# Access by Design > Award-Winning Web Design Chichester --- ## Pages - [Thank you for contacting us!](https://accessbydesign.uk/thank-you-for-contacting-us/): Thank you for filling in our form, we will aim to respond within one working day. If your query is urgent, please do call us on +44-11243-766399 - [The Truth about Overlays](https://accessbydesign.uk/web/the-truth-about-overlays/): The Truth about Overlays Overlays are one of the most misunderstood aspects of web design. Many web designers love them and, in accessibility circles, - [About](https://accessbydesign.uk/about/): Based in Chichester, we specialise in designing and building completely bespoke websites that are accessible across all platforms. - [Promo](https://accessbydesign.uk/marketing/): A great deal of thought go into creating a logo, it communicates so much about your business - [Audit](https://accessbydesign.uk/audit/): We have a new website dedicated solely to Website Accessibility Audits - [Web](https://accessbydesign.uk/web/): At Access by Design, we specialise in creating accessible web and digital services, prioritising inclusivity and usability. - [Our Clients](https://accessbydesign.uk/about/our-clients/): We have seen many changes on the Web since we started, back in 2006. Back then, websites were much simpler, less stylish and with much less functionality. - [A Christmas Musical Greeting for you!](https://accessbydesign.uk/a-christmas-musical-greeting-for-you/): Happy Christmas to all our customers, clients and friends! CAPTION: Clive and the Team at Access by Design wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy - [Thank you](https://accessbydesign.uk/client-thank-you/): Thank you for booking a 60-minute consultation. Please feel free to email any relevant information in advance of our meeting to Basecamp or directly to me - [Website Consultancy Service](https://accessbydesign.uk/audit/consultancy/): Offering pay-as-you-go guidance and training to web designers, agencies, businesses, and organisations to meets accessibility standards. - [Who We Are](https://accessbydesign.uk/about/who-we-are/): The incredible team at Access by Design. Led by TED Speaker Clive Loseby, they have always been at the forefront of digtial accessibility. - [WordPress Websites](https://accessbydesign.uk/web/wordpress/): Professional WordPress website development services at Access by Design. We create custom, high-quality, and accessible WordPress sites. - [Testimonials](https://accessbydesign.uk/about/testimonials/): We are very proud of our testimonials, testament to our exceptional service and lasting positive impact. - [Legal Information](https://accessbydesign.uk/legal-information/): This Legal Information tells you the terms of use on which you may make use of our website, whether as a guest or a registered use - [Contact Us](https://accessbydesign.uk/contact-us/): Book a website consultation or accessibility audit with us! Call +44 (0)1243 776399 or email info@accessbydesign.uk. We look forward to hearing from you! - [Blog](https://accessbydesign.uk/blog/): Our blog is our voice, for connection, sharing insights, and building an accessible community. - [Our Work](https://accessbydesign.uk/our-work/): Crafting engaging, bespoke WordPress websites since 2006. We create designs that captivate your visitors within 7 seconds. - [Graphic Design and Branding](https://accessbydesign.uk/marketing/graphic-design-and-branding/): Elevate your brand with professional graphic design and branding services. We create impactful, accessible designs tailored to your unique needs. - [SEO in 2025](https://accessbydesign.uk/marketing/search-engine-optimisation/): Google is blind. If your websites is built properly and works effectively for disabled people, it will work well with Google! - [Copywriting](https://accessbydesign.uk/marketing/copywriting-services/): Capture both impatient and thorough website visitors with compelling stories. Our skilled copywriter ensures Google-friendly content. - [Website Accessibility Audit](https://accessbydesign.uk/audit/website-accessibility-audit/): Digital Website Accessibility Audit. WCAG 2.2 Compliance and much more. Our team of disabled testers offer unique insights! - [Accessible Website Design](https://accessbydesign.uk/web/accessible-website-design/): Create an inclusive online presence with our accessible website design services. We specialise in websites for users with disabilities. - [Website Design & Development](https://accessbydesign.uk/web/website-design/): Having a clean, well-designed website that is easy to navigate, is essential in this day and age for growing your business. - [eCommerce](https://accessbydesign.uk/web/ecommerce-website-design/): Selling online is highly competitive. Access by Design focuses on creating eCommerce websites right from the start, using WooCommerce and WordPress. - [Accessible Website Services](https://accessbydesign.uk/web/services/): Access by Design offers accessible website services in design, eCommerce solutions, WordPress development, accessibility audits, and more. - [Our History](https://accessbydesign.uk/about/about-us/): We are specialists in Accessible Website Design. Chichester based, we have led the way since 2006. Accessible Websites are in our DNA. - [Home](https://accessbydesign.uk/): Transform your online presence with Access by Design, the award-winning leader in accessible web design, development and testing. --- --- ## Posts - [European Accessibility Act: Only 9 Days To Secure WCAG Compliance](https://accessbydesign.uk/european-accessibility-act-9-days-left-and-businesses-remain-exposed/): The clock continues to count down. With just 9 working days remaining, the European Accessibility Act comes into force on 28 June 2025. Despite the - [European Accessibility Act: 10 Days Left To Ensure WCAG Compliance](https://accessbydesign.uk/european-accessibility-act-10-days-left-to-ensure-wcag-compliance/): There are now only 10 working days remaining until the European Accessibility Act becomes enforceable on 28 June 2025. This legislation extends far beyond - [Business Roundtable: Raising Accessibility With Alison Griffiths MP](https://accessbydesign.uk/business-roundtable-raising-accessibility-with-alison-griffiths-mp/): Date: 17 June 2025 Location: Millennium Chamber, Littlehampton Town Council On Monday I was honoured to attend a Business Roundtable discussion hosted by - [The European Accessibility Act: The Definitive Compliance Guide For Businesses](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-european-accessibility-act-the-definitive-compliance-guide-for-businesses/): Introduction The European Accessibility Act (EAA) represents one of the most significant expansions of digital accessibility law in recent history. From - [Friday The 13th May Be Superstition. 28 June Is The Real Deadline](https://accessbydesign.uk/friday-the-13th-may-be-superstition-28-june-is-the-real-deadline/): Today is Friday the 13th. For some, it is a day wrapped in superstition, a date to tread carefully. For businesses trading in or with the EU, however, - [What Can You Achieve In 15 Minutes? More Than You Think](https://accessbydesign.uk/what-can-you-achieve-in-15-minutes-more-than-you-think/): When it comes to running a business, time always feels short. There are meetings, deadlines, client work, staff to manage, and a thousand other demands - [11 June 1989: The Day Everything Changed](https://accessbydesign.uk/11-june-1989-the-day-everything-changed/): Thirty-six years ago, my life changed forever. I had an accident that could have ended everything. It did not. It became the beginning of something far - [What To Ask Before Choosing An Accessibility Partner](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-right-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-an-accessibility-partner/): Finding the right partner to support you with the European Accessibility Act is not just about ticking a box. It is about choosing someone who will guide - [This Is Not the Millennium Bug – It Is the New GDPR](https://accessbydesign.uk/this-is-not-the-millennium-bug-it-is-the-new-gdpr/): The European Accessibility Act is not a false alarm. It is a legal reality, and your website must be ready. Do you remember the Millennium Bug? The fear - [Meet Another Member Of Our Team: AI With A Human Touch](https://accessbydesign.uk/meet-another-member-of-our-team-ai-with-a-human-touch/): If you have worked with us recently, you may have noticed how our online activity has become smoother and better organised. From feedback sessions to - [Why WCAG Is The Foundation Of Accessible Web Design](https://accessbydesign.uk/why-wcag-is-the-foundation-of-accessible-web-design/): At Access by Design, we only build websites that meet accessibility standards. It is part of who we are and always has been. One of the most important - [Accessibility Is Not Optional](https://accessbydesign.uk/accessibility-is-not-optional/): There is no shortcut to an accessible web design. There is no plug-in that will do the job. No overlay. No magical toolbar that makes your website - [Overlays, Hacks and Headlines: The Real Cost of Fake Accessibility](https://accessbydesign.uk/overlays-hacks-and-headlines-the-real-cost-of-fake-accessibility/): Here’s something terrifying: 1 million websites were hacked — not through malware or phishing — but via a widely used accessibility overlay tool. The very - [Accessible Web Design That Gets It Right From Day One](https://accessbydesign.uk/accessible-web-design-that-gets-it-right-from-day-one/): At Access by Design, we believe every website should be accessible to everyone from the start. That has been our mission since 2011 when we created the - [Why Most People Get Caught Out When They First Hear About Website Accessibility](https://accessbydesign.uk/why-most-people-get-caught-out-when-they-first-hear-about-website-accessibility/): Consider this scenario. You have just discovered the European Accessibility Act and realise your website might need to comply. The first step is to search - [Why Equality Day Matters: 26 Days Until the European Accessibility Act](https://accessbydesign.uk/why-equality-day-matters-26-days-until-the-european-accessibility-act/): We are now just 26 days away from the European Accessibility Act coming into force. This legislation requires websites that are accessed by people in the - [Why Waiting Is No Longer an Option](https://accessbydesign.uk/why-waiting-is-no-longer-an-option/): There are now just 29 weekdays remaining before the European Accessibility Act becomes law. For organisations who serve customers in the EU, this is a - [We Only Build Websites That Are Fully Compliant With The European Accessibility Act](https://accessbydesign.uk/we-only-build-websites-that-are-fully-compliant-with-the-european-accessibility-act/): At Access by Design, we build one kind of website. A fully compliant one. As the European Accessibility Act comes into force, businesses are realising - [Why Overlay Tools Are Not The Answer to Digital Accessibility](https://accessbydesign.uk/why-overlay-tools-are-not-the-answer-to-digital-accessibility/): There is a growing trend of businesses relying on accessibility overlays. These tools are often described as smart, automated, and easy to install. But - [New YouTube Video, After 11 Months, I Finally Hit Record Again](https://accessbydesign.uk/new-youtube-video-after-11-months-i-finally-hit-record-again/): Nearly a year ago, I stepped away from YouTube. Not because I lost interest, but because running a business in the middle of a storm means some things - [Why B2B Websites Must Embrace Accessible Web Design](https://accessbydesign.uk/why-b2b-websites-must-embrace-accessible-web-design/): Many businesses still believe the European Accessibility Act is only for public