Common Mistakes When Implementing Web Accessibility in SMBs

Web accessibility is a fundamental aspect of website development, especially for SMBs striving to comply with regulations in the United States. However, during the implementation of web accessibility, it is common to make certain mistakes that can affect user experience and compliance with legal requirements. Below, we detail the most frequent mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Not Considering Accessibility from the Start

One of the most common mistakes is leaving web accessibility for the final stages of development. Integrating accessibility practices from the early stages saves time and resources and ensures the final product is accessible to everyone.

Solution: Incorporate web accessibility from the planning and design stages, ensuring each component meets WCAG 2.2 guidelines.

2. Incorrect Use of HTML Tags and ARIA Roles

Misusing semantic tags and ARIA roles can confuse assistive technologies, making navigation difficult for users with disabilities.

Solution: Use appropriate semantic HTML tags and apply ARIA roles only when necessary, following best practices in development. In web accessibility, it is critical to remember that incorrect use of ARIA attributes can be more harmful than not using them at all. Always ensure you fully understand ARIA implementation before applying it to web projects.

3. Insufficient Color Contrast

Inadequate contrast between text and background impacts readability, especially for users with visual impairments.

Solution: Ensure color contrast meets WCAG AA level using contrast-checking tools during design.

4. Images Without Alternative Text

Images lacking "alt" attributes prevent screen readers from conveying essential information to visually impaired users.

Solution: Provide clear and concise alternative descriptions in the "alt" attribute for each image.

Consider the purpose of each image. If it is purely decorative and does not add relevant information, omit the alternative text to avoid unnecessary information overload. For images conveying important data, include clear and concise descriptions in the "alt" attribute to ensure an inclusive web experience.

5. Inaccessible Forms

Forms without proper labels and clear instructions can be unusable for some users.

Solution: Implement robust accessibility practices in form design:

• Explicit Labels: Ensure every form field has a clearly associated label. Use the "for" attribute in the label to directly link it to the corresponding field ID, enabling screen readers to effectively communicate each field's purpose.

• Clear Instructions: Provide visible and audible instructions explaining how to complete form fields, especially when specific formats or types of data (e.g., dates, phone numbers) are required.

• Accessible and Specific Error Messages: Display error messages that are visually noticeable (e.g., with contrasting colors) and announced by screen readers. These messages should clearly explain the error and guide users on how to fix it.

By implementing these solutions, form usability and accessibility improve significantly, enabling all users, regardless of ability, to interact effectively with web content.

6. Overreliance on JavaScript

Essential functionalities dependent solely on JavaScript can be inaccessible for users who disable it in their browsers or use assistive technologies that do not interpret it properly.

Solution:

• Basic Functionality Without JavaScript: Develop websites ensuring that core functions are available without requiring JavaScript. This is known as progressive enhancement.

• Accessible Alternatives: Provide alternative methods to access the same functionalities, ensuring all users can interact with the site regardless of their technological preferences or limitations.

7. Ignoring Testing with Real Users

Relying solely on automated validation tools may be insufficient to ensure comprehensive web accessibility, as these systems do not capture all usability barriers faced by users in real contexts.

Solution:

• Testing with Real Users: Complement automated evaluations with tests conducted by users with various disabilities. This helps identify specific interaction problems that automated tools might overlook.

• Manual Audits by Experts: Include manual audits by accessibility experts who can assess overall accessibility and usability, considering standards and best practices beyond the limitations of automated tools.

8. Failing to Provide Keyboard Navigation

Many users rely on keyboards for navigation, and sites lacking this functionality restrict their access.

Solution: Ensure all interactive elements are accessible and operable via keyboard.

9. Multimedia Content Without Alternatives

Videos and audio content without captions or transcripts exclude users with hearing impairments.

Solution: Add captions to videos and provide transcripts for audio content.

10. Failing to Stay Updated with Accessibility Standards

Accessibility standards evolve, and not keeping up can lead to legal non-compliance.

Solution: Monitor updates to WCAG and local accessibility laws to ensure ongoing compliance.

How Can A11ySolutions Help Your SMB?

Accessibility Evaluation and Audit

Comprehensive Accessibility Audits:

At A11ySolutions, we understand that a thorough accessibility audit is crucial to ensure your website and applications not only comply with current regulations but also provide an optimal user experience for everyone. Our Comprehensive Audits combine meticulous manual evaluations with advanced automated testing to deliver an in-depth analysis of your digital assets’ accessibility.

Integrated Approach and Tools Used:

• Automated Tools: We use cutting-edge software to scan and identify accessibility issues that manual reviews may miss. These tools are essential for evaluating large volumes of content and ensuring consistent detection of common issues, such as color contrast problems, missing ARIA labels, and semantic HTML errors.

• Manual Evaluations: We complement automated testing with manual assessments, where our experts use various assistive technologies and navigation techniques to simulate the experiences of users with different disabilities. This includes:

  • Screen Readers: Software like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver to ensure content is fully accessible and navigable without visual interaction.

  • Keyboard Navigation: Ensuring all website functions can be operated using only the keyboard, a necessity for users with motor impairments.

  • Accessibility Review Tools: Plugins and browser extensions to identify accessibility issues in real-time during navigation.

Audit Process:

1. Pre-Audit: Collecting information on the client’s accessibility goals and preparing the testing environment.

2. Audit Execution: Performing automated and manual tests using the aforementioned technologies for a comprehensive analysis.

3. Findings Report: Detailed documentation of accessibility issues, accompanied by screenshots, descriptions of problems, and references to the violated WCAG success criteria.

4. Recommendations and Solutions: Providing practical solutions and guidance on fixing the identified issues, including code changes, design adjustments, and best practices for future maintenance.

Implementation and Remediation Services

• Corrective Action Development: We offer complete code remediation services as part of our commitment to accessibility.

• Design Collaboration: Our team works closely with your design team from the early stages of product development to ensure all components and functionalities are accessible.

• Continuous Testing and Validation: We conduct thorough testing cycles after implementing solutions to ensure functionality and compliance.

Accessible Documentation Services

We ensure that all your documents, including PDFs, Word files, presentations, and spreadsheets, are fully accessible, adhering to accessibility standards and providing an equitable user experience.

Commitment to Universal Accessibility

Our goal is to remove digital barriers and enhance the user experience for all. Delegating accessibility corrections to A11ySolutions not only ensures compliance with regulations but also improves usability and end-user satisfaction.

Implementing web accessibility correctly is essential to comply with regulations and provide a better experience for all users. Avoiding these common mistakes is a crucial step for SMBs aiming to enhance their digital presence and embrace inclusivity. If you need assistance, A11ySolutions is here to support you.