Guide to Website Accessibility
- Maciej Konarzewski
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Make Your Site Inclusive, Compliant & User-Friendly
Your website - often the first interaction customers have with your business. But have you ever stopped to think about whether everyone can actually use it?
For millions of people in the world who have visual, motor, or cognitive disabilities, a website that isn’t designed with accessibility in mind can feel like a locked door. Making your website accessible isn’t just about ticking a box.
It is about welcoming all users, improving their experience, and showing that your business cares. Plus, with laws tightening and expectations rising, it’s becoming more and more important to ensure your site works for everyone. In this website accessibility guide, we’ll explain what website accessibility really means, what the law says in the UK, and practical steps you can take to make your site inclusive and user-friendly for all.
Website Accessibility Guide. Article outline:
1. What is Website Accessibility?
Website accessibility is about making sure that everyone (regardless of their abilities or disabilities) can use your website with ease. It means designing and building digital experiences that are inclusive from the ground up. This involves everything from how your site looks and functions to how users interact with its content, whether they’re using a mouse, a keyboard, voice control, or assistive technologies like screen readers.
An accessible website ensures that no one is excluded from accessing information, making purchases, booking appointments, or engaging with your services online. It’s about creating a digital space that’s usable, flexible, and welcoming to all.
Here are just a few of the people who benefit from accessible web design:
People with visual impairments
This includes people who are blind, have trouble seeing, or can't see specific colours. They might use screen readers or need text that pops with contrast and fonts they can adjust to get around and make sense of your stuff.
People with motor disabilities
These users may have difficulty using a mouse or performing precise movements. They often navigate using keyboards, adaptive switches, or voice commands, so your site needs to support full keyboard access and simple, consistent interactions.
People with hearing impairments
For this group of website visitors, stuff like videos, voiceovers, or podcasts should come with captions, transcripts, or some visual hints so everyone gets the full scoop.
People with cognitive or learning disabilities
For people with dyslexia, ADHD, memory hiccups, or other neurodivergent conditions, keeping things straightforward with clear language, simple layouts, consistent navigation, and cutting out distractions can help them take in information better.
Older users with age-related impairments
As we age, we may experience reduced vision, hearing, motor skills, or cognitive processing. Accessibility improvements such as readable text, clear buttons, and straightforward content benefit this growing demographic too.
2. Website Accessibility- UK Legislation.
In the UK, website accessibility is governed mainly by:
The Equality Act 2010 [1]
This law requires businesses and public sector bodies to make reasonable adjustments to avoid discrimination against disabled people. It covers websites as part of “services.”
The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 [2]
This applies to public sector websites and apps, requiring them to meet accessibility standards and publish an accessibility statement.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The most widely accepted standards for website accessibility are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). UK laws typically refer to meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
Failure to comply can lead to legal action, including compensation claims and reputational damage.
3. The European Accessibility Act - What UK Businesses Need to Know.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a significant piece of legislation aimed at improving access to products and services for people with disabilities across the EU. Set to take full effect from 28 June 2025, it introduces harmonised accessibility requirements that apply to a wide range of digital services and consumer technologies (including websites, mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, e-books, ATMs, ticketing machines, and more).
While the EAA does not apply directly in the UK post-Brexit, it still has important implications for UK-based businesses trading in the EU or offering services to EU citizens. If your website or digital service is used by customers in EU countries, it will need to comply with these new standards.
The EAA is based on principles similar to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and encourages the development of inclusive, barrier-free digital experiences. For businesses, it’s not just a compliance issue; it’s also an opportunity to tap into a broader market and demonstrate social responsibility on a global scale.
4. Practical Website Accessibility Guide.
You don’t need expensive tools to make your website more accessible. Following a practical guide to website accessibility and running basic accessibility website checks can help you avoid, spot and fix common issues that might be stopping people from using your site. Below, we have put together some practical, government-recommended steps you can take today.
Use Clear Page Titles and Headings
Each page should have a clear, unique title that describes what it’s about. Also use headings (<h1>, <h2>, etc.) in the correct order, break up content into readable sections, avoid skipping heading levels (e.g., going from <h1> straight to <h4>) and make sure you provide Text Alternatives. Always include descriptive alt text for images and transcripts or captions for videos.
