Get Started with Digital Accessibility: A Practical Guide

What is Digital Accessibility?

Digital accessibility means ensuring that technology and digital content can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities. This includes websites, mobile applications, documents, and any other digital tools or content. When we create accessible digital experiences, we ensure that people with various disabilities—including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities—can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with digital content effectively.

Digital accessibility encompasses:

  • Websites and web applications
  • Mobile apps and software
  • Digital documents (PDFs, Word documents, presentations)
  • Multimedia content (videos, podcasts, images)
  • Social media posts
  • Email communications
  • Interactive forms and tools

Core Principles of Digital Accessibility

The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) framework defines four main principles:

  1. Perceivable: Information must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive
  2. Operable: User interface components must be operable by all users
  3. Understandable: Information and interface operation must be understandable
  4. Robust: Content must be robust enough to work with various assistive technologies

Getting Started: Your First Steps

1. Learn the Basics

Start with these fundamental practices:

  • Use clear, descriptive headings and structure
  • Provide alternative text for images
  • Ensure sufficient color contrast
  • Make all functionality available via keyboard
  • Write clear, simple content
  • Use descriptive links instead of “click here”

2. Test Your Content

Begin with simple testing methods:

  • Try navigating with only your keyboard
  • Test with a screen reader
  • View content in high-contrast mode
  • Zoom in to 200%
  • Turn off images and check if the content makes sense

3. Use Built-in Tools

Most modern software includes accessibility features:

  • Microsoft Office’s Accessibility Checker
  • Adobe Acrobat’s Accessibility Tools
  • Built-in browser developer tools
  • Color contrast analyzers

Essential Techniques by Content Type

Documents

  • Use heading styles for structure
  • Include alternative text for images
  • Create accessible tables with headers
  • Use built-in list formats
  • Ensure sufficient color contrast
  • Add meaningful hyperlink text

Websites

  • Implement proper HTML semantics
  • Ensure keyboard navigation works
  • Add ARIA labels where needed
  • Provide skip navigation links
  • Make forms accessible
  • Test with various devices and browsers

Multimedia

  • Include accurate captions for videos
  • Provide transcripts for audio content
  • Ensure media players are keyboard accessible
  • Include audio descriptions when needed
  • Allow users to control playback

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using Color Alone to Convey Information
    • Always provide additional indicators
    • Ensure sufficient contrast
  2. Missing Alternative Text
    • Every meaningful image needs alt text
    • Decorative images should have null alt text
  3. Poor Document Structure
    • Use proper heading hierarchy
    • Avoid skipping heading levels
  4. Inaccessible Forms
    • Label all form fields
    • Provide clear error messages
    • Allow keyboard navigation

Building Accessibility into Your Workflow

  1. Start at the Beginning
    • Include accessibility in planning
    • Choose accessible tools and platforms
    • Set up templates with accessibility features
  2. Regular Testing
    • Schedule periodic accessibility reviews
    • Use automated and manual testing
    • Get feedback from users with disabilities
  3. Documentation
    • Keep accessibility guidelines handy
    • Document common solutions
    • Share best practices with team members

Next Steps for Growth

  1. Expand Your Knowledge
    • Take online courses
    • Join accessibility communities
    • Follow accessibility experts
    • Attend webinars and conferences
  2. Use Advanced Tools
    • Screen readers (NVDA, VoiceOver)
    • Automated testing tools
    • Color contrast analyzers
    • Accessibility validation tools
  3. Engage with the Community
    • Connect with disability advocates
    • Share your learning journey
    • Contribute to accessibility projects
    • Mentor others

Conclusion

Digital accessibility is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Start with the basics, build good habits, and gradually expand your knowledge and skills. Remember that small improvements make a significant difference in creating an inclusive digital world for everyone.

The most important step is to begin. Choose one area to focus on, implement what you’ve learned, and gradually expand your accessibility practices. Every accessible piece of content you create helps build a more inclusive digital world.