The Ultimate Guide to What Makes a Website Accessible: A Comprehensive Checklist for Web Developers 2026

What Makes a Website Accessible: A Comprehensive Checklist for Web Developers is a crucial question that has garnered significant attention in recent years, and for good reason. As we strive to create a more inclusive digital landscape, understanding what makes a website accessible is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. At SkySol Media, we’ve seen firsthand the impact that accessible website design can have on user experience and, ultimately, on the success of a website. In this ultimate guide, we will delve into the world of web accessibility, exploring the principles, guidelines, and best practices that web developers need to know to create inclusive and accessible websites. We’ll cover topics such as web accessibility guidelines, accessible website design, ADA compliance checklist, website accessibility tools, and more, to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of what makes a website accessible.

Introduction to Web Accessibility

Web accessibility is about ensuring that websites, applications, and digital tools are usable by people of all abilities, including those with disabilities. This involves following a set of guidelines and standards that dictate how digital content should be structured, presented, and interacted with. The importance of accessibility cannot be overstated, as it not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also enhances the overall user experience for everyone. We’ve consistently seen that when websites are designed with accessibility in mind, they become more user-friendly, easier to navigate, and more effective at conveying their message.

Importance of Accessibility

The importance of accessibility extends beyond the moral and ethical imperative to include people with disabilities. It also has significant practical and legal implications. Websites that are not accessible can face legal consequences, as they may be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other accessibility laws. Furthermore, accessible websites are better positioned to reach a wider audience, improve search engine rankings, and enhance their brand reputation. We’ve worked with numerous clients who have seen a significant improvement in their website’s performance and user engagement after implementing accessibility features.

Brief History of Accessibility Guidelines

The history of accessibility guidelines dates back to the early days of the web, when the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) first introduced the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) in 1999. Since then, these guidelines have undergone several revisions, with the latest version, WCAG 2.1, being published in 2018. Other guidelines and standards, such as the ADA and Section 508, have also been developed to ensure that digital content is accessible to people with disabilities. Understanding the evolution of these guidelines is crucial for web developers, as it helps them stay up-to-date with the latest best practices and requirements.

Understanding Accessibility Principles

The foundation of web accessibility is built upon four core principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. These principles outline the basic requirements for creating accessible digital content and are the cornerstone of the WCAG guidelines. At SkySol Media, we’ve found that when these principles are applied correctly, they can significantly enhance the user experience and ensure that websites are accessible to everyone.

Perceivable Information

Perceivable information refers to the ability of users to perceive the content and interface elements of a website. This includes providing alternative text for images, using high contrast colors, and ensuring that all content can be accessed through assistive technologies such as screen readers. We’ve seen that when websites are designed with perceivable information in mind, they become more accessible and user-friendly.

Operable Navigation

Operable navigation is about ensuring that users can interact with a website using a variety of devices and assistive technologies. This includes providing keyboard-navigable menus, ensuring that buttons and links can be clicked using a mouse or keyboard, and allowing users to control the timing of interactive elements. Our team has worked with clients to implement operable navigation features that have significantly improved the accessibility of their websites.

Understandable Content

Understandable content is about presenting information in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for users to comprehend. This includes using clear and simple language, providing definitions for technical terms, and ensuring that the navigation and structure of the website are logical and consistent. We’ve consistently found that when content is understandable, users are more likely to engage with it and achieve their goals.

Robust Accessibility Features

Robust accessibility features refer to the ability of a website to be used by a wide range of users, including those with disabilities, using a variety of devices and assistive technologies. This includes ensuring that the website is compatible with different browsers, devices, and screen sizes, and that it can be accessed using assistive technologies such as screen readers and voice commands. Our team has expertise in implementing robust accessibility features that ensure websites are accessible and usable by everyone.

Web Accessibility Guidelines and Standards

Web accessibility guidelines and standards are the foundation upon which accessible websites are built. These guidelines provide a set of rules and best practices that web developers can follow to ensure that their websites are accessible to people with disabilities. At SkySol Media, we’re committed to staying up-to-date with the latest guidelines and standards, including WCAG 2.1, ADA compliance, and Section 508.

