Accessible Web Design: WCAG Basics Every Site Owner Should Know

Accessibility means making your website usable by as many people as possible, including those with visual, hearing, motor or cognitive disabilities. It is also good for SEO, usability and reputation.

The four WCAG principles

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are organised around four ideas: content should be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust.

Quick wins to start with

• Alt text: describe meaningful images so screen readers can convey them.
• Colour contrast: keep a strong contrast between text and background.
• Keyboard access: make sure every link, button and form works without a mouse and shows a visible focus outline.
• Headings: use a logical order, with one main heading and clear subheadings.
• Form labels: connect every field to a visible label and give clear error messages.
• Captions: provide captions or transcripts for video and audio.

Do not rely on colour alone

Use icons or text as well as colour to show errors or status, since some people cannot distinguish certain colours.

Test regularly

Try navigating your own site using only the keyboard, and run a free checker such as Lighthouse or WAVE. Automated tools catch only part of the issues, so also ask real users for feedback.

Accessible design is not an extra feature. It is part of building a website that respects every visitor.