Simple Accessibility Fixes

Simple Accessibility Fixes

Low Cost | Easy to Implement | High Impact

by Keith Kirkland

Founder | The Haptic 9 Co.

Digital Environments

1. Add Alt Text to Images

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Providing descriptive alt text for images ensures that screen readers can describe images for visually impaired users, offering them context they would otherwise miss.
Example: Add concise, informative descriptions for all images, especially those that convey important content.
Reference: W3C Guidelines for Alt Text.

2. Use Semantic HTML

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Using correct HTML tags (like <header>, <nav>, <article>, and <footer>) improves navigation for screen reader users and search engines.
Example: Replace <div> elements with semantic tags that indicate the content’s purpose.
Reference: W3C Accessibility Guidelines for HTML.

3. Ensure Sufficient Color Contrast

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: People with low vision or color blindness rely on good color contrast to read text. Maintaining adequate contrast makes content legible for all users.
Example: Use online tools to test contrast ratios, ensuring a minimum of 4.5:1 for normal text.
Reference: WebAIM Color Contrast Checker.

4. Add Keyboard Navigation Support

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Moderate
Why: Many users rely on keyboards instead of a mouse to navigate web content. Ensuring all interactive elements (like buttons and links) are accessible via keyboard improves usability.
Example: Ensure focus states are visible and interactive elements can be accessed using the Tab key.
Reference: W3C Keyboard Accessibility Guidelines.

5. Implement ARIA Labels and Roles

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes provide additional information to assistive technologies, helping screen readers understand complex web elements.
Example: Add ARIA labels to buttons, sliders, and menus to provide context for screen reader users.
Reference: W3C ARIA Guidelines.

6. Provide Clear and Descriptive Link Text

Impact: Moderate
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Using descriptive link text instead of generic phrases like “click here” helps users with screen readers understand the purpose of each link.
Example: Change “click here” to “Download the Accessibility Guide.”
Reference: WebAIM Guidelines for Link Text.

7. Use Accessible Form Labels and Instructions

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Moderate
Why: Properly labeling form fields helps screen readers associate input boxes with their corresponding descriptions, making forms easier to navigate.
Example: Use the <label> tag to associate input fields with clear descriptions.
Reference: W3C Guidelines for Forms.

8. Add “Skip to Content” Links

Impact: Moderate
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: A “skip to content” link allows keyboard and screen reader users to bypass repetitive navigation menus and jump directly to the main content.
Example: Place a “Skip to Content” link at the top of the page that is visible when focused.
Reference: WebAIM Guidelines for Skip Navigation Links.

9. Ensure Consistent Navigation

Impact: Moderate
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Consistent navigation helps all users, including those with cognitive disabilities, understand the layout and find content easily.
Example: Keep navigation menus, headers, and footers consistent across all pages.
Reference: W3C Guidelines for Consistent Navigation.

10. Use Responsive and Mobile-Friendly Design

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Moderate
Why: Responsive design ensures that content is accessible on all devices, including mobile phones and tablets, benefiting users with limited dexterity.
Example: Use CSS media queries to adjust layout based on screen size and orientation.
Reference: Google’s Guide to Mobile-Friendly Design.

11. Avoid Using Images of Text

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Text within images is not accessible to screen readers. Using actual text ensures all users can access content and benefit from features like text resizing.
Example: Use CSS and web fonts for decorative text instead of embedding it in images.
Reference: W3C Guidelines on Images of Text.

12. Add Captions and Transcripts for Multimedia

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Moderate
Why: Providing captions and transcripts for audio and video content ensures accessibility for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Example: Add closed captions to videos and transcripts for podcasts.
Reference: W3C Multimedia Accessibility Guidelines.

13. Optimize Page Load Speed

Impact: Moderate
Ease of Implementation: Moderate
Why: Faster load times improve accessibility for users on slow connections or older devices. Optimizing page speed benefits all users, including those with cognitive or visual impairments.
Example: Use image compression, browser caching, and minimize JavaScript to speed up the website.
Reference: Google’s PageSpeed Insights.

14. Provide Error Notifications and Instructions

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Moderate
Why: Users with cognitive or visual impairments benefit from clear, understandable error messages when submitting forms or navigating the site.
Example: Use clear error messages that explain what went wrong and how to fix it, like “Please enter a valid email address.”
Reference: W3 Schools’ Guidelines for Accessible Error Messages.

15. Test the Website Using Accessibility Tools

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Regularly testing the website using accessibility evaluation tools helps identify and fix issues, ensuring ongoing accessibility compliance.
Example: Use free tools like WAVE, Axe, or Lighthouse to run accessibility audits.
Reference: WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool.

