Web accessibility is essential to ensuring that all users, regardless of ability, environment or device, can interact with and benefit from the digital world. While over 1 billion people globally live with some form of disability, accessible design also improves the overall user experience, enhances mobile usability, and supports users with temporary impairments. According to the World Health Organization, around 16 percent of the global population experiences significant disability. For many, poorly designed websites can present serious barriers. Beyond ethical and legal obligations under frameworks such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other international laws, digital accessibility also offers clear business advantages, including expanded market reach, stronger brand reputation, and more inclusive customer experiences.
Creating accessible digital content involves identifying common accessibility barriers and addressing them effectively. This guide outlines key obstacles and provides actionable solutions to ensure your website or application meets both user needs and compliance standards.
Visual Accessibility Barriers
Poor Color Contrast
Color contrast refers to the difference in luminance between text and background. Poor contrast can make content difficult or even impossible to read for users with color blindness or low vision. WCAG requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.
The impact of insufficient contrast extends beyond those with diagnosed visual impairments. Many users access digital content on low-quality screens or in bright lighting conditions. To resolve this barrier, use color contrast checkers during the design phase and ensure that your palette maintains strong readability across all elements. Avoid relying solely on color to convey meaning.
Text Resizing Issues
Many websites use fixed font sizes, which can create problems for users who rely on text enlargement to read comfortably. If text doesn’t scale properly, it may overlap, disappear, or navigation may become difficult.
To support digital accessibility, use relative units, such as ems or percentages, in your CSS rather than pixels. This ensures that text resizes appropriately when users zoom in. Make sure that layout containers can also scale or reflow to prevent content cutoff or horizontal scrolling.
Missing Alt Text for Images
Alternative (alt) text is crucial for users who rely on screen readers. When an image lacks alt text, users may miss critical context or information, especially if the image conveys key content.
Alt text should be concise, descriptive, and relevant to the image’s purpose. For decorative images, use empty alt attributes (alt=””) to signal that the image can be ignored. Always consider what information the image provides and write alt text accordingly to enhance web accessibility.
Navigation and Structure Barriers
Keyboard Navigation Problems
Not all users interact with websites using a mouse. Many rely on keyboards, assistive switches, or voice controls. If a site is not keyboard accessible, it excludes users who cannot operate a mouse due to physical or motor limitations.
Common problems include missing focus indicators, illogical tab order, and interactive elements that can’t be reached via keyboard. Ensure all functionality is available using the Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys. Use tabindex attributes thoughtfully and always test forms, buttons, and modals with keyboard-only navigation.
Complex Navigation Menus
Complicated dropdowns or hover-only menus can create confusion for screen reader users and people navigating with mobile devices. Overly nested menus may also make navigation difficult.
To improve digital accessibility, use simple, flat navigation structures. Ensure all menu items are reachable via keyboard and correctly labeled for screen readers. On mobile, use clear icons and touch-friendly spacing to allow easier navigation.
Inconsistent Page Structure
Semantic HTML helps assistive technologies interpret content correctly. Inconsistent use of headings, skipped heading levels, or missing landmarks can confuse users and reduce usability.
Use headings (H1 through H6) in a hierarchical and logical order to convey structure. Implement ARIA landmarks (such as banner, navigation, main, and content info) to help screen readers identify page sections. Consistent structure improves both usability and web accessibility compliance.
Interactive Elements Barriers
Inaccessible Forms
Forms often lack labels, instructions, or proper error handling, making them challenging for users with disabilities. When form fields are not clearly labeled, screen reader users cannot understand what information is required.
Each input should be paired with a label using the “for” and “id” attributes. Provide clear guidance and accessible error messages. Use ARIA attributes like aria-required and aria-invalid when necessary to signal input status.
Non-accessible Custom Controls
Custom components, such as sliders, tabs, or modals built with JavaScript, may not be accessible by default. Without appropriate ARIA roles or keyboard interaction models, these elements can become unusable for people relying on assistive technologies. When building custom controls, ensure they are operable via keyboard, include the correct ARIA roles and states, and are tested with screen readers and other assistive tools to confirm real-world usability.
It is also important to note that accessibility overlays or “widgets” (which claim to instantly fix accessibility issues) are not a long-term or effective solution. These tools often fail to address the underlying code issues that prevent proper interaction and interpretation by assistive technologies. Relying solely on overlays may create a false sense of compliance while leaving key accessibility barriers unresolved. Genuine accessibility requires thoughtful design, semantic code, and comprehensive testing.
Multimedia Without Accessibility Features
Video and audio content must be accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those with cognitive disabilities. Videos without captions exclude a wide range of users.
Provide synchronized captions for all video content, along with audio descriptions where necessary. Include transcripts for audio-only media. Use media players that support keyboard navigation and screen reader access.
Mobile Accessibility Challenges
Touch Target Size Issues
On mobile devices, small buttons and links can be difficult to tap, especially for users with motor disabilities. This can lead to frustration and prevent users from completing essential actions.
Follow WCAG guidelines which recommend a minimum touch target size of 44 by 44 pixels. Provide sufficient spacing between clickable elements and avoid placing multiple interactive components too close together.
Gestures Without Alternatives
Touch gestures, such as swiping or pinching, can be impossible for users with limited dexterity or those using assistive technology. Relying solely on gestures without alternatives creates significant barriers.
Implement alternative ways to perform gesture-based actions, such as providing visible buttons for functions that typically require touch gestures. This progressive enhancement ensures that all users can interact with your content.
Technical Implementation Strategies
Accessibility Testing Tools
Accessibility tools help identify common issues and provide insights into compliance. Automated tools such as Axe, WAVE, and Lighthouse can scan for many errors, but they aren’t sufficient on their own.
Manual testing is essential. Use screen readers like NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver, and try navigating the site using only a keyboard. Combine both testing methods for a well-rounded understanding of your website’s accessibility.
Implementing Accessibility in Development Workflow
Accessibility should be built into every stage of the development process. Start by incorporating it into wireframes and design mockups. Developers should receive training in accessibility best practices, including ARIA, semantic HTML, and responsive design.
Maintain detailed documentation of accessibility standards within your project and regularly update codebases to stay aligned with WCAG updates. Building an accessibility-first culture ensures long-term compliance and usability.
Making the Web Inclusive for Everyone
Digital accessibility is about creating experiences that welcome every user. By identifying and fixing common barriers, organizations demonstrate their commitment to inclusion, compliance, and usability. As laws and standards continue to evolve, staying proactive with accessibility is not only an ethical choice but also a strategic approach to long-term success. For teams seeking to create more effective digital environments, continuous learning and regular audits are crucial steps toward a more inclusive web.
Common Questions About Web Accessibility
What is the difference between accessibility and usability?
Accessibility focuses on ensuring that digital content can be used by people with disabilities, while usability concerns how easy and efficient a product is to use for everyone. Both are important for creating effective digital experiences.
How do I make my website WCAG compliant?
Begin by conducting an accessibility audit to identify issues, utilizing both automated and manual testing tools, and closely following WCAG guidelines. Additionally, involve users with disabilities in your testing process. Maintaining documentation and ongoing reviews will help keep your website compliant.
Can a website be fully accessible?
A website can be highly accessible, but achieving 100% accessibility is challenging due to the diverse range of user needs and assistive technologies. However, striving for full WCAG Level AA compliance and maintaining continuous improvement will bring you as close as possible to full accessibility.
