Why Accessible Website Features Matter
When people talk about making a website accessible, it can sound complicated. The truth is, accessible features are simply tools or changes that help every user navigate your website without frustration. At WebWorks Media, we know how small changes can make a big difference. Whether someone uses a screen reader, has vision problems, or is unable to use a mouse, they should still be able to enjoy and interact with your site.
Let’s say a user has limited vision; they may struggle to read small text or click buttons that are too close together. Adding adjustable text sizes or clear colour contrast can fix that. Or imagine someone using only a keyboard. They should be able to go through every part of your website by pressing the tab key, not the mouse. With accessible features, we make sure they can.
It is not only about meeting guidelines. It is about being kind, helpful, and making sure your digital door is open to everyone.
Designing for Colour and Clarity
One of the first and simplest steps we can take is to check how colours appear together. Poor contrast between text and background makes reading difficult, especially for users with low vision or colour blindness. Using dark text on a light background or vice versa helps all readers see clearly.
That does not mean you have to give up on style. You can still be creative with branding and design, but always check that your colour combinations pass the basic contrast tests. Free tools online, like WebAIM’s contrast checker, are easy to use and give instant results.
Also, allow the user to control font size. Letting readers adjust the text without breaking the layout keeps things neat and readable for everyone. Screen magnifiers and browser zoom tools also work better when your site layout is built with flexibility in mind.
Make Navigation Easy and Predictable
Your menus, buttons, and links must be easy to find and use. Think of your website like a building: if a person cannot find the door, how will they explore what is inside?
Keyboard navigation is important here. Many people use keyboards or other helpful tools like switches or joysticks to move around websites. Every link, button, and form field should be reachable by pressing the tab key. That means they need to be in a logical order and skip any repeated links.
Add ‘skip to main content’ links at the top of the page, so keyboard users do not have to tab through dozens of options before getting to the main text. This may seem small, but it saves time and reduces frustration.
It helps to label elements clearly. For example, use “Submit form” instead of just “Submit” or “Go,” so screen readers can clearly explain the next action to the user.
To see how strong navigation can be structured, have a look at how we develop pages in our website accessibility services to help organisations get things right from the start.
Use Alt Text and Meaningful Images
Images look great. They give character and help explain ideas, but only when everyone can understand them. If someone is using a screen reader, they need a simple description to explain what the image is showing. This is called alternative text, or alt text.
Every image that helps explain something should have a short and clear alt text. On the other hand, not all images need descriptions. If something is purely decorative, like a swirl or background detail, it can be marked so screen readers skip it. That way, users hear only the important stuff.
Avoid using text inside images, too, unless you also provide that text somewhere else on the page. It is better for search engines and for users who rely on readers or zoom tools.
Video, Audio and Captions
Videos and audio clips are often used for tutorials or sharing important messages. But what if a user cannot hear or see well? All video content should have captions that match the speech exactly. It is not just about showing random words below the video. Real captions help those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or in noisy environments.
Transcripts help too. If you post podcasts or training audio, always add a written version of the words. These are helpful not just for screen readers but also for people who like to read instead of listen.
If someone uses a screen reader, always label your video or audio player controls clearly. Think play, pause, volume, not just buttons with arrows.
Forms Without Frustration
Forms come in many shapes: contact forms, booking forms, payment screens and feedback boxes. But nothing is more frustrating than not knowing what to fill in or why a button is not working.
Every form field needs a label that explains what it is asking. That means not just relying on placeholder text inside the box, but including a name next to it, too. For example, instead of just a blank box, add a label like “Email address” so users know what to do.
If something goes wrong, explain it clearly. Instead of an error like “Invalid input,” try saying “Please enter a valid email address, like name@example.com.”
It is also helpful to group similar fields together and label the whole section. This helps screen readers explain the form better.
We’ve worked on many form design projects that keep accessibility at the heart, and the improvement in user feedback speaks for itself.
Don’t Let PDFs Be a Problem
PDFs cause trouble when they are not made right. Unlike normal web pages, many PDFs end up flattened or scanned in a way that stops screen readers from picking up the text.
If you include a downloadable PDF, make sure it has proper headings, clear text, and is readable without a mouse. This means tagging the document structure when creating it in Word or Adobe. Always use real text, not images of text, and avoid handwriting unless you describe it elsewhere.
You can also offer a plain text version alongside the PDF. That way, everyone has a choice and no one is left out just because of their device or screen reader.
Test With Real People
No checklist can replace real experience. The best way to check if your site is truly accessible is to ask users with different needs to test it. Watch them try to use it. Are they stuck? Do they skip content? Does anything confuse them?
There are free tools like NVDA or VoiceOver that let you experience your website through a screen reader. Try using the tab key only, or zoom your page to 200 per cent and see if everything still works.
These kinds of checks are part of what we do every day at WebWorks Media. Instead of waiting until the end, we build accessibility into the early design stages.
Simple habits like choosing readable fonts, writing short sentences and adding keyboard support can go a long way.
Useful Features You Can Add Now
Here is a quick list of helpful features you can add or start checking on your site:
- Text size controls so users can make words bigger
- Good contrast colour settings for better readability
- Meaningful link text, like “Download your receipt here” instead of “Click here”
- Forms with labelled fields that describe what to write
- Skip links for quicker navigation with keyboards
- Alt text for images that tell the story clearly
- Captions and transcripts for audio and video
- Check that all your PDFs can be read by screen readers
We keep this list in mind during every project and often find that simple changes improve the site for everyone, not just users with a disability.
FAQs
Why should we care about accessibility?
Because many users depend on it, but everyone benefits. Accessible sites are easier to use, easier to read, and usually faster too.
Is accessibility only for disabled users?
No. It helps anyone who might use a screen reader, a mobile phone, or even just a slow internet connection.
How much does it cost to make a site accessible?
It often costs less to build it right during the design stage. Fixing problems later can be harder. Most of the changes are about being thoughtful, not buying new software.
Will accessibility affect the site’s design?
Not in a bad way. It can still look great, but with a structure that makes it friendly for everyone. Good design includes function as well as visuals.
Can we get legal trouble if our site is not accessible?
In many places, including the UK, websites must meet basic accessibility laws. Making your site compliant is both fair and smart.
Build a Website That Works for Everyone, Not Just Some
Building an accessible website means building for everyone. It is not about ticking boxes, but about offering respect and support to your users. At WebWorks Media, we aim to make every website better, not just for search engines or customers who can see and hear perfectly, but for everyone.
Try adding just a few of the tips from above, and see how your website becomes easier and friendlier to use. If you want help with this, we’re here. You can find out more on the WebWorks Media site,
where we share how we design sites that work for all. Let’s make the web better together.