services or online shops. That is not the case. If your website is - [We will call you if you need to](https://accessbydesign.uk/we-will-call-you-if-you-need-to/): What Happens When No-One Calls You Back? Sometimes we reach out to companies about their website accessibility and get a very polite reply. "Thanks so - [Why Brand Reputation Is Now Tied To Accessibility](https://accessbydesign.uk/why-brand-reputation-is-now-tied-to-accessibility/): For many businesses, there is one thing even more important than revenue. Their brand. Years ago, we were asked to create a standalone website for a - [Why Every Day Should Be Accessibility Day](https://accessbydesign.uk/why-every-day-should-be-accessibility-day/): We’ll be honest — we missed GAAD. Again. Global Accessibility Awareness Day was last Thursday and while we always cheer it on, we don’t plan around it. - [Day 44 – Agencies: You Need To Protect Your Clients And Yourselves](https://accessbydesign.uk/day-44-agencies-you-need-to-protect-your-clients-and-yourselves/): There are now just 44 days to go until the European Accessibility Act becomes law.If your clients sell to or serve customers in the EU, their websites - [What 110 Accessibility Statements Taught Us About Website Risk](https://accessbydesign.uk/what-110-accessibility-statements-taught-us-about-website-risk/): Imagine opening your front door, only to realise 90 percent of your visitors cannot get inside. That is exactly what is happening across the digital - [45 Days To Go: Your Clients Are At Risk — And So Are You](https://accessbydesign.uk/45-days-to-go-your-clients-are-at-risk-and-so-are-you/): The European Accessibility Act takes effect on 28 June 2025. If any of your clients have customers in the EU, their websites must meet accessibility - [Just 46 Days To Go: Make Sure Your Website Is Inclusive And Compliant](https://accessbydesign.uk/just-46-days-to-go-make-sure-your-website-is-inclusive-and-compliant/): The European Accessibility Act comes into force on 28 June 2025, and if your business serves customers in the EU, your website must meet accessibility - [Is Your Website Ready For The European Accessibility Act?](https://accessbydesign.uk/is-your-website-ready-for-the-european-accessibility-act/): Time is running out. On 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act becomes law — and if your business serves customers in the EU, your website must meet - [In conclusion - there is nothing you cannot do!!](https://accessbydesign.uk/in-conclusion-there-is-nothing-you-cannot-do/): Accessibility is a journey we’ll all be taking—especially with the EAA on the way. But please, don’t feel daunted. Once you start learning this stuff, you - [How do YOU know if your website is accessible?](https://accessbydesign.uk/how-do-you-know-if-your-website-is-accessible/): Simple—ask disabled people to test it for you! My own disabilities don’t affect how I use websites, which is why I have a team of disabled people who work - [Beware snake oil salesmen!](https://accessbydesign.uk/beware-snake-oil-salesmen/): Website accessibility can seem a bit overwhelming, especially when you first start learning about it. You might be tempted to use a 3rd party - [Focus Trap](https://accessbydesign.uk/focus-trap/): In my last post, I talked about Popups (Modals) and the importance of making sure that screen readers are alerted when they appear on a website or any - [Popups!](https://accessbydesign.uk/popups/): This could be one that appears after a short while to check you are still there, or asks if you are sure you want to leave. It could be a simple form or a - [Navigation challenges](https://accessbydesign.uk/navigation-challenges/): One of the most important parts of a website is the navigation. People need to find the pages they want and most will use a mouse. Have a look at the - [Web Agencies, This Is Your Responsibility Too](https://accessbydesign.uk/web-agencies-this-is-your-responsibility-too/): With just 43 days left until the European Accessibility Act comes into force, it is time to look at your clients' websites — and your own role in what - [What does Colour Contrast actually mean?](https://accessbydesign.uk/what-does-colour-contrast-actually-mean/): How is Colour Contrast defined? Colour contrast is one of the most common accessibility issues out there. It’s about how different two colours appear in - [What’s the best way to avoid using the c-word?](https://accessbydesign.uk/whats-the-best-way-to-avoid-using-the-c-word/): Expanding on inclusive link text Let’s call out the culprit straight away: “Click here.” It crops up on every other page, yet for many people it’s - [How do YOU pronounce WCAG?](https://accessbydesign.uk/how-do-you-pronounce-wcag/): Expanding on accessibility guidelines When it comes to web accessibility, our own “building regulations” are the - [The European Accessibility Act: Why You Must Act Now](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-european-accessibility-act-why-you-must-act-now/): What is the EAA? The European Accessibility Act (EAA) introduces new rules that mirror the regulatory impact of GDPR, which imposed significant fines for - [Some inaccessibility stats](https://accessbydesign.uk/some-inaccessibility-stats/): According to WebAIM’s annual Million Report, a sobering 95.9 per cent of the top one million home‑pages scanned in 2024 still betrayed at least one - [3 reasons why digital accessibility is important](https://accessbydesign.uk/3-reasons-why-digital-accessibility-is-important/): Reason 1 - Legal There are guidelines you are legally required to follow if you are in the public sector.  If you are in the private sector, you can - [What is an alt tag and how should I use it?](https://accessbydesign.uk/what-is-an-alt-tag-and-how-should-i-use-it/): Alt text in a nutshell Alt text (often mis‑labelled an “alt tag”) is the little string you drop into an image’s alt="" attribute so a - [What is digital accessibility?](https://accessbydesign.uk/what-is-digital-accessibility/): 22In essence, anything delivered through a web browser—be it a public‑facing site, a secure staff portal, an e‑learning environment or the self‑service - [Why Accessibility is important to me](https://accessbydesign.uk/why-accessibility-is-important-to-me/): Most people who work within accessibility have a personal reason for doing so. This is the central reservation on the Old Shoreham Road, in West Sussex, - [Brighton SEO 2025 - Google is Blind](https://accessbydesign.uk/brighton-seo-2025-google-is-blind/): I had the privilege of speaking about website accessibility at Brighton SEO last week. It was the first time here and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire - [Our Terms and Conditions](https://accessbydesign.uk/abdterms/): Terms and Conditions for Website Development Terms and Conditions for Website Hosting - [The return of plain text emails!](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-return-of-plain-text-emails/): Today I celebrate the return of plain text emails! I hope this will lead, one day, to the eventual elimination of HTML emails altogether. I am not a fan - [TEDTalk views passes 1 million!](https://accessbydesign.uk/tedtalk-views-passes-1-million/): I am very pleased to announce that my TEDTalk has now had over 1 million views! It has been nearly 3 years since I had the honour of speaking at a TEDx - [Userway faces class action lawsuit over alleged false accessibility and ADA compliance claims](https://accessbydesign.uk/userway-faces-class-action-lawsuit-over-alleged-false-accessibility-and-ada-compliance-claims/): Lawsuit over accessibility widget This article originally appeared on TechStart-ups on 23/12/2024. Userway is facing a class action lawsuit filed by - [FTC orders AI accessibility startup accessiBe to pay $1M for misleading advertising](https://accessbydesign.uk/ftc-orders-ai-accessibility-startup-accessibe-to-pay-1m-for-misleading-advertising/): Reposting this article from the TechCrunch website:  The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has fined accessiBe, a startup that claims to make websites - [Snake oil salesmen in 2024 selling inaccessible overlays!](https://accessbydesign.uk/snake-oil-salesmen-in-2024-selling-inaccessible-overlays/): It is good to know that snake oil salesmen are still going strong in 2024! Their product, so they say, will fix your website and make it WCAG - [Calling all website owners!](https://accessbydesign.uk/calling-all-website-owners/): An exciting new project! I am planning to produce a series of short analysis videos, focussing on my passion for raising awareness of website - [So you want English pounds?](https://accessbydesign.uk/so-you-want-english-pounds/): Let's donate some money! Recently, Iona and I had a somewhat frustrating experience while testing the donation page of a charity website. The page offered - [Clive is a keynote speaker at brightonSEO 2025](https://accessbydesign.uk/clive-is-a-keynote-speaker-at-brightonseo-2025/): I am super proud to announce that I am now officially a Keynote Speaker at brightonSEO next April! I love working with agencies and helping them with - [Is your SAAS Platform WCAG 2.2 Compliant?](https://accessbydesign.uk/is-your-saas-platform-wcag-2-2-compliant/): Does this make sense? Let us put it another way, can disabled people use your digital products? I am getting enquiries from SASS Vendors on exactly this - [Enabling Grant for Chichester-based small businesses now available](https://accessbydesign.uk/enabling-grant-for-chichester-based-small-businesses-now-available/): Chichester District Council have just announced that their popular Enabling Grant is now open again for applications. If you have a business within the - [Access by Design Award Winners once again!](https://accessbydesign.uk/access-by-design-award-winners-once-again/): We are delighted to announce that we were winners at the Chichester and Bognor Business Awards last Friday, in the Digital Excellence Category! The - [How to make Wicked even more so using Accessibility Services!](https://accessbydesign.uk/how-to-make-wicked-even-more-so-using-accessibility-services/): I was lucky enough to watch Wicked The Musical last night at the Mayflower, Southampton. I had seen it before in the West End but this experience was - [Oh no, not the c-word!](https://accessbydesign.uk/oh-no-not-the-c-word/): What is the C-Word with Web page accessibility? Click Here. Er... Click Where? Click here. Three simple words that are incredibly frustrating. You see - [The need for a colour check is not just for websites!](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-need-for-a-colour-check-is-not-just-for-websites/): A real-world experience with a credit card My elderly father has been hospitalised for some time but will be coming home on Monday. This news brings - [Happy Birthday WCAG - Accessibility!](https://accessbydesign.uk/happy-birthday-wcag-accessibility/): What is WCAG? Accessibility means what exactly? 25 years ago, WCAG 1.0 was introduced. