.
Suggested Reading: Learn More About Better Websites
If you’re interested in improving your website beyond accessibility, here are a few more resources from our Learning Center you might find helpful:
12 Indications Your Website Needs Refreshing, Redesigning, or an Overhaul
Is your website holding your business back? Learn the key signs it's time for a redesign and what you can do about it.
How to Choose the Right Website Hosting and Maintenance
Your hosting and maintenance plan play a big role in your site's performance and security. Here's how to pick the right one for your needs.
10 Things Visitors Are Expecting from Your Website
Today's users have high expectations. Make sure your site delivers on the features and experience your visitors demand.
How to Make Sure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly
With more users browsing on smartphones and tablets, a mobile-friendly site is essential. Find out how to optimize for mobile visitors.
For even more tips and best practices, visit our full blog archive and explore what's possible with a modern, effective, and inclusive website.
Let’s Make the Web a Better Place
Accessibility isn’t just a checklist item. It’s a mindset. When you design your website with everyone in mind, you’re sending a powerful message about your business: that you value all customers equally and care about creating a welcoming experience for everyone.
If you’re ready to make your website more inclusive, AnoLogix is here to help. Our team is experienced in creating and auditing websites for accessibility, and we can work with you to ensure your site meets best practices and legal requirements.
Contact us today to get started with an accessibility audit or consultation. Together, we can make the web a better, more inclusive place for everyone.