So, how do you make your website and documents digitally accessible? This guide will show you simple, actionable steps to improve Digital Accessibility and make your website and documents welcoming to everyone.
Have you ever thought about how many potential customers leave your website because of accessibility issues? It’s not just a guess. A UK Click-Away Pound survey found that 69% of disabled internet users leave websites that aren’t accessible. For small and medium businesses, this represents a significant missed opportunity.
Understand How People Use Your Site
It’s easy to think your website is intuitive just because it works for you. But that doesn’t mean it works for everyone. Some people use a keyboard instead of a mouse. Others rely on screen readers that read text aloud or use voice commands to navigate a page. Testing how real users with disabilities interact with your website can highlight gaps in Digital Accessibility you might never notice.
The most valuable insights come from real users. Invite feedback from people who use assistive technologies. Watch how they navigate your site, where they get stuck, and how they interpret your content. Small design or content changes can remove significant barriers to Digital Accessibility.
Make Your Visuals Accessible for All
Visual accessibility is one of the most common areas that websites overlook. Millions of people have some degree of visual impairment and rely on different aids to access digital content.
Text should clearly stand out against its background, even for people with low vision or color blindness. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text is considered accessible. Use free tools like the Contrast Checker from WebAIM to verify Digital Accessibility.
Make Documents User-Friendly
Many businesses share important information through downloadable documents like PDFs, Word files, or PowerPoint presentations. Unfortunately, many of these documents are inaccessible by default.
When creating a PDF, make sure it is tagged. Tagged PDFs have structural information such as headings, paragraphs, and tables, which makes them more readable for screen readers. Include alt text for images and organize content to ensure Digital Accessibility. A simple test before sending or uploading the document can ensure it can be read by everyone.
Make Reading Easier and Reduce Mental Effort
Some users may learn differently or have cognitive disabilities that affect how they read and interpret information. But even those without diagnosed disabilities benefit from plain and uncluttered content.
Use plain language. Avoid complex sentences or jargon where a straightforward explanation works. Break writing into short paragraphs with explanatory subheadings. Choose fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Sans-Serif, with at least 14 points for body text. These choices enhance Digital Accessibility for all users.
Support People with Hearing or Mobility Needs
Accessibility goes beyond visual or cognitive needs. Millions of people have hearing or physical disabilities that affect how they use technology.
Provide captions or transcripts for video and audio content to support deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors. For users with limited mobility, ensure that your website is fully navigable with a keyboard. Following these practices strengthens Digital Accessibility across all devices.
Keep Improving Through Feedback and Data
Accessibility isn’t a one-time project—it’s ongoing. Each time you update your site or add new content, test to ensure everything remains accessible. Analytics tools can provide insights on user behavior and highlight gaps in Digital Accessibility.
Make Accessibility Part of Your Brand
For SMBs, accessibility can seem like just another item on a long to-do list. But investing in Digital Accessibility shows your audience that your business is thoughtful, inclusive, and professional. It also protects you from potential legal risks under standards like the ADA.
The good news is that beauty and accessibility can coexist. A modern, visually appealing website can also excel in Digital Accessibility, welcoming all visitors.
Ready to Make Your Website More Accessible?
Accessibility is not a technical requirement—it’s about people. Ensuring everyone can read your content, fill forms, or download documents reflects excellent service.
By committing to Digital Accessibility, you’re opening doors and removing barriers. Whether it’s checking color contrast, adding alt text, naming PDFs, or testing keyboard navigation, each step improves inclusivity. Let us help you make your website and documents fully accessible for all users.
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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.