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Version 1.0  These - [The problem with white backgrounds](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-problem-with-white-backgrounds/): White backgrounds affect some neurodivergent people. Symptoms can include headaches and exhaustion. I see this at first-hand with two of my team, when we - [Finalists at the Chichester and Bognor Business Awards 2024!](https://accessbydesign.uk/finalists-at-the-chichester-and-bognor-business-awards-2024/): We are thrilled to announce that we are finalists at the Chichester and Bognor Business Awards 2024, in the Digital Excellence Category! There is a - [Why Is Involving Disabled Individuals Crucial for Accessibility Audits](https://accessbydesign.uk/why-is-involving-disabled-individuals-crucial-for-accessibility-audits/): A Website Accessibility Audit that involves disabled people is the - [How to Make Your Site User-Friendly for Everyone](https://accessbydesign.uk/how-to-make-your-site-user-friendly-for-everyone/): Having an accessible website is both a moral and legal requirement. It also opens more doors than you could imagine! Talk to us today! - [Ensuring Equal Access to Your Website](https://accessbydesign.uk/ensuring-equal-access-to-your-website/): Ensuring that you have an accessible website is critical in keeping you ahead of your competitors. We are industry-leading experts! - [The Importance of Correctly Labelling Forms in Accessible Web Design](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-importance-of-correctly-labelling-forms-in-accessible-web-design/): Accessible Web Design can be complex, espeically with Forms. We always ensure that our websites have correctly labelled forms, Let us help. - [A Comprehensive Guide to Website Accessibility Best Practices](https://accessbydesign.uk/a-comprehensive-guide-to-website-accessibility-best-practices/): Looking for accessible web design, Chichester? We have been creating fully accessible websites since 2006 and lead the web in innovation! - [The Crucial Role of Keyboard Navigation in Accessible Web Design](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-crucial-role-of-keyboard-navigation-in-accessible-web-design/): Accessible Web Design, Chichester. It is what we do. Every time. Talk to us to find out about having an accessible website for yourself! - [Embracing Accessibility: The Cornerstone of Web Design in Chichester](https://accessbydesign.uk/embracing-accessibility-the-cornerstone-of-web-design-in-chichester/): Accessible web design doesn't limit creativity; instead, it fosters it. In today's landscape having an online presence is crucial, for business success. - [Why Colour Contrast is Important in Accessible Web Design](https://accessbydesign.uk/why-colour-contrast-is-important-in-accessible-web-design/): Looking for advice on Accessibile Website Design? Start with getting the basics right to help you create an accessible website! - [Investing in an Accessible Website is the Best Investment You Could Make](https://accessbydesign.uk/investing-in-an-accessible-website-is-the-best-investment-you-could-make/): You make the choice Investing in a website that's accessible, to all, is a choice for your business. In today's era your website serves as the face of - [If you want to have an accessible website built, where do you begin?](https://accessbydesign.uk/if-you-want-to-have-an-accessible-website-built-where-do-you-begin/): We have long history of Accessible Web Design and specialise in WCAG 2.2 Accessible Websites - [What benefits does Accessible Web Design bring to your business?](https://accessbydesign.uk/what-benefits-does-accessible-web-design-bring-to-your-business/): If you wish to speak to experts in Accessible Web Design, call us! We have been creating Accessibles Websites since 2006! - [The Importance of Accessible Web Design for Voice Recognition Software Users](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-importance-of-accessible-web-design-for-voice-recognition-software-users/): Need a WCAG 2.2 Accessibility Audit? Our team of disabled testers ensure you get so much more than just a basic assessment! - [Why a fully accessible website is like a unicorn](https://accessbydesign.uk/why-a-fully-accessible-website-is-like-a-unicorn/): A fully Accessible Website does not exist. However, our expertise in WCAG 2.2 Accessible Website Design will help you get much closer to it! - [How WCAG 2.2 Accessible Web Design Empowers Everyone](https://accessbydesign.uk/how-wcag-2-2-accessible-web-design-empowers-everyone/): In todays age of technology the Internet has become a source of information, services and opportunities. However it's important to acknowledge that not - [Strategies and Revelations from Website Accessibility Audits](https://accessbydesign.uk/strategies-and-revelations-from-website-accessibility-audits/): Have a Website Accessibility Audit with a disabled accessibility testing team. It will give you unbeatable, unique insights! - [Unveiling Access A Holistic Approach to Digital Inclusivity](https://accessbydesign.uk/unveiling-access-a-holistic-approach-to-digital-inclusivity/): Only a Website Accessibility Audit with a disabled accessibility testing team will give insights not found anywhere else! - [A Website Accessibility Audit Demystified](https://accessbydesign.uk/a-website-accessibility-audit-demystified/): A website accessibility audit is a crucial process for ensuring that digital content is accessible to all, regardless of abilities or disabilities - [The parallels between a website Accessibility Statement and an MOT Certificate](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-parallels-between-a-website-accessibility-statement-and-an-mot-certificate/): What's the Common Ground? At glance a website accessibility audit and a cars MOT test certificate may seem unrelated.. Upon examination they share - [The challenges faced by screen readers](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-challenges-faced-by-screen-readers/): Screen readers face hurdles due to web complexity, tech limits, and evolving digital trends. Awareness helps create inclusive digital spaces. - [Bridging the Gap: The Unified Principles of Physical and Digital Accessibility](https://accessbydesign.uk/bridging-the-gap-the-unified-principles-of-physical-and-digital-accessibility/): Introduction Creating spaces, products and technologies that cater to the needs of individuals is crucial, for ensuring inclusivity. Whether in the world - [The importance of website accessibility testing with disabled people](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-importance-of-website-accessibility-testing-with-disabled-people/): Creating Welcoming Websites for Everyone! In a world driven by the digital revolution ensuring website accessibility is of importance. With the internet - [Is it OK to open Links in a new window?](https://accessbydesign.uk/is-it-ok-to-open-links-in-a-new-window/): Navigating link behavior is a common challenge. Opening links in new windows can frustrate users, especially those with disabilities. Clearly communicate when a link will open in a new window to enhance accessibility and user experience. - [New Website Accessibility Seminar for 2024](https://accessbydesign.uk/new-website-accessibility-seminar-for-2024/): Clive's upcoming seminar delves deeper into Website Accessibility, covering practical considerations, public and private sector requirements, and the European Accessibility Act, with a potential online recording. - [Buttons and Links - common misconceptions](https://accessbydesign.uk/buttons-and-links-common-misconceptions/): Common issue: buttons that look like buttons but are coded as links, causing confusion for users like Iona who rely on voice commands. Consistency is crucial; if it looks like a button, code it as a button. - [Answering the question before last](https://accessbydesign.uk/answering-the-question-before-last/): Blind testers faced with confusing forms and misaligned labels, reminiscent of 2 Ronnies sketch. Appearance doesn't guarantee functionality! - [Click here. Er...click where, exactly?](https://accessbydesign.uk/click-here-er-click-where-exactly/): Think for a moment Have you ever found yourself staring at a webpage, scratching your head, wondering, "Click here? Click where?" You're not alone; it's - [Disabled people do not like hamburgers!](https://accessbydesign.uk/disabled-people-do-not-like-hamburgers/): Did you know that disabled people do not like hamburgers? Here is why… Hamburgers are generally not good for your health and yet many of us love them. It - [Dynamic content - the elephant in the room](https://accessbydesign.uk/dynamic-content-the-elephant-in-the-room/): Web pages often change visually without reloading, posing challenges for screen reader users. Accessibility testing by disabled individuals is crucial for inclusivity. - [Which of these Alt Tags is the most appropriate?](https://accessbydesign.uk/which-of-these-alt-tags-is-the-most-appropriate/): Alt tags matter! Avoid subjective descriptions; use AI or be concise. Descriptive alt tags enhance accessibility for all users. - [What should be in an Alt tag?](https://accessbydesign.uk/what-should-be-in-an-alt-tag/): Alt tags aid accessibility for the blind, describing images on websites. Writing them involves considerations of detail and sensitivity. Opinions vary; share yours! - [Breaking the Law!!](https://accessbydesign.uk/breaking-the-law/): Cookie banners, though legally required, hinder accessibility. Example: Iona couldn't control optional cookies via voice, violating privacy and equality laws. - [Confirmation Bias](https://accessbydesign.uk/confirmation-bias/): Blind users often miss online confirmations, impacting their experience. A portal's success in delivering accessible messages brought positive surprises. Inconsistencies persist but highlight easy fixes for enhanced accessibility. - [The Importance of Website Accessibility](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-importance-of-website-accessibility/): Ensuring Inclusivity and Compliance In today's digital age, having an online presence is essential for individuals, businesses, and organizations of all - [We are going on a scavenger hunt!](https://accessbydesign.uk/we-are-going-on-a-scavenger-hunt/): Have you ever been on a scavenger hunt? It is an exciting and interactive recreational game in which participants work individually or in teams to find a - [How do you balance aesthetics with accessibility?](https://accessbydesign.uk/how-do-you-balance-aesthetics-with-accessibility/): Two images, same website There are two images above. The image on the left is of our website. The image on the right is also of our website. The content - [The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, otherwise known as WCAG](https://accessbydesign.uk/the-web-content-accessibility-guidelines-otherwise-known-as-wcag/): What are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines? This is perhaps the most common starting point when you first come across this thing called Website - [A staircase and a ramp are both OK!](https://accessbydesign.uk/a-staircase-and-a-ramp-are-both-ok/): A perfect world? We would all love it if we lived in a world where every website or web portal was completely accessible to everyone, regardless of their --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2025-04-17 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/brightonseo2025/ 1 2 ► --- > Thank you for filling in our form, we will aim to respond within one working day. If your query is urgent, please do call us on +44-11243-766399 - Published: 2025-03-05 - Modified: 2025-03-05 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/thank-you-for-contacting-us/ Thank you for filling in our form, we will aim to respond within one working day. If your query is urgent, please do call us on +44-11243-766399 --- > The Truth about Overlays Overlays are one of the most misunderstood aspects of web design. Many web designers love them and, in accessibility circles, - Published: 2024-08-12 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/web/the-truth-about-overlays/ The Truth about Overlays Overlays are one of the most misunderstood aspects of web design. Many web designers love them and, in accessibility circles, they are generally seen as an evil that must be avoided at all costs. As an accessible web design company that believes passionately in inclusivity and beautiful design, we feel it is important to publicly state where we stand on their use. What is an Overlay? An overlay is simple in