In this introduction to website accessibility guidelines, we will look at a few of the key accessibility standards that are worth being aware of.
Key Takeaways
- Website accessibility means designing and building your site so everyone can use it, including people with disabilities.
- Following website accessibility guidelines improves usability, inclusion, and reduces risk for your organisation.
- This article covers the main accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.0, WCAG 2.1, and the upcoming WCAG 3.0.
- It also explains how New Zealand’s Government Web Standards apply, including Web Accessibility Standards 1.1 and 1.3.
- Somar Digital can help you assess, remediate, and maintain an accessible website, supporting digital inclusivity over the long term.
This blog serves as your starting point for understanding the significance of website accessibility guidelines and their impact on creating an inclusive online space.
What is Website Accessibility
Website accessibility(external link) refers to the practice of removing barriers that prevent interaction with, or access to websites, by people with disabilities. When sites are correctly designed and developed, all users have equal access to information and functionality.
It involves a comprehensive approach, including everything from the choice of colour contrasts and text size to navigation ease and content structure, ensuring that everyone, including those with impairments such as vision, hearing loss can engage fully with the site.
Why is Website Accessibility Important
Website accessibility matters because it affects whether people can actually use your content and services. The internet is a core pathway for employment, government, education, healthcare, commerce, and more, so access is part of digital inclusion and fairness. Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People notes that “one in five New Zealanders are disabled(external link)”, which makes accessibility a practical requirement, not an edge case.
Accessible websites also tend to work better for everyone. Clear structure, readable content, keyboard friendly navigation, captions, and good contrast improve usability for people on mobile, older devices, slow connections, or in bright and noisy environments. Just as importantly, accessibility reduces friction, builds trust, and helps more people complete key tasks like finding information, filling out forms, or getting in touch.
Website Accessibility Guidelines Examples
WCAG 2
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 and its subsequent update, WCAG 2.1(external link), are part of a series of web accessibility guidelines published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)'s Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). These guidelines are the most widely accepted standards for web accessibility, offering a comprehensive set of recommendations for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities.
WCAG 3
WCAG 3.0, currently in development, aims to address limitations of the previous versions by covering a broader range of disabilities and providing more flexible testing methods. It is anticipated to introduce new ways of evaluating and measuring accessibility, making it easier for website owners to ensure their sites are inclusive.
NZ Government Web Standards
The New Zealand Government Web Standards are a set of requirements that aim to ensure government websites are accessible and usable for as many people as possible. These standards are mandatory for all New Zealand government organisations, emphasising the need for public sector websites to be accessible to all citizens, including those with disabilities.
Web Accessibility Standard 1.1
The Web Accessibility Standard 1.1(external link) focuses on making web content accessible to a wider range of people with disabilities, including accommodations for blindness and low vision, deafness and hearing loss, limited movement, speech disabilities, photosensitivity, and combinations of these.
Web Accessibility Standard 1.3
Similarly, Web Accessibility Standard 1.3 builds upon these principles, incorporating newer technologies and methodologies to improve accessibility further. It addresses the ever-evolving nature of the web and the diverse ways in which people interact with online content.
What Are Some Ways You Can Improve Accessibility?
Improving accessibility does not have to mean rebuilding your whole site. These practical updates make a noticeable difference for real users, and they often improve usability for everyone.
Add Alt Text to Images
Alt text describes the purpose of an image for people using screen readers, and for cases where images do not load. Keep it specific and helpful, and avoid “image of” unless the context needs it.
Keyboard Navigation
Make sure every interactive element can be reached and used with a keyboard alone. This includes clear focus states, logical tab order, and no keyboard traps in menus, modals, or forms.
High Contrast Text and Colours
Use strong colour contrast between text and background so content is easy to read for people with low vision or colour blindness. Also avoid relying on colour alone to communicate meaning, such as “errors in red only”.
Captions for Video Content
Add captions for spoken content so videos are usable for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, and for users in quiet or noisy settings. Where possible, include transcripts for longer videos.
Semantic HTML
Use proper headings in order, meaningful landmarks (like header, nav, main, footer), and correct elements for buttons, links, and form labels. Semantic HTML helps assistive technology understand the page structure and makes navigation faster and clearer.
Does Your Site Follow Accessibility Guidelines? If Not, Somar Digital Can Help
Somar Digital can help you implement website accessibility guidelines, ensuring that your digital presence is not only compliant with current standards but also prepared for future developments. Our approach encompasses a thorough audit of your site, identification of potential accessibility barriers, and the implementation of necessary changes to enhance inclusivity.
By partnering with Somar Digital, you ensure your website is accessible to all users, thereby enhancing user experience, expanding your audience, and complying with legal standards.