WCAG 2.1

WCAG 2.1 is the latest version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, published in 2018. These guidelines provide a comprehensive set of rules and best practices for creating accessible digital content, including websites, applications, and documents. We’ve found that following WCAG 2.1 guidelines is essential for ensuring that websites are accessible and compliant with accessibility laws.

ADA Compliance

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that requires businesses and organizations to provide equal access to their services and products, including their websites. ADA compliance is critical for businesses, as non-compliance can result in legal consequences and damage to their reputation. Our team has expertise in ensuring ADA compliance for websites, and we’ve helped numerous clients achieve compliance and avoid potential legal issues.

Section 508

Section 508 is a federal law that requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. This includes websites, applications, and documents. Section 508 is based on the WCAG 2.0 guidelines and provides a set of rules and best practices for creating accessible digital content. We’ve worked with federal agencies to ensure Section 508 compliance, and we’re committed to staying up-to-date with the latest requirements.

Creating an Accessible Website

Creating an accessible website requires a thoughtful and intentional approach to design, development, and content creation. At SkySol Media, we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to creating accessible websites that includes designing for accessibility, developing accessible content, and ensuring navigation and links are accessible.

Designing for Accessibility

Designing for accessibility involves creating a website that is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and accessible to users with disabilities. This includes using high contrast colors, providing alternative text for images, and ensuring that the website can be accessed using assistive technologies. Our team has expertise in designing accessible websites that are both functional and visually appealing.

Developing Accessible Content

Developing accessible content involves creating content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. This includes using simple language, providing definitions for technical terms, and ensuring that the content is organized in a logical and consistent manner. We’ve consistently found that when content is accessible, users are more likely to engage with it and achieve their goals.

Ensuring Navigation and Links are Accessible

Ensuring navigation and links are accessible involves providing a clear and consistent navigation structure, using descriptive link text, and ensuring that links can be accessed using a keyboard or mouse. Our team has worked with clients to implement accessible navigation and links that have significantly improved the accessibility of their websites.

Tools for Web Accessibility

There are a variety of tools available to help web developers create accessible websites. These tools include accessibility auditing tools, screen readers, and assistive technologies. At SkySol Media, we’re committed to staying up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies, and we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to using these tools to ensure accessibility.

Accessibility Auditing Tools

Accessibility auditing tools are used to identify accessibility issues on a website and provide recommendations for improvement. These tools can be used to scan a website for accessibility issues, such as missing alt text, inadequate color contrast, and non-responsive design. We’ve used accessibility auditing tools to identify and fix accessibility issues on numerous websites, and we’ve seen significant improvements in accessibility and user experience.

Screen Readers and Assistive Technologies

Screen readers and assistive technologies are used by people with disabilities to access digital content. These tools can be used to read aloud the content of a website, provide alternative text for images, and enable users to navigate a website using a keyboard or voice commands. Our team has expertise in using screen readers and assistive technologies to test and improve the accessibility of websites.

Accessibility Plugins and Extensions

Accessibility plugins and extensions are used to enhance the accessibility of a website. These tools can be used to provide alternative text for images, improve color contrast, and enable users to customize the display of a website to meet their needs. We’ve used accessibility plugins and extensions to improve the accessibility of numerous websites, and we’ve seen significant improvements in user experience and engagement.

Implementing Accessibility in Web Development

Implementing accessibility in web development requires a comprehensive approach that includes front-end development considerations, back-end development considerations, and content management system (CMS) accessibility. At SkySol Media, we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to implementing accessibility in web development, and we’re committed to staying up-to-date with the latest best practices and requirements.

Front-end Development Considerations

Front-end development considerations involve creating a website that is accessible and usable by people with disabilities. This includes using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create a website that is accessible and responsive. Our team has expertise in front-end development, and we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to creating accessible and responsive websites.

Back-end Development Considerations

Back-end development considerations involve creating a website that is accessible and secure. This includes using server-side languages such as PHP and Python to create a website that is fast, secure, and accessible. We’ve worked with clients to implement back-end development considerations that have significantly improved the accessibility and security of their websites.

Content Management System (CMS) Accessibility

Content management system (CMS) accessibility involves creating a website that is accessible and usable by people with disabilities. This includes using a CMS that is accessible and customizable, such as WordPress or Drupal. Our team has expertise in CMS accessibility, and we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to creating accessible and customizable websites.