concept. It is a graphical element that appears as an additional layer on a web page that allows for additional information or elements to be displayed without affecting the design of a page. The following are examples of overlays: A chat widget, usually at the bottom of the screen A lightbox, which allows you to view an image in a larger large Notification messages which appear a pop-up A menu that stays in place on the screen as you navigate up and down a page Why are they used? They are usually used to keep a web page as uncluttered as possible. If a web page is cluttered, it can be difficult for people to navigate through and, frankly, everyone likes a nice clean design. On the face of it, they are an effective way of allowing extra functionality without disrupting the layout of a web page. Should you use them? This is where the confusion begins. Broadly speaking, there are two types of overlays: Overlays provided by a 3rd party Overlays designed within the... --- > Based in Chichester, we specialise in designing and building completely bespoke websites that are accessible across all platforms. - Published: 2024-07-29 - Modified: 2024-11-14 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/about/ Introduction to Our Website Accessibility Services and Clients At Access by Design, we have been leading the way in accessible web design since 2006. Our mission has always been to prove that great design and accessibility can coexist, ensuring that websites are not only beautiful but also functional and usable for all users, including those with disabilities. In this section, we introduce you to the variety of clients we’ve worked with, each of whom has embraced the importance of website accessibility. From designing fully accessible websites to partnering with businesses to improve the accessibility of existing sites, our work speaks to our dedication to creating digital experiences that everyone can use. Whether you’re new to accessibility or looking to improve your website, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way. Key Areas of Our Services Our Clients We’re proud to have worked with a wide range of clients across industries, helping them achieve accessible, user-friendly websites. Here, we share the diverse organisations that have trusted us to make their digital presence more inclusive. Website Accessibility Audits Learn how our in-depth website accessibility audits help identify and resolve issues on your site, ensuring compliance with WCAG guidelines and improving user experience for people with disabilities. SEO and Copywriting Services Optimising your website for search engines is essential for visibility. Discover how our SEO and copywriting services help ensure your website ranks well while providing clear, valuable content for users. Graphic Design and Branding We create compelling brand identities... --- > A great deal of thought go into creating a logo, it communicates so much about your business - Published: 2024-07-29 - Modified: 2024-11-14 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/marketing/ Introduction to Our Website Services: SEO, Copywriting, and Branding At Access by Design, we understand that having an accessible, well-structured website is just the first step in building a successful online presence. To stand out and reach the right audience, your website must be optimised for search engines, clearly communicate your message, and present a strong, cohesive brand. Whether you're looking to improve your Google rankings, refine your messaging, or create a distinct brand identity, we offer comprehensive services to help you achieve your goals. This page provides an overview of our core services, each designed to enhance your website’s performance, visibility, and appeal. From SEO strategies and expert copywriting to custom graphic design and branding, we are here to ensure your website not only attracts visitors but also converts them into loyal customers. Key Areas of Our Website Services SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) Learn about the key elements of SEO that can boost your website’s visibility in search engines, including mobile compatibility, accessibility, and original content creation. We help ensure your website is built according to Google's best practices, making it easier to find and more attractive to search engines. Copywriting Discover how well-crafted, engaging copy can improve your search engine rankings and help you connect with your audience. Our copywriting service focuses on creating content that is both informative and optimised for SEO, ensuring your website delivers both value and visibility. Graphic Design and Branding A strong visual identity is crucial for any business. We offer a range... --- > We have a new website dedicated solely to Website Accessibility Audits - Published: 2024-07-29 - Modified: 2024-11-14 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/audit/ Introduction to Website Accessibility & Consultancy Services At Access by Design, we are committed to helping businesses, designers, and organisations create accessible websites that everyone can use, regardless of ability. From ensuring your website meets legal accessibility standards to providing expert consultancy and training, we offer a wide range of services designed to support both the technical and strategic aspects of web accessibility. Whether you're building a new website, conducting an accessibility audit, or looking for guidance on improving your site's accessibility, we are here to help. This parent page will provide an overview of our services, with links to more detailed child pages where you can explore our approach to website accessibility audits, consultancy, and more. Key Areas of Our Website Accessibility & Consultancy Services Website Accessibility Audit Learn about the importance of a comprehensive website accessibility audit and how it can help you meet legal requirements, improve user experience, and avoid potential litigation. We provide thorough audits that include an Accessibility Statement, and we work closely with you to implement the necessary improvements. Website Consultancy Service If you need expert advice, training, or support on website accessibility, we offer a flexible, pay-as-you-go consultancy service. Whether you're a web designer or an organisation, we can help ensure that your website is accessible, user-friendly, and compliant with relevant guidelines. Our Website Accessibility Consultancy Process Understand the step-by-step process we follow to ensure your website is fully accessible. Our approach includes collaboration with designers, developers, and clients to create websites that... --- > At Access by Design, we specialise in creating accessible web and digital services, prioritising inclusivity and usability. - Published: 2024-07-29 - Modified: 2024-11-14 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/web/ Introduction to Our Website Services At Access by Design, we are committed to building high-quality, accessible websites that not only meet industry standards but also create an inclusive digital experience for all users. Whether you are looking for a fully responsive website, a bespoke eCommerce platform, or a WordPress site that adheres to the highest accessibility standards, we are here to help you bring your vision to life. On this page, you'll find an overview of the services we offer, from accessible web design to the development of custom WordPress websites. Each section links to more detailed pages, where we dive deeper into the specific aspects of our process, ensuring that every website we create is user-friendly, inclusive, and future-proof. Key Areas of Our Website Services Accessible Website Design Learn about the core principles of accessible web design, and how we create websites that cater to users with various disabilities. We ensure every site is easy to navigate and fully inclusive, from adjustable text sizes to high contrast modes. Website Design & Development Explore our approach to website design, where we combine creativity with functionality to create beautiful, high-performance sites. Every website undergoes over 80 checks to ensure it works seamlessly across all devices and browsers. eCommerce Websites: Selling Online Made Easy Looking to sell online? Our bespoke eCommerce solutions, built with WooCommerce, offer a seamless shopping experience that is both accessible and optimized for higher Google rankings, ensuring long-term success. WordPress Websites WordPress is the world's most popular content... --- > We have seen many changes on the Web since we started, back in 2006. Back then, websites were much simpler, less stylish and with much less functionality. - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2024-10-31 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/about/our-clients/ We have seen many changes on the Web since we started, back in 2006. Back then, websites were much simpler, less stylish and with much less functionality. However, as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines were first released in 1999, accessibility fundamentals have not deviated from its core principles. Website accessibility is now, sadly, ignored or misunderstood by the vast majority of websites in existence. In 2024 95% of websites are still failing basic accessibility checks. Although this figure is decreasing slightly, it is marginal. We understand the tension between accessibility and design, after all, it is in our name. Whether it has been through creating accessible websites, helping them improve the accessibility of their existing website or partnering with them in spreading the accessibility message, it is a privilege to work with all of our clients on a journey of discovery. Here are some of the clients we have been fortunate enough to work with. Changing the World, One Website at a Time --- > Happy Christmas to all our customers, clients and friends! CAPTION: Clive and the Team at Access by Design wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy - Published: 2022-12-19 - Modified: 2022-12-19 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/a-christmas-musical-greeting-for-you/ Happy Christmas to all our customers, clients and friends! CAPTION: Clive and the Team at Access by Design wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please press play to hear the music! The music that is playing was one of my commissions with Walt Disney, when I was a composer for TV and Film. I hope you enjoy it! We will be closed for business on Friday 23rd December and reopen on Tuesday 3rd January My sincerest good wishes for a peaceful time for everyone. Clive Loseby and the Team Access by Design --- > Thank you for booking a 60-minute consultation. Please feel free to email any relevant information in advance of our meeting to Basecamp or directly to me - Published: 2022-10-23 - Modified: 2022-10-23 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/client-thank-you/ Thank you for booking a 60-minute consultation. Please feel free to email any relevant information in advance of our meeting to Basecamp or directly to me clive@accessbydesign. uk I allow 15 minutes before the meeting to review anything that you send. All material will be treated in the strictest confidence. You will be invoiced in the usual way, my payment terms are 7 days. I look forward to seeing you! Many thanks Clive Loseby Access by Design --- > Offering pay-as-you-go guidance and training to web designers, agencies, businesses, and organisations to meets accessibility standards. - Published: 2022-10-12 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/audit/consultancy/ Expert Training and Support in Website Accessibility Are you a web designer or an agency looking for support or training on making a website