Building Bridges: The Importance of Accessibility in Web Design

The internet is for everyone, or at least, it should be. But too many websites make it impossible for people with disabilities to access content, navigate pages, or even complete a simple purchase.

If your website isn’t accessible, you’re excluding potential customers, risking legal trouble, and missing out on growth, all because of fixable design flaws. Let’s talk about why accessibility in web design matters and how to make sure your site is welcoming to everyone.

What Is Web Accessibility (And Why Should You Care)?

Web accessibility means designing a website that anyone, regardless of ability, can use. That includes:

• People with visual impairments (blindness, low vision, or color blindness)
• Users with hearing impairments (who rely on captions or transcripts)
• Individuals with mobility challenges (who can’t use a mouse or touchpad)
• People with cognitive disabilities (who need clear navigation and simple content)

These users often rely on assistive technology like screen readers, voice commands, or keyboard navigation. If your site isn’t designed with accessibility in mind, they’re locked out.

Not convinced? Let’s break it down.

3 Reasons Accessibility in Web Design Is Non-Negotiable1. It’s the Right Thing to Do

1. It’s the Right Thing to Do

Think about how frustrating it is when a website won’t load properly on your phone. Now imagine never being able to access certain websites at all. That’s what people with disabilities face daily.

An accessible website isn’t a luxury, it’s a basic right.

2. It’s the Law

Many countries have legal requirements for website accessibility.

• In the U.S., the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) applies to business websites, and non-compliance has led to thousands of lawsuits.
• Globally, the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) set the standard for accessibility compliance.

If your site isn’t accessible, you could be facing legal trouble.

3. It’s Good for Business

If your website isn’t accessible, you’re leaving money on the table.

• One in four U.S. adults has a disability.
• Accessible websites rank better on Google because search engines favor user-friendly sites.
• A better user experience keeps visitors on your site longer and increases conversions.

Making your website accessible doesn’t just help users, it helps your bottom line.

How to Make Your Website More Accessible

You don’t have to overhaul your entire website overnight, but small changes can make a big impact.

1. Use Semantic HTML

• Structure content with proper headings (<h1>, <h2>, etc.) so assistive technology can read it correctly.
• Avoid generic link text like “Click Here”, instead, use “View Our Services” for clarity.

2. Add Alt Text to Images

• Every image needs a description (e.g., “A woman working on a laptop at a coffee shop”).
• If an image is decorative, mark it as such so screen readers skip it.

Need help? Try a free accessibility checker like WAVE to see where you’re missing alt text.

3. Make Sure Your Website Works Without a Mouse

• All buttons, links, and menus should be navigable using just a keyboard.
• Test it yourself, use the “Tab” key to move through your site. If you get stuck, fix it.

4. Use High-Contrast Colors

• Ensure at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio between text and background colors.
• Check your colors using a tool like WebAIM Contrast Checker.

5. Add Captions and Transcripts to Videos

• Captions help people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Transcripts help users and improve search engine visibility.

Adding captions increases watch time and engagement, so it’s a win for marketing too.

Final Thoughts: Accessibility Creates a Better Web for Everyone

At the end of the day, accessible web design isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits or improving SEO—it’s about creating an internet that works for everyone.

And the best part? Most accessibility improvements make websites better for all users, not just those with disabilities.

So, let’s build better websites—ones that welcome, not exclude.

Want to make your site more accessible? Let’s chat.