Built Environment

1. Install Clear and Visible Signage

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Very Easy
Why: Adding clear, visible, and contrasting signage improves navigation for people with visual impairments and cognitive disabilities.
Example: Use large, high-contrast text with Braille or tactile letters on door signs, directional signs, and emergency exits.
Reference: ADA Guidelines for signage, such as specific height and color contrast requirements.

2. Apply High-Contrast Markings on Steps and Stair Edges

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Adding bright, contrasting tape or paint to the edges of stairs makes them easier to see for people with low vision and helps prevent falls.
Example: Apply yellow or white anti-slip tape to the edges of staircases.
Reference: ANSI A117.1 standards for stair nosing.

3. Ensure Door Hardware is Accessible (Lever Handles)

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Replacing traditional round doorknobs with lever-style handles makes opening doors easier for people with limited hand strength or dexterity.
Example: Install lever handles that require minimal force and don’t need tight gripping or twisting.
Reference: ADA Accessibility Guidelines for door hardware.

4. Install Ramps for Low-Level Changes in Elevation

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Moderate
Why: Installing small ramps for single-step entrances or slight elevation changes makes spaces accessible for wheelchair users, strollers, and walkers.
Example: Portable or modular ramps for small steps or thresholds.
Reference: ADA standards for ramp gradients and landing sizes.

5. Improve Lighting in Key Areas

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Increasing brightness in areas like entrances, hallways, and stairwells makes navigation easier for people with visual impairments.
Example: Replace low-watt bulbs with brighter, energy-efficient LEDs in high-traffic areas.
Reference: Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) standards for lighting levels.

6. Add Non-Slip Mats or Floor Coverings

Impact: Moderate
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Using anti-slip mats or coverings reduces fall risks, especially for older adults and people with mobility impairments.
Example: Place anti-slip mats at entryways, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Reference: ASTM standards for non-slip flooring surfaces.

7. Install Grab Bars in Key Locations

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Easy to Moderate
Why: Installing grab bars in bathrooms, hallways, and stairs can help people with limited mobility or balance issues.
Example: Add grab bars near toilets, bathtubs, showers, or steep staircases.
Reference: ADA guidelines for grab bar height, placement, and strength.

8. Provide Accessible Seating Options

Impact: Moderate
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Ensuring there is accessible seating with armrests and at appropriate heights can make spaces more inclusive for people with mobility challenges.
Example: Add chairs with armrests in waiting areas or accessible benches with back support in public spaces.
Reference: ADA seating guidelines for public areas.

9. Use Tactile Path Indicators for Navigation

Impact: Moderate to High
Ease of Implementation: Moderate
Why: Adding tactile ground surface indicators (TGSI) helps people who are blind or have low vision navigate indoor and outdoor spaces safely.
Example: Install tactile strips to indicate pathways, dangerous areas, or transitions (like street crossings).
Reference: ISO 23599 standards for tactile indicators.

10. Widen Doorways and Pathways Where Possible

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Moderate
Why: Wider doorways and pathways make spaces accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids.
Example: Remove unnecessary obstructions in hallways or adjust door hinges to open wider.
Reference: ADA guidelines for minimum clear width of accessible routes.

11. Lower Counter Heights or Provide Adjustable Workstations

Impact: Moderate
Ease of Implementation: Moderate
Why: Lowering counters or installing adjustable-height workstations makes facilities more usable for wheelchair users.
Example: Use adjustable-height desks or create a lower section of a counter at reception areas.
Reference: ADA guidelines for countertop and desk heights.

12. Add Handrails Along Ramps and Stairs

Impact: High
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Handrails provide stability for individuals with balance or mobility issues and make navigation safer.
Example: Install continuous handrails along all staircases and ramps.
Reference: ADA handrail standards for height and diameter.

13. Install Accessible Door Thresholds

Impact: Moderate
Ease of Implementation: Moderate
Why: High thresholds can be a barrier to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Replacing them with accessible alternatives improves access.
Example: Use beveled or low-profile thresholds to accommodate wheelchair access.
Reference: ADA guidelines for door thresholds.

14. Add Floor Decals for Better Indoor Navigation

Impact: Moderate
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Floor decals with large, clear text or directional arrows can help individuals with cognitive impairments or low vision navigate large spaces.
Example: Use floor decals to indicate emergency exits or direct people to accessible routes.
Reference: Best practices for cognitive accessibility in public spaces.

15. Utilize Universal Symbols for Wayfinding

Impact: Moderate
Ease of Implementation: Easy
Why: Incorporating widely recognized symbols for accessibility (like the wheelchair symbol or hearing aid symbol) helps people of all abilities navigate spaces easily.
Example: Place universal symbols on entrances, restrooms, and parking areas.
Reference: International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) guidelines.

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