you are building for your client accessible? Are you a business, a charity, or a public sector organisation looking for help making sure your new website is accessible for disabled people? Perhaps you are both looking for someone who can effectively bridge the gap between the two of you. This is where I can help. I can bridge that gap I have been working in website accessibility since 2006 . As a poll that I ran recently last week showed, 98% of respondents felt that website accessibility should have been included at the beginning of the project. Sadly, it nearly always comes at the end instead, usually some months after it has gone live. The money has been spent and the chances of getting any remedial work done are almost nil. Most clients will not want to pay to have a website accessibility expert from the outset, I understand that. I also understand that web designers do not deliberately set out to create inaccessible websites. It just often ends up that way. I want to solve both of these problems. No contract, just pay as you go, whenever you need it. What if you could book me, for an hour, at any stage of your project for guidance, training or support? No contracts, literally just pay as you go. I am never going to make a... --- > The incredible team at Access by Design. Led by TED Speaker Clive Loseby, they have always been at the forefront of digtial accessibility. - Published: 2022-05-24 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/about/who-we-are/ The Access by Design Team We are passionate about Digital Accessibility in Design. It is in our name and in our DNA. We will help you understand how you can achieve what you want, in a clear, unambiguous and supportive way. Everyone in our team brings unrivalled specialist knowledge to help you on your journey into digital accessibility. We love what we do because we know that it makes a difference. One Website at a Time. Clive Loseby Founder, TED Speaker Clive is the founder of Access by Design. He is a recognised authority on digital accessibility for disabled people and is a passionate speaker about the subject. His TED Talk on website accessibility has been watched by over 950. 000 people. Clive has worked with computers for over 40 years. He also has a Post-Grad in Music and has previously been an international, award-winning composer for TV and Film. His credits include BBC, Channel 4, Universal Studios, Discovery, Jaguar, British Airways and Walt Disney. Sonia Jennings Account Manager Sonia is a highly experienced account manager who has worked for Access by Design since 2016. After studying Business Studies at Oxford Brookes University she obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Marketing at the University of the West of England, Bristol, as well the CAM Diploma (Communications, Advertising and Marketing) and the Diploma of the Institute of Marketing. She has previously worked for a number of London agencies on a wide variety of projects before joining Access by Design. Pollyana Miranda Head... --- > Professional WordPress website development services at Access by Design. We create custom, high-quality, and accessible WordPress sites. - Published: 2020-11-25 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/web/wordpress/ We love WordPress! WordPress is the world’s most popular Content Management System (CMS), powering over 40% of all websites. Its popularity stems from its user-friendliness, making it easy for people with little technical knowledge to manage their sites. Like most CMS platforms, WordPress comprises four main components: Database: Stores the structure and content of the website. Template: Contains files that define the website's appearance and performance. Core WordPress Files: Enable the website to load, and allow users to log in and make changes. Physical Content: Includes images, videos, audio, documents, and other files. How is WordPress Used? The key element of WordPress is the template. Most users, including many web designers, don’t code their own templates but use pre-made ones, often from sources like Theme Forest. Many also use website-building tools like Beaver Builder to simplify the process. However, pre-made templates often contain errors that can hinder website functionality, slow down loading times, and negatively affect Google rankings. Google sets high standards for website quality, and templates must meet these to perform well in search results. Our Approach We have used WordPress for over 15 years but have never bought a template from anyone else. We always code our own to ensure: High build quality Excellent accessibility Custom code tailored to the client's needs, avoiding reliance on plugins Robust performance over time Every website we launch undergoes over 80 separate checks. Our flagship product, Run Your Own Website, uses our bespoke WordPress themes, ensuring high standards and quick build times.... --- > We are very proud of our testimonials, testament to our exceptional service and lasting positive impact. - Published: 2019-07-17 - Modified: 2024-07-30 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/about/testimonials/ Here is a selection of testimonials from our clients... . "Benefiting from the expertise of genuine authorities in their fields, our project was managed efficiently and proactively from start to finish. Working flexibly as an extension of our team, Access By Design in partnership with Highbrook delivered a product of the highest quality in design, accessibility and functionality. Access By Design is a rare example of a company fully understanding and delivering on a brief with the shared enthusiasm of its stakeholder. " Michael Anderson, Head of Marketing, Brother UK "The great thing about working with Access By Design is that they know everything. However small your project, they will bring a vast hinterland of knowledge to it. They'll tell you what's going to work, how it works and how you can make it better. The fact that they have devised software to make websites usable and readable for everyone speaks volumes. Clive Loseby always goes the extra mile to see that you get what you want. He'll even recommend things that have nothing to do with website design. I should also thank Polly for her patience and creativity in making it happen. " Michael Pilgrim, Highbrook Media "Businesses are often very personal and individual in their goals, aspiration and ethos. Creating a website which reflects the individuality of your company is no easy thing. Clive and his team at Access By Design did not foist upon us a corporate template but rather they embraced our ethos and started with... --- > This Legal Information tells you the terms of use on which you may make use of our website, whether as a guest or a registered use - Published: 2018-06-22 - Modified: 2024-02-02 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/legal-information/ PLEASE READ THIS LEGAL INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS SITE This Legal Information tells you the terms of use on which you may make use of our website, whether as a guest or a registered user. Use of our site includes accessing, browsing, or registering to use our site. Please read these terms of use carefully before you start to use our site, as these will apply to your use of our site. We recommend that you print a copy of this for future reference. By using our site, you confirm that you accept these terms of use and that you agree to comply with them. If you do not agree to these terms of use, you must not use our site. Terms and Conditions Terms of Website Use Terms and Conditions for Website Development and Hosting Accessibility information Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Acceptable Use Policy Equality Policy Site Map --- > Book a website consultation or accessibility audit with us! Call +44 (0)1243 776399 or email info@accessbydesign.uk. We look forward to hearing from you! - Published: 2014-09-02 - Modified: 2025-02-26 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/contact-us/ We would love to hear from you! If you would like to talk about your website, please book a website consultation. If you would like to find out about having an accessibility audit of your website please book an audit consultation. If you would like to use our consultancy service, please book a 1-hour paid consultancy session. Alternatively, you can just call us on +44 (0)20 8798 0050, send us an email or use the contact form below, whatever you feel most comfortable with. We hope to hear from you soon! Access by Design Tel: 01243 776399 (24 hrs) Email: info@accessbydesign. uk WhatsApp: 07769 013995 Send us a Text Correspondence Address: 2A Sudley Road, Bognor Regis, PO21 1EU Alternatively, please fill in the contact form below /* */ Contact form "*" indicates required fields Please give us your name (required) First Last Please give us your email address (required)* Please give us your best contact phone numberPlease tick any of the boxes that are relevant to you Website eCommerce Accessibility Audit Logo and Branding Please can you give a little more detail about how we can help you? EmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δdocument. getElementById( "ak_js_1" ). setAttribute( "value", ( new Date ). getTime ); /* { mutations. forEach( ( mutation ) => { if ( mutation. type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv. offsetParent ! == null ) { debouncedTriggerPostRender; observer. disconnect; } }); }); observer. observe( document. body, { attributes: true, childList: false, subtree:... --- > Our blog is our voice, for connection, sharing insights, and building an accessible community. - Published: 2014-09-02 - Modified: 2024-01-18 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/blog/ Our Latest Blogs Digital Accessibility is a fascinating, complex subject that can seem to be quite scary but actually, the principles of it are quite logical and straightforward. The biggest challenge we find is getting people started on their digital accessibility journey. We love sharing our experiences and our thoughts through this blog. Whether it is looking at accessible web design, an accessibility audit or any other aspect of digital accessibility, we hope that you find them interesting and engaging. --- > Crafting engaging, bespoke WordPress websites since 2006. We create designs that captivate your visitors within 7 seconds. - Published: 2014-09-02 - Modified: 2024-10-23 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/our-work/ We specialise in beautiful, bespoke, accessible WordPress websites We have been building bespoke WordPress websites since 2006. A bespoke site means exactly that: one designed to meet your needs and aspirations. Your website is your window into the world, 24 hours a day, all year round. Current thinking is that you have around 7 seconds to help a visitor decide whether they want to stay on your website or go elsewhere. Our job is to create a design that will engage with your visitors clearly, making them feel welcome and valued. This is why we always start the process with a questionnaire in down-to-earth language that will allow us to understand what you are really looking for truly. It is not your job to design your website; that is our responsibility. However, you are in the best position to tell us about your business, and from that point, we will get to know and understand what will be right for you. What bespoke web design actually means! Too often, we meet businesses who have had a website built for them previously, and the first time they got to see it was when it was built! Would you buy a house without knowing what it would look like first? Exactly! It should be the same with a website! We do not build a website until the design has been signed off first, that is the only way