Ensure Keyboard Accessibility
Make sure every functionality can be used without a mouse, using only the keyboard (tab navigation, form controls, etc.). Try moving through your website using only the Tab, Shift + Tab, and Enter keys.
You should be able to access all links, buttons, and forms, see a visible focus indicator (like a border or highlight) as you tab through elements and use dropdown menus, modal windows, and interactive features. If you can't do all of that, people who rely on keyboards or assistive devices won't be able to either.
Use Sufficient Colour Contrast
Text and background colours should contrast well as screen readers convert digital text into speech or braille. Try one out (like NVDA on Windows or VoiceOver on Mac). When using it, check if the content is read aloud in a logical order. Make sure images have meaningful alt text and see if form fields have descriptive labels. Even doing this for one or two pages can highlight where your site might be confusing or silent for blind users.
An accessible website doesn’t just respond to different devices. It should also adapt smoothly when users zoom in or increase text size. Many people with visual impairments use screen magnifiers or browser zoom features to read content more comfortably. That’s why your site must behave predictably and remain fully usable even at 200% to 400% zoom or with large font settings.
Check key pages and forms by adjusting zoom levels or font sizes via browser settings. If your layout forces horizontal scrolling or hides important content, it’s a sign that the design isn’t fully responsive to user needs. Good accessibility means your content should reflow naturally, keep interactions intact, and maintain legibility at any scale.
Design Clear and Consistent Navigation
Menus, links, and buttons should be easy to find and use, with consistent placement throughout the site.
Make Sure All Links Make Sense on Their Own
Avoid vague link text like “click here” or “read more.” Links should clearly describe where they go, even when read out of context. For example: “Read our privacy policy”.
Use Readable Fonts and Sizes
Choose legible fonts and allow users to resize text without breaking the layout.
Provide Error Identification and Suggestions
When forms are filled incorrectly, make errors clear and provide instructions to fix them.
Make Forms Easy to Use
Forms are often the biggest accessibility hurdle. Check that each field has a clear label, that required fields are marked and explained, that errors are described clearly and helpfully, and that forms can be submitted using just a keyboard.
Avoid Auto-Play and Time Limits
Videos or audio that play automatically can be distracting, especially for screen reader users. If you must use them, include clear controls to pause, stop, or adjust volume.
Similarly, if your site has time-sensitive interactions (like login timeouts), give users a warning and a way to extend their session.
5. Website Accessbility Guide. The Key Takeaways.
Website accessibility isn’t just a legal box to tick. It’s a chance to make your website welcoming, usable, and enjoyable for everyone. By following UK legislation, WCAG guidelines, and best practices as outlined in this accessibility website guide, you protect your business, improve your SEO, and most importantly, include millions of users who might otherwise be excluded.
If you’re ready to make your website inclusive, compliant, and future-proof, don’t wait; start your accessibility journey today. Whether you need a full audit or expert help with website redesign, certified accessibility specialists, like Vision Marketing, can guide you every step of the way.
FAQs About Website Accessibility in the UK
Q1: What does the Equality Act 2010 say about website accessibility?
The Equality Act requires businesses to make reasonable adjustments to avoid discrimination against disabled people. This includes ensuring websites are accessible as part of the service you provide.
Q2: Who must comply with the Public Sector Accessibility Regulations?
All UK public sector bodies, including government departments, local authorities, and public services, must meet these regulations.
Q3: What is WCAG 2.1 Level AA?
WCAG 2.1 Level AA is a set of technical guidelines that websites should meet to be considered accessible. It covers things like text alternatives, keyboard accessibility, and contrast ratios.
Q4: Can I make my existing website accessible, or do I need to redesign it?
Many accessibility improvements can be made to existing sites, but sometimes a redesign is necessary for full compliance and optimal user experience.Q5: Are there penalties for non-compliance? While penalties can vary, failure to meet accessibility laws can lead to legal claims, fines, and serious damage to your reputation.
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