5 Common Accessibility Mistakes and How to Fix Them

1. Missing Alternative Text for Images

One of the most common accessibility issues we encounter is images without alt text. Screen reader users rely on alternative text to understand the content and purpose of images.

The Fix: Add descriptive alt text to all meaningful images. For decorative images, use empty alt text (alt="") to indicate they should be ignored by screen readers.

2. Insufficient Color Contrast

Low contrast between text and background colors makes content difficult to read, especially for users with low vision or color blindness.

The Fix: Ensure a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Use tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker to verify your color combinations.

3. Inaccessible Forms

Forms without proper labels, instructions, or error messages create barriers for users relying on assistive technologies.

The Fix: Always associate labels with form controls using the "for" attribute. Provide clear instructions and helpful error messages that explain how to correct mistakes.

4. Keyboard Navigation Issues

Many websites have interactive elements that can't be accessed or operated using only a keyboard, making them unusable for many people with disabilities.

The Fix: Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard accessible. Test your site by navigating with only the Tab key. Make sure focus indicators are clearly visible.

5. Missing Heading Structure

Improper or missing heading structures make it difficult for screen reader users to navigate and understand page content.

The Fix: Use heading tags (h1-h6) in a logical, hierarchical order. Don't skip heading levels, and ensure there's only one h1 per page.