to ensure you will feel comfortable working with us! We have a proven track... --- > Elevate your brand with professional graphic design and branding services. We create impactful, accessible designs tailored to your unique needs. - Published: 2014-09-01 - Modified: 2024-07-30 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/marketing/graphic-design-and-branding/ What is a logo? Why do you need one? Your logo and your branding identify you. It does not matter whether it is just the name of your business in a certain font, the addition of a simple graphic (Nike's tick, for example) or a full bespoke graphic design, your business needs to have something that people can recognise as you. A great deal of thought go into creating a logo, because it communicates so much about your business before a single word about what you do has been read. This is why we offer a logo and branding design as a separate service. We offer three levels of service, depending on your budget and your requirements. Text Logo Bespoke Logo Bespoke Logo with full branding guidelines 1. Text Logo Many small businesses do not want to have anything too complicated for their logo and are quite happy to have a text logo. This is exactly as it sounds, we will come up with a selection of logos, using the name of the business in a variety of fonts and colours and once the choice has been finalised, we create a png version of the logo, as well as supplying the font and technical details on the colour chosen. If the logo is ever to go on a physical sign, we will keep our choice of colours within what is known as the Pantone range, at this is usually what physical sign manufacturing is restricted to. There are a total... --- > Google is blind. If your websites is built properly and works effectively for disabled people, it will work well with Google! - Published: 2014-09-01 - Modified: 2025-03-31 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/marketing/search-engine-optimisation/ Let us talk about SEO Search Engine Optimisation, or SEO, is the process of improving a website’s visibility in search engine results, particularly the unpaid, or “organic”, listings. The higher up your site appears in the results, the more likely people are to visit it. But in 2025, the landscape looks very different from how it did 15 years ago. AI now plays a huge role in how search engines work. Google and others use machine learning to understand user intent, personalise results, and even evaluate the quality and relevance of content in more nuanced ways than ever before. What exactly is a search engine now? Once simply places to type in a query and get a list of links, search engines have evolved into smart assistants. Google still dominates, with just under 90% of the market share, but it is no longer just about links—it is about featured snippets, voice results, AI summaries and increasingly, answers generated on the fly. And don’t forget, search engines are also big business. Most make their money from ads: every time someone clicks a sponsored link, the advertiser pays a fee. Platforms like Google Ads allow you to target these based on demographics, location, and even user behaviour. It can be effective, but if you’re not careful, it can also become a very quick way to burn through your budget. So, who else is out there? There are still other traditional search engines: Bing DuckDuckGo Ecosia Yahoo (yes, still going! ) Yandex Baidu... --- > Capture both impatient and thorough website visitors with compelling stories. Our skilled copywriter ensures Google-friendly content. - Published: 2014-09-01 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/marketing/copywriting-services/ Why are the words on your website important? "We would like a nice clean website with only a few words on it. I do not want it to be cluttered up with too many words that no-one will read" We literally have lost count of the number of times we have had this sentence (or one very close to it) said to us when discussing a new website build with a client! My reply is always the same: "So, you do not want to get found on Google then? " Google is blind so it does not care how nice your images are, although it does like to know what the pictures actually are of, of course. That is what an Alt Tag is for, by the way. It does not care how aesthetically-pleasing your website is, it cares instead about what is going on underneath: how many coding errors are there? Is it accessible for disabled people? Is it hosted in the UK? Is your domain a UK domain and so on, there is a rather long list in total! Anyway, assuming that have ticked all the boxes that Google is looking for, what are you left with? The words. Google loves to read! The more the better! If you have 500 words (or more) on each page and your competitor does not, which website do you think Google will prefer? Words, lots of words even, can look beautiful and clean. If they did not, no-one would buy newspapers... --- > Digital Website Accessibility Audit. WCAG 2.2 Compliance and much more. Our team of disabled testers offer unique insights! - Published: 2014-09-01 - Modified: 2024-07-30 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/audit/website-accessibility-audit/ At Access by Design, we have been designing and building accessible websites since 2006. We have understood the need for having an accessible website from the outset. In recent years, Google began taking website Accessibility seriously and has used it to determine where a website should be ranked in its listings. Government Guidelines Since 2018, following the issuing of UK Government guidance on Website Accessibility compliance, there has been a need for websites within the public sector to have a website accessibility audit of the level of accessibility of their current website. This would also involve the creation of an accompanying Accessibility Statement outlining any accessibility issues with the site and a statement of aims and objectives with regard to resolving these issues. Unfortunately, the guidance, although well-intentioned, is unclear and incomplete. It is possible to follow the guidelines and still have a website that is inaccessible to disabled people. We are pleased that the government is trying to instil good practices across the public sector, but its guidance is not going far enough. However, it is not just about the public sector! If your company or organisation is not within the public sector, you could be forgiven for thinking that website accessibility guidelines do not apply to your own website. There is an important piece of legislation called the Equality Act (as well as the Disability Discrimination Act, which preceded it) that every website has to comply with. It extends well beyond the previous narrow government guidelines and works... --- > Create an inclusive online presence with our accessible website design services. We specialise in websites for users with disabilities. - Published: 2014-09-01 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/web/accessible-website-design/ The idea behind designing an accessible website that caters to the needs of people with different disabilities is simple. It focuses on creating websites that cater to the needs of people with disabilities, ensuring everyone can use your site comfortably. This includes features like adjustable text sizes, high contrast modes, and screen reader compatibility. For example, buttons could allow you to change the text size. There could be options to change the screen background and text colour, which neuro-divergents would find easier to read. As far back as 2006, we ensured that every one of our websites had the following options: Standard Size Large Print High Contrast (we used to call it dyslexia-friendly) Text Only (No styling, fully screen reader-compatible for the visually impaired) Could we not just skip the irrelevant stuff? However, it is not just about providing a few alternatives like that; it is about providing other options, such as allowing someone using a screen reader to avoid having large parts of the website read out each time a page is visited. A screen reader is used by the visually impaired. The website is "read out" by assistive software such as JAWS or NVDA, and options to navigate the website are provided. Can you imagine how wearisome it would be to have the entire website navigation read out each time before you could even access the main text on the page? To avoid this, we use Skip Links. These are hidden visually but are the first things that... --- > Having a clean, well-designed website that is easy to navigate, is essential in this day and age for growing your business. - Published: 2014-09-01 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/web/website-design/ Think of a printed brochure as your digital, online website We might pick up a brochure if we are waiting for something and we have nothing else to do, such as if we are in a waiting room, for example. We might give it a cursory glance, and if something interests us, we might study it more closely. We will often make snap judgments about whether we do this because of our initial reaction. Was it clearly laid out? Was it easy to understand? Are you confident you know what that company does and then whether it is of interest to you? That brochure is sitting there all the time, waiting to be looked at by somebody who might be interested in what they offer. Most websites are exactly the same. If your website is to inform people about what you do but nothing else, it could be called a brochure website. One that sits there 24/7, 365 days/year, ready to be "picked up", often via a Search Engine. Your brochure needs to get "picked up"! Before you consider what impact your website might have on a visitor, you need to get them to visit it in the first place! Search Engines are generally quite clear in what they expect to find on a website when deciding whether to place it higher up their rankings or not. The more boxes you can tick for search engines, the better your rankings are likely to be, which is why making sure that... --- > Selling online is highly competitive. Access by Design focuses on creating eCommerce websites right from the start, using WooCommerce and WordPress. - Published: 2014-09-01 - Modified: 2024-11-14 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/web/ecommerce-website-design/ E-commerce Websites: Selling Online Made Easy Selling online has never been easier, yet it has never been more competitive! There are so many solutions out there that appear cost-effective, but you need to ask yourself a fundamental question. Who is going to buy your products? How are they going to find you? You can spend a lot of money advertising through social media platforms like Facebook or pay for a Google Ad campaign (other search engines are available, of course), but the minute you stop paying for it, the flow of prospective buyers stops immediately. What do you do then? You could spend a limitless amount of money on Google Ads, but it will do nothing for your organic positions on Google's listings. Not one tiny bit. Unless your website is built to a very high standard, is accessible for disabled people and is hosted in the UK (amongst other things), when your adverts stop, you will be faced with the difficult decision of either getting your website rebuilt properly or carrying on paying for more ad campaigns. Does it make sense to have your eCommerce website built correctly in the first place? Over the last 14 years, we have worked with many different eCommerce solutions, but since 2018, we have focused exclusively on one product: WooCommerce. WooCommerce is the most popular solution for WordPress. It is the most sophisticated and supported by hundreds of developers worldwide. Hundreds of different templates