Testing for Accessibility

Testing for accessibility is a critical step in ensuring that a website is accessible and usable by people with disabilities. At SkySol Media, we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to testing for accessibility, including manual testing, automated testing tools, and user testing with assistive technologies.

Manual Testing

Manual testing involves manually testing a website for accessibility issues, such as missing alt text, inadequate color contrast, and non-responsive design. Our team has expertise in manual testing, and we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to identifying and fixing accessibility issues.

Automated Testing Tools

Automated testing tools are used to identify accessibility issues on a website and provide recommendations for improvement. These tools can be used to scan a website for accessibility issues, such as missing alt text, inadequate color contrast, and non-responsive design. We’ve used automated testing tools to identify and fix accessibility issues on numerous websites, and we’ve seen significant improvements in accessibility and user experience.

User Testing with Assistive Technologies

User testing with assistive technologies involves testing a website with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and voice commands, to ensure that it is accessible and usable by people with disabilities. Our team has expertise in user testing with assistive technologies, and we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to testing and improving the accessibility of websites.

Common Accessibility Mistakes

Common accessibility mistakes can have significant consequences, including legal issues and damage to a company’s reputation. At SkySol Media, we’ve identified common accessibility mistakes, including insufficient alt text, inadequate color contrast, and non-responsive design, and we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to avoiding and fixing these mistakes.

Insufficient Alt Text

Insufficient alt text is a common accessibility mistake that can make it difficult for people with disabilities to understand the content of an image. Our team has expertise in providing alternative text for images, and we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to ensuring that all images have sufficient alt text.

Inadequate Color Contrast

Inadequate color contrast is a common accessibility mistake that can make it difficult for people with disabilities to read and understand the content of a website. We’ve developed a comprehensive approach to ensuring that all websites have adequate color contrast, and we’ve seen significant improvements in accessibility and user experience.

Non-Responsive Design

Non-responsive design is a common accessibility mistake that can make it difficult for people with disabilities to access and use a website on different devices. Our team has expertise in creating responsive designs, and we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to ensuring that all websites are accessible and usable on different devices.

Best Practices for Accessibility

Best practices for accessibility involve creating a website that is accessible, usable, and inclusive. At SkySol Media, we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to best practices for accessibility, including accessibility statements, accessibility training for developers, and regular accessibility audits.

Accessibility Statements

Accessibility statements are used to provide information about the accessibility of a website and to provide contact information for users who need assistance. Our team has expertise in creating accessibility statements, and we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to ensuring that all websites have an accessibility statement.

Accessibility Training for Developers

Accessibility training for developers is critical for ensuring that websites are accessible and usable by people with disabilities. We’ve developed a comprehensive approach to accessibility training, and we’ve seen significant improvements in the accessibility and usability of websites.

Regular Accessibility Audits

Regular accessibility audits are used to identify and fix accessibility issues on a website. Our team has expertise in conducting accessibility audits, and we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to ensuring that all websites are regularly audited and improved.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating an accessible website is a critical step in ensuring that people with disabilities can access and use digital content. At SkySol Media, we’re committed to staying up-to-date with the latest guidelines, standards, and best practices for accessibility, and we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to creating accessible websites. By following the principles outlined in this guide, web developers can create websites that are accessible, usable, and inclusive. We’re confident that by working together, we can create a more accessible and inclusive digital landscape.

FAQ

What is web accessibility?

Web accessibility refers to the practice of making websites, applications, and digital tools accessible to people with disabilities. This includes providing alternative text for images, using high contrast colors, and ensuring that websites can be accessed using assistive technologies.

Why is web accessibility important?

Web accessibility is important because it ensures that people with disabilities can access and use digital content. It also enhances the overall user experience, improves search engine rankings, and helps businesses avoid legal consequences.

How to check if a website is accessible?

To check if a website is accessible, you can use accessibility auditing tools, such as WAVE or Lighthouse, to identify accessibility issues. You can also manually test the website using assistive technologies, such as screen readers or voice commands. Additionally, you can review the website’s accessibility statement and contact the website owner if you need assistance.