Web accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of removing barriers that prevent interaction with or access to websites by people with disabilities. When sites are correctly designed, developed, and edited, all users have equal access to information and functionality.

Web accessibility benefits a wide range of users. It aids individuals with permanent disabilities, like visual impairment or motor difficulties. It's also valuable for elderly users facing challenges due to ageing and individuals with temporary impediments, such as a broken arm or lost glasses. Even users with situational limitations, like a new parent with only one hand free, benefit from accessible design.

UX is an all-encompassing discipline, melding together design, psychology, research, and technology. It concentrates on the interactions between users and digital platforms, aiming to make these interactions as smooth, enjoyable, and valuable as possible. This involves understanding user needs, creating efficient interfaces, testing and refining designs, and continually updating the experience based on user feedback and changing needs.

Designing for Screen Readers: Screen readers are essential tools for visually impaired users. Proper use of HTML semantic elements (e.g., main, section, article, header, and nav), ARIA roles, and alt text for images ensure that screen readers can interpret web page content correctly.

Colour Contrast and Font Choice: Ensure a sufficient contrast ratio between the text colour and the background colour. WCAG 2.1 recommends a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text. Choose fonts that are easy to read, and avoid using text in images.

Accessible Navigation and Keyboard Functionality: Every functionality that is accessible by mouse should also be accessible by keyboard. This includes access to all pages, links, content, and even dynamic actions like sliders and carousels.

Alt Text for Images: Alternative text describes the appearance and function of an image on a page. Properly formatted alt text is crucial for screen reader users to understand the message conveyed by the use of images.

Web accessibility is not just about inclusivity and compliance. It's also a strategic business decision. Accessible websites typically have better search results, reducing the need for unnecessary duplicate content. Improved site usability enhances user experience, leading to higher customer loyalty. Moreover, with around 15% of the world's population experiencing some form of disability, accessible websites have a broader market reach.

Web Accessibility Auditing Tools

Web accessibility auditing tools like WAVE or Google Lighthouse can help evaluate your website's accessibility. These tools provide valuable insights, but they should not replace user testing, as some aspects of accessibility are subjective and situational7.

BBC's Mobile Accessibility Guidelines: The BBC has been a pioneer in promoting accessible content. They've curated a comprehensive set of mobile accessibility guidelines for their developers, designers, and content producers. These guidelines not only address the challenges of screen sizes and touch interfaces but also detail methods to ensure that mobile web content is accessible to all[^8^]. From providing alternative text for images to maintaining sufficient contrast ratio, these guidelines serve as a benchmark for accessible web design.


Microsoft's Inclusive Design Methodology: Microsoft's commitment to accessibility extends beyond compliance. They've adopted an inclusive design methodology that empathises with and learns from people with disabilities. As part of this initiative, Microsoft redesigned their suite of products to be more accessible, making features like improved screen reading and better keyboard access integral to their product design[^9^]. This dedication to accessibility demonstrates that with a user-centred approach, businesses can create products that cater to a wider audience.

Web accessibility is much more than a checklist or a set of guidelines—it's a commitment to inclusivity and equality. As we create and curate digital experiences, our focus should be on breaking down barriers and making the internet truly a place for all. The journey of web accessibility might seem challenging, but the rewards—improved user experience, wider market reach, enhanced brand reputation—are certainly worth it. Let's create a digital world that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusivity, and provides equal opportunities for all.

Ready to Enhance Your Web Accessibility?

Embracing web accessibility is a transformative process. It involves rethinking and redesigning aspects of your digital platforms to be more inclusive. But you're not alone in this journey. At Blue Mandarin, we're committed to helping you navigate the nuances of web accessibility.

Our team of expert web designers and developers are trained in WCAG guidelines and are equipped with the technical knowledge to implement accessible design. Whether you're starting a new project or revamping an existing one, we can guide you towards creating a digital platform that's accessible, user-friendly, and compliant with web accessibility standards.

But we don't stop at just implementing. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge. As we work on your project, we'll help you understand the intricacies of web accessibility, equipping you with the knowledge to maintain and enhance accessibility in your future endeavours.

Are you ready to take a step towards an inclusive digital presence? Contact us today for a free consultation. Let's build a web that's truly for everyone, together.