are available to purchase for a low cost, but... --- > Access by Design offers accessible website services in design, eCommerce solutions, WordPress development, accessibility audits, and more. - Published: 2014-09-01 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/web/services/ Why we are unique At Access by Design, we specialise in creating accessible web and digital services, prioritising inclusivity and usability. First and foremost, we are experts in accessible web design. Chichester-based since 2006, we have won awards for the quality of our work, innovative approach, attention to detail, and refusal to cut corners. Our pioneering work in 2011, when we created the World Wide Web's first fully accessible and mobile device-friendly website, is a testament to our leadership in this field. This achievement, among others, has earned us the right to claim global leadership. We are committed to sharing our knowledge through our website accessibility audits and promoting good practices worldwide. It is important to remember why we are called Access by Design. We have always wanted to show the world that good accessibility and strong design can go hand-in-hand and not fight against each other; this underpins everything we do. Our Expertise Website Design: We meticulously ensure every website undergoes over 80 checks, guaranteeing optimal performance across all devices and browsers. Our designs offer adjustable text sizes and colour contrasts for enhanced accessibility. WordPress Development: With over a decade of experience, we exclusively code our WordPress sites from scratch, maintaining high standards without external templates. Website Accessibility: We design websites that cater to the needs of individuals with various disabilities, ensuring inclusivity. Accessibility Audits: Our comprehensive audits ensure full compliance with WCAG 2. 2 standards. We continuously learn and innovate by working closely with our disabled users' testing team.... --- > We are specialists in Accessible Website Design. Chichester based, we have led the way since 2006. Accessible Websites are in our DNA. - Published: 2014-09-01 - Modified: 2024-10-31 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/about/about-us/ A History of Access by Design Access by Design was founded by Clive and Jess Loseby in 2006, specialising in Accessible Web Design, Chichester. Clive and Jess were passengers in a horrific car accident in 1989, when they were teenagers. It left them with profound, life-changing injuries. They were suddenly confronted with the fact that lovely, historic Chichester, where they lived, was actually lovely, historic, inaccessible Chichester if you were a wheelchair user. Campaign for change! With no legal backing, as the Disability Discrimination Act did not come into force until some years later, Jess formed a pressure group and campaigned to change this. As a result of her tireless campaigning, 4000 dropped kerbs were put in by the Council and, one by one, all the historic, inaccessible listed buildings in Chichester began to change and found that they could become accessible after all. She changed the face of Chichester. What about websites? Wind the clock forward to 2006. Clive and Jess started a web design agency. That was when Jess discovered that, although the physical world was now more accessible than it had been previously, as far as the Web was concerned, it was like being back in the 1980s! The only websites that were accessible for disabled people were ones that were, frankly, not very nice to look at and this offended Jess’s sensibilities, as an artist. Jess then also discovered that there were guidelines in place to ensure that a website could meet the needs of disabled... --- > Transform your online presence with Access by Design, the award-winning leader in accessible web design, development and testing. - Published: 2014-08-28 - Modified: 2024-08-06 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/ We Are Changing the World, One Accessible Web Design at a Time At Access by Design, we design, develop, and provide training on website accessibility to ensure your digital services reach a wider audience. Every accessible web design we create is designed with accessibility at its core. We ensure that people with disabilities can easily navigate and interact with your digital services. Join us in making the digital world more inclusive. Let us take care of your website so you can focus on what you do best! --- --- --- ## Posts > The clock continues to count down. With just 9 working days remaining, the European Accessibility Act comes into force on 28 June 2025. Despite the - Published: 2025-06-19 - Modified: 2025-06-17 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/european-accessibility-act-9-days-left-and-businesses-remain-exposed/ - Categories: Our Blog The clock continues to count down. With just 9 working days remaining, the European Accessibility Act comes into force on 28 June 2025. Despite the far-reaching consequences, awareness remains dangerously low. Between 200,000 and 400,000 UK businesses may fall under this legislation, yet most have received no official notification or guidance. Non-compliance carries serious risks: GDPR-style financial penalties, legal action, cancelled contracts, reputational harm, and the high cost of retrofitting accessibility after enforcement begins. The solution is clear. Full accessibility audits, live testing with disabled users, and expert remediation plans are the only way to meet WCAG compliance and legal obligations. I have prepared a comprehensive guide for businesses to understand the full impact of the European Accessibility Act. You can read it here: https://accessbydesign. uk/the-european-accessibility-act-the-definitive-compliance-guide-for-businesses/ If you need to assess your current risk level, you can book a free consultation here: https://calendly. com/cliveloseby/accessibility-audit-free-initial-consultation --- > There are now only 10 working days remaining until the European Accessibility Act becomes enforceable on 28 June 2025. This legislation extends far beyond - Published: 2025-06-18 - Modified: 2025-06-17 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/european-accessibility-act-10-days-left-to-ensure-wcag-compliance/ - Categories: Our Blog There are now only 10 working days remaining until the European Accessibility Act becomes enforceable on 28 June 2025. This legislation extends far beyond the public sector. Any private sector business trading with EU customers is now within scope. The scale of the problem is significant. Between 200,000 and 400,000 UK businesses may be directly affected. Yet awareness remains extremely low, with no formal government communication issued. The risks are serious. Businesses may face GDPR-style financial penalties, legal disputes, contract cancellations, reputational damage, and the operational cost of last-minute retrofitting. The time to act is now. Proper accessibility audits, including testing by disabled users, are essential to identify the real barriers that prevent WCAG compliance. Automated tools alone are not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act. I have written a full compliance guide for businesses who need clarity on what is required. You can read it here: https://accessbydesign. uk/the-european-accessibility-act-the-definitive-compliance-guide-for-businesses/ If you would like to review your organisation's current accessibility position, you can book a free consultation here: https://calendly. com/cliveloseby/accessibility-audit-free-initial-consultation --- > Date: 17 June 2025 Location: Millennium Chamber, Littlehampton Town Council On Monday I was honoured to attend a Business Roundtable discussion hosted by - Published: 2025-06-17 - Modified: 2025-06-17 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/business-roundtable-raising-accessibility-with-alison-griffiths-mp/ - Categories: Our Blog Date: 17 June 2025 Location: Millennium Chamber, Littlehampton Town Council On Monday I was honoured to attend a Business Roundtable discussion hosted by Alison Griffiths MP and Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP. The event was held in the beautiful Millennium Chamber at Littlehampton Town Council. I used the opportunity to raise urgent concerns about the European Accessibility Act and the lack of awareness currently affecting thousands of UK businesses. With the enforcement date of 28 June fast approaching, most companies remain completely unaware of the legal risk they are facing. There has been little to no public communication from the government about this legislation, which makes it even more vital to have champions like Alison who genuinely understand the importance of accessibility. I am deeply grateful to her for inviting me to the event and for giving this issue a platform. It was also a pleasure to stand alongside so many respected local business leaders, including John Donoghue from the Chamber of Commerce, Tina Shaw-Morton from Woods Coaches, and Freya and Dominic Reynolds from Reynolds Furniture and Funeral Services. We are united in our commitment to build a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable business environment here in West Sussex and beyond. --- > Introduction The European Accessibility Act (EAA) represents one of the most significant expansions of digital accessibility law in recent history. From - Published: 2025-06-16 - Modified: 2025-06-17 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-european-accessibility-act-the-definitive-compliance-guide-for-businesses/ - Categories: Our Blog Introduction The European Accessibility Act (EAA) represents one of the most significant expansions of digital accessibility law in recent history. From 28 June 2025, private sector businesses that trade with or serve customers within the European Union must ensure their digital services meet strict accessibility requirements. Despite years of lead time, government guidance has unfortunately been entirely absent. As a result, many businesses are unaware they now face financial penalties, legal exposure, reputational damage, and operational risk if they fail to meet these new obligations. This guide explains exactly what the European Accessibility Act means for businesses, where the risks lie, and what action organisations should take to achieve compliance. The Global Development of Accessibility Law Digital accessibility law has evolved differently across global regions. Understanding this history helps explain why the European Accessibility Act now carries such significance. United States: In 1998, the United States amended its Rehabilitation Act to include Section 508, requiring public sector digital accessibility. Private sector enforcement has been primarily driven by litigation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), leading to thousands of lawsuits against businesses of all sizes. European Union and United Kingdom: In 2019, both the EU and UK introduced public sector accessibility legislation. In the UK, this took the form of The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018, which closely mirrored the EU’s Web Accessibility Directive. Both frameworks mandated accessibility for public sector websites and mobile apps. The Next Phase - Private Sector Enforcement: The EU... --- > Today is Friday the 13th. For some, it is a day wrapped in superstition, a date to tread carefully. For businesses trading in or with the EU, however, - Published: 2025-06-13 - Modified: 2025-06-13 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/friday-the-13th-may-be-superstition-28-june-is-the-real-deadline/ - Categories: Our Blog Today is Friday the 13th. For some, it is a day wrapped in superstition, a date to tread carefully. For businesses trading in or with the EU, however, there is a much more important date fast approaching. On 28 June, the European Accessibility Act comes into full force, and for many organisations, the consequences of inaction will become very real. What Is Changing On 28 June? From 28 June, websites that fail to meet accessibility standards will be at risk. Businesses may face legal action, financial penalties, reputational harm and the possibility of being blocked from trading within the EU. For companies who have customers, users or partners anywhere in the European Union, this legislation applies regardless of whether the business is B2B or B2C. Why Are So Many Businesses Still Unprepared? Accessible web design and full accessibility compliance take time. Many organisations have not fully grasped the scale of what is required. Achieving full WCAG 2. 