The internet can be a great tool for those with physical or sensory impairments to access resources and connect with others. However, websites are not always designed to meet the needs of everyone, making them inaccessible to those with disabilities.
Fortunately, accessibility solutions can ensure your web pages meet the needs of all users. From automated screen reader programs to HTML modifications, you can use several solutions to improve your website accessibility. This way, you can help people with different needs access your website seamlessly.
However, if you’re unaware of useful accessibility solutions, we’ve compiled a list of some common accessibility solutions to help you out. So let’s start exploring them.
How Many Accessibility Solutions Can You Use?
The exact number of accessibility solutions available is quite risky to predict. That’s because there are several accessibility solutions you can use depending on the specific needs of an individual.
Some solutions may be more effective than others in certain settings. Thus, you must determine what best meets your unique requirements before investing in any specific solution.
Additionally, you can use accessibility services from brands like Accessibility Spark to implement WCAG and ADA website accessibility standards.
Also read: Best ADA Compliance Checker for Shopify Store
7 Common Types of Accessibility Solutions
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), you must make your website accessible to all users.
Here are a few common types of accessibility solutions available:
1. Manual Accessibility Testing
Manual Accessibility Testing involves manually checking content for areas that are not compliant with accessibility standards and regulations.
This type of testing requires an auditor to evaluate interactive elements, keyboard operability, and any screen reader support needed for people with disabilities. Auditors can uncover any hidden or specific problems that automated tests miss. Additionally, they can provide feedback on design decisions when implementing an accessible website.
Manual methods also provide helpful insights into user experience from the perspective of someone with disabilities. An auditor evaluates how users are likely to interact with a site to get their desired outcome.
2. Automated Screen Reader Applications
Automated screen reader applications use software such as NVDA or VoiceOver to emulate how someone with a disability would experience a site.
The automated tests can detect elements on the page that do not have accessibility tags or do not use semantic HTML correctly. Therefore, this method allows an auditor to obtain an objective assessment of how accessible a website is. This way, auditors can convey specific pieces of information accurately via screen readers.
Moreover, automated screen reader applications give clear pass-or-fail results highlighting any errors within the code so you can fix them immediately.
3. Image Alt Text Solutions
Image alt-text solutions focus on providing text alternatives for images. The alternative text should:
- Accurately describe an element’s function
- Provide additional context
- Explain what the image conveys
This helps visually impaired users understand the image by providing descriptions that a screen reader can read, adding another layer of accessibility to your website.
Moreover, this solution makes visual content more engaging and accessible for everyone who is accessing it. That’s because it provides context and meaning with words that differentiate one type of imagery from another.
4. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) Modifications
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) modifications involve modifying existing standards and adding coding. This allows you to present content in a suitable manner suitable for users with disabilities.
HTML modifications also include altering the code to ensure images have proper titles and adding headings for heading navigation. Additionally, writing rules into code allow users to resize text or change colors on a page.
The most common changes made in HTML involve increasing motion control by changing font color/size or allowing users to navigate via keyboard commands alone. These modifications take time and need regular checks as HTML standards change.
5. Mobile Optimisation
Mobile optimization ensures that websites are easily accessible from mobile devices, such as phones and tablets. It involves adjusting screen configurations to fit different device sizes and resolutions and tailoring content for easier navigation.
By employing a responsive design approach, websites can easily adjust their layout and features with mobile devices in mind. With careful attention to buttons and links, users will find them easy to use regardless of their device.
Additionally, text reformatting is often necessary so that it’s easy to read on smaller screens. Mobile optimization also eliminates any usability issues caused by incompatible formats or views that don’t fit with the user’s device size and orientation.
6. High Contrast Screens
High-contrast screens provide an important accessibility feature for people with vision problems. Through adjustments to the background and text colors or brightness on a page, users can adjust their settings to make the text easier to read. Contrast levels need to be set high enough so that users can easily distinguish between different elements on a page, no matter what their vision impairment may be.
For instance, light grays on white backgrounds become nearly invisible for those who are color blind. High-contrast screens allow them to adjust the display so they can more easily differentiate between colors and text.
High contrast is also suitable for those with low vision since it increases the legibility of displays both near and far away from them. These settings give a better experience for all types of users when viewing web pages, providing content that is equally accessible regardless of any visual impairments individuals might have.
7. Text-to-Speech Programs
Text-to-speech programs provide an important accessibility solution for those who have difficulty reading and comprehending text. These software applications convert written words into computer-generated audio, allowing users to listen to what they are reading instead of having to read it themselves.
This is immensely helpful for visually impaired or non-readers, as it gives them a way to absorb complex content without the need for visual aids.
Text-to-speech programs also respond in different voices and languages, tailoring the program’s output according to the user’s preferences. They offer adjustable speed settings too, allowing people to match their listening rate with their comprehension level.
Final Thoughts
Accessibility solutions are available in several forms and the type suitable for your website depends on the needs of the user. Whether it be manual testing or mobile optimization, each type of solution is designed to ensure that every user can access content online regardless of their disability.
When creating content for your website, you should use these common accessibility solutions to make your website more accessible. These tools also provide valuable insights into user interaction with websites.
You may also like: Website Accessibility for Hearing Impaired?