This means designing apps and websites so that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use them easily. It is about removing barriers that prevent people from interacting with technology.

Understanding Digital Accessibility

"A11y" is a common shorthand for the word accessibility. It represents the letter 'A' followed by the 11 letters in the middle and ending with 'y'.

The A11y Nickname

These are the official international guidelines used to measure how accessible a website is. Think of it as a set of rules that help creators build inclusive digital tools.

The WCAG Rulebook

This principle ensures that information can be noticed by at least one of a user's senses. For example, people who cannot see must be able to hear the content instead.

Perceivable Content

A website must be usable with various tools, not just a mouse. This includes using a keyboard, voice commands, or specialized switches to click buttons.

Operable Websites

The language used and the way the website functions should be simple and predictable. Users should not be confused by how to move from one page to another.

Understandable Information

Content must be built strongly enough to work on many different devices. It should remain usable as web browsers and assistive tools update over time.

Robust Technology

This is a short text description added to a picture. It allows people who cannot see the image to understand what it shows through a screen reader.

Alt Text for Images

Text should stand out clearly against its background color. This makes it easier for people with low vision or color blindness to read the information.

High Color Contrast

Screen readers are software programs that read the text on a screen out loud. Websites must be coded correctly so these tools can describe the page accurately.

Screen Reader Support

Some users cannot use a mouse and rely on the 'Tab' and 'Enter' keys to move around. Every button and link must be reachable and clickable using only a keyboard.

Keyboard-Only Navigation

Videos should have text at the bottom showing what is being said. Transcripts provide a full text version of the audio for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Captions and Transcripts

When using a keyboard, a highlight or border should appear around the item you are currently on. This acts like a digital 'cursor' so you know where you are about to click.

Visible Focus Indicators

Every text box, like a name or email field, must have a clear label next to it. This tells both the user and their assistive tools exactly what info to type in.

Clear Form Labels

Using titles and subtitles in the correct order helps organize a page. This allows users to quickly scan the content and understand how different sections relate.

Logical Heading Structure

Websites should not include bright lights or images that flash more than three times a second. This prevents triggering seizures or other physical reactions in sensitive users.

Avoiding Flashing Content

Instead of saying "Click Here," links should describe where they go, like "Download our Annual Report." This helps users know exactly what will happen when they click.

Descriptive Link Text

Accessibility is graded into three levels: A (basic), AA (standard), and AAA (highest). Most organizations aim for Level AA to meet legal and professional standards.

WCAG Success Levels

Beyond following the law, accessibility ensures that everyone has equal access to information and services. It makes the internet a fairer and more useful place for the entire public.

Designing for Every Human