Week 4 - Why is Accessibility Important

Why is Accessibility Important
When Designing a Website?

Accessibility in web design is about making sure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use and enjoy your website. This includes users who are blind, deaf, colorblind, or have mobility challenges. Designing with accessibility in mind means you are not leaving anyone behind. It also helps with SEO, improves overall usability, and makes your site easier to navigate for all users—not just those with disabilities. More importantly, it is the right thing to do. Inclusive design shows that you value every visitor and are committed to building a better, more equal web.

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10 Things to Ensure Accessibility:

1. Use proper heading structure (H1, H2, H3, etc.) -- Helps screen readers understand content hierarchy.

2. Add descriptive alt text to all images -- So users with vision impairments can understand visual content.

3. Ensure color contrast is high enough -- Text should be easy to read, even for those with low vision or color blindness.

4. Make all site functions accessible by keyboard -- Not everyone uses a mouse or touchscreen.

5. Provide captions and transcripts for all audio and video -- Essential for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.

6. Avoid flashing elements or autoplay media -- These can cause sensory overload or seizures.

7. Label form fields clearly -- Use placeholders and instructions that make it easy for everyone to fill them out.

8. Test your site with screen readers -- Tools like NVDA or VoiceOver can show how usable your site is without visuals.

9. Use clear and simple language -- Write in a way that is easy to understand for all literacy levels.

10. Include accessibility in your design process from the start -- Do not treat it like an afterthought.