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AAAtraq - Accessibility Risk Management

Accessibility 101

Understanding website accessibility requirements and regulations

What is website accessibility?

Website accessibility (often abbreviated as a11y) means designing and building your website so that everyone can use it, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.

Think of it as adding a "ramp" to your website for people with disabilities, but just like real-world ramps, these digital fixes actually help everyone, including people with temporary injuries (like a broken arm) or those using mobile phones in bright sunlight.

"These digital fixes actually help everyone."

What Accessibility Covers

An accessible website ensures that people with the following needs can interact with your content

  • Visual impairments

    People who are blind or have low vision, relying on screen readers or screen magnifiers.

  • Color blindness

    People who cannot distinguish between certain colors.

  • Motor difficulties

    People who cannot use a mouse and navigate using a keyboard or voice commands.

  • Cognitive or learning disabilities

    People who need clear, simple language and easy, predictable navigation.

  • Hearing impairments

    People who are deaf or hard of hearing and need captions for videos.

Accessibility details and guidance

Top 5, Non-Technical Actions

Ask your content managers, web people to confirm these have been checked

Use Alt Text for Images
Describe what is in an image in the "alt text" box in your website editor. This helps blind users understand visual content.
Ensure High Color Contrast
Make sure text is easy to read against the background (e.g., black text on a white background is better than light grey on light blue).
Create Proper Headings
Use heading tags (H1, H2, H3) to structure content logically, rather than just making text bold and large.
Add Captions/Transcripts
Add captions for videos and text transcripts for audio files.
Use Descriptive Link Text
Instead of "Click here," use descriptive text like "Read our 2025 report".

Why Accessibility Matters

It's Inclusive
It allows everyone to access your services.
It's the Law
In many places, including the UK and US, websites are legally required to be accessible.
Better SEO
Google favors accessible websites, often resulting in higher search rankings.
Better Usability
An accessible site is often faster, easier to use, and more intuitive for everyone.

"An accessible site is often faster, easier to use, and more intuitive for everyone."

Getting a bit technical - 4 Main Principles (POUR)

Accessibility guidelines are built around four main pillars

Perceivable
Information must be presented in a way that people can sense (e.g., text, sound, or touch). If you have a video, it needs captions.
Operable
The interface must be usable. For example, a user should be able to navigate your entire website using only a keyboard.
Understandable
The content and navigation must be easy to comprehend. Avoid jargon and make instructions clear.
Robust
The website should work well on different browsers and with various assistive technologies (like screen readers).

Key Regulations

Section 508
The Government of the United States is required by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC § 794d) to make their technologies (including websites) accessible.
Section 508 (opens in new tab)
ADA
Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, also referred to as the ADA, (42 U.S.C. § 12101). Title II state and local government with Title III regulating commercial facilities.
ADA (opens in new tab)
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2 is developed through the W3C process in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world.
WCAG (opens in new tab)

Articles / Litigation

Accessibility 101 frequently asked questions