Designing for Accessibility

What You’ll Learn

• What accessibility is and why it matters for businesses.
• Key design principles that help all users—including screen-reader and keyboard users.
• How to improve text contrast, layout, navigation, and interactions.
• How to add alt text, semantic headings, and accessible components.
• How to implement accessibility inside WordPress + Elementor.

What Is Accessible Design?

Accessible design ensures your website is usable by people with different needs, including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities. Accessibility is not just a legal requirement; it improves usability for everyone—especially mobile users, seniors, and users with slow internet speeds.

Core Accessibility Principles

1. Provide Sufficient Color Contrast

   Text should be easy to read on any background.

   • Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for body text.
   • Use dark text on light backgrounds (or vice versa).
   • Add overlays when placing text on images.

2. Use Accessible Text Sizes

   Small text strains the eyes and reduces readability.

   • Body text: 16–18px.
   • Line height: 1.5–1.7.
   • Avoid long lines—keep content inside a max-width container.

3. Use Semantic Headings (H1–H6)

   Screen readers use headings to navigate the page.

   • Only one H1 per page.
   • Use H2 for major sections, H3 for subsections.
   • Never skip heading levels for styling.

4. Ensure Keyboard-Friendly Navigation

   Users must be able to navigate your site without a mouse.

   • All links and buttons should be focusable.
   • Focus indicators should be visible (outline or highlight).
   • Avoid interactive elements that require hover-only interaction.

5. Add Meaningful Alt Text to Images

   Alt text allows screen readers to describe images to visually impaired users.

   • Describe the purpose, not the pixels.
   • Decorative images can have empty alt text (alt="").
   • Never stuff keywords into alt text.

6. Use Clear, Descriptive Link Text

   Avoid vague links like “Click here.”

   • Use action-oriented text: “Download the guide,” “Book a consultation.”
   • Make link purpose obvious even without surrounding context.

7. Create Accessible Forms

   Forms must be easy to understand and use with assistive technology.

   • Each field must have a visible label.
   • Use clear error messages and success messages.
   • Make touch targets large enough on mobile.

8. Reduce Motion & Flashy Animations

   Overuse of animation can cause dizziness, distraction, or motion sensitivity issues.

   • Avoid parallax backgrounds or fast-moving elements.
   • Use subtle fades instead of slides or spins.
   • Keep animations optional whenever possible.

Implementing Accessibility in Elementor

1. Enable Accessible Global Styles: Define high-contrast text and accessible link colors.
2. Use the Navigator: Ensure headings follow a logical order (H1 → H2 → H3).
3. Check Focus States: Buttons and links should have visible focus outlines.
4. Use ALT Text Fields: Add descriptive alt text when uploading images to WordPress.
5. Test Keyboard Navigation: Press Tab to ensure all interactive elements can be reached.
6. Use the Accessibility Checker Plugin (Optional): Scan for missing labels, low contrast, etc.

Do’s & Don’ts

Quick Accessibility Exercises (10–15 Minutes)

1. Increase your body text size to at least 16px.
2. Add alt text to the first five images on your homepage.
3. Test your site using only the keyboard (Tab, Enter, Shift+Tab).
4. Update headings to follow a proper semantic order.
5. Remove or soften any overly flashy animations.

Accessibility Checklist

• Readable text with strong contrast.
• Logical heading structure (H1 → H2 → H3).
• Keyboard-friendly navigation.
• Clear labels and accessible forms.
• Consistent spacing and alignment.
• Alternative text for all meaningful images.
• Minimal, non-distracting animations.