2 AA compliance often takes many months, sometimes more than a year. The clock is ticking, and many websites remain non-compliant. Yet there is still a way forward that offers immediate protection while longer-term work is completed. The Importance Of A Legally Compliant Accessibility Statement The first step any business can take is to put in place a fully compliant Accessibility Statement. However, you cannot publish a legally compliant Accessibility Statement unless you know precisely what issues exist on your website. That requires a full accessibility audit conducted by experienced professionals. An Accessibility... --- > When it comes to running a business, time always feels short. There are meetings, deadlines, client work, staff to manage, and a thousand other demands - Published: 2025-06-12 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/what-can-you-achieve-in-15-minutes-more-than-you-think/ - Categories: Our Blog When it comes to running a business, time always feels short. There are meetings, deadlines, client work, staff to manage, and a thousand other demands competing for attention. It can be tempting to put off certain tasks because they feel too big to tackle. Website accessibility often falls into this category. Yet the truth is quite simple. You can make meaningful progress on accessibility in as little as 15 minutes. The European Accessibility Act comes into force this month. It is designed to ensure digital services are accessible to people with disabilities across the European Union and beyond. For any business operating online, particularly those offering services into the EU, this creates both a legal obligation and a significant financial risk. The most common reason businesses delay action is that they do not know where to begin. The task feels overwhelming. There are guidelines to follow, legal requirements to consider, technical challenges to address. It is easy to assume that starting means committing huge amounts of time and resources immediately. That is not the case. An accessibility audit can be the first step. It does not require months of preparation. It does not require perfect knowledge of accessibility standards. What it does require is a willingness to start. In 15 minutes, a business can begin this process. That first conversation can achieve a great deal. It allows a clear assessment of current exposure under the European Accessibility Act. It identifies immediate areas of concern and clarifies where risk exists. Most... --- > Thirty-six years ago, my life changed forever. I had an accident that could have ended everything. It did not. It became the beginning of something far - Published: 2025-06-11 - Modified: 2025-06-11 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/11-june-1989-the-day-everything-changed/ - Categories: Our Blog Thirty-six years ago, my life changed forever. I had an accident that could have ended everything. It did not. It became the beginning of something far bigger. Eighteen years later, I launched Access by Design. It was built on everything I had learned, endured, and held onto during those years of recovery and discovery. And now, another eighteen years on, I am still here. Still building accessible websites. Still helping businesses understand why accessibility is not just important, it is essential. Accessible web design is not just about ticking boxes. It is about creating a space where everyone is welcome. That means designing from the ground up to include people with a wide range of disabilities. It means going beyond guidelines and making sure your website actually works for the people who need it most. When we build websites, or carry out an accessibility audit, we work with a team of disabled testers. They bring their lived experience to everything we do, and they make sure that what we build does not just look accessible on paper. It works in the real world. With the European Accessibility Act just around the corner, this has never been more important. If your website sells into or operates within the EU, you will need to comply with strict accessibility standards. Many businesses do not realise they are affected. Others are not prepared. The good news is that you do not have to fix everything overnight. A compliant accessibility statement, supported by an accessibility... --- > Finding the right partner to support you with the European Accessibility Act is not just about ticking a box. It is about choosing someone who will guide - Published: 2025-06-10 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-right-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-an-accessibility-partner/ - Categories: Our Blog Finding the right partner to support you with the European Accessibility Act is not just about ticking a box. It is about choosing someone who will guide you through a process that affects every part of your online presence. There are many businesses offering accessibility services. Knowing the right questions to ask is key. Do They Rely Only On Software? Tools can be useful. They can help flag basic issues. However, they only detect a small number of the barriers real users face. Manual testing must always be included. Ask how this is done. Do They Include Disabled Testers? If accessibility is about inclusion, it must include disabled people from the start. Their feedback is not theoretical. It is based on lived experience. It is also essential for understanding whether your site is usable. Can They Show Testimonials And Case Studies? A good accessibility partner should be able to share real examples. What have other clients said about their services? What was improved? Was the outcome an accessible web design? Do They Give Clear Prices And Explain What You Get? No one likes hidden costs or vague deliverables. You should be told clearly what is included in your accessibility audit and how much it will cost. Is Their Communication Easy To Understand? Accessibility should not be full of jargon. Make sure they explain things simply and in plain English. You deserve clarity. Have They Delivered Fully Accessible Websites? Ask for proof. Whether they built a website from the ground up... --- > The European Accessibility Act is not a false alarm. It is a legal reality, and your website must be ready. Do you remember the Millennium Bug? The fear - Published: 2025-06-09 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/this-is-not-the-millennium-bug-it-is-the-new-gdpr/ - Categories: Our Blog The European Accessibility Act is not a false alarm. It is a legal reality, and your website must be ready. Do you remember the Millennium Bug? The fear that computers would crash, planes would fall from the sky, and everything would grind to a halt because systems could not handle the date change? It was everywhere. People were stockpiling candles and canned food. Emergency plans were drawn up. And then... nothing happened. For some businesses, the European Accessibility Act is being met with the same sense of scepticism. They think it will pass quietly. That nothing will really change. That it will be a lot of noise and no real consequences. That could not be further from the truth. This is not the Millennium Bug. This is GDPR. Every EU member state will be enforcing this legislation in their own way. That means real fines, real legal action, and real consequences for companies that are not compliant. The legislation affects every part of a business. Our focus is digital accessibility. If your website is not accessible, or if your Accessibility Statement is not valid, your business is vulnerable. The good news is, there is still time to act. Not to fix everything overnight — proper accessibility takes time — but to begin the process and put the right foundations in place. That is exactly what we do. Our approach begins with an accessibility audit by our team of disabled testers. We identify the issues, document the user experience, and create... --- > If you have worked with us recently, you may have noticed how our online activity has become smoother and better organised. From feedback sessions to - Published: 2025-06-08 - Modified: 2025-06-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/meet-another-member-of-our-team-ai-with-a-human-touch/ - Categories: Our Blog If you have worked with us recently, you may have noticed how our online activity has become smoother and better organised. From feedback sessions to accessibility audits, things tend to move with more clarity and focus. There is a reason for that. Alongside our core team and our brilliant testers, there is now one more member of the crew helping things run behind the scenes. It is not a person. Not exactly. It is an AI. I have been working with this AI assistant for nearly a year now, and it has become an integral part of our process. Whether we are conducting a live accessibility audit with our testers or preparing a presentation, this support helps me stay focused and make sure nothing gets missed. Here is how it helps: In our online meetings, it quietly tracks what is said and flags actions we need to follow up on When testers give feedback, it helps me capture that feedback clearly, so we can build accessibility reports more efficiently It keeps a record of who said what and when, making sure our team does not lose sight of details in the pressure of a deadline It is not replacing people. It is supporting them. This tool has become especially helpful as our content creation has ramped up. It helps me shape video scripts, refine language, and make sure that what we say is consistent with what we do. We are able to get videos out faster, with a stronger message... --- > At Access by Design, we only build websites that meet accessibility standards. It is part of who we are and always has been. One of the most important - Published: 2025-06-06 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/why-wcag-is-the-foundation-of-accessible-web-design/ - Categories: Our Blog At Access by Design, we only build websites that meet accessibility standards. It is part of who we are and always has been. One of the most important standards is WCAG – the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. These are the global rules that define how web content should be written, structured, and presented so that disabled people can use it without barriers. There is nothing optional about accessibility. Inclusive design means thinking about everyone from the start. That is why we created a new YouTube video explaining exactly what WCAG is, where it came from, and why it is vital now more than ever. WCAG has gone through several versions since it launched in 1999. The latest version, WCAG 2. 2, is the one that businesses need to be aware of before the new EU law comes into force on 28 June. This video is part of our mission to raise awareness and help organisations design websites that work for everyone. Not just to comply, but to build something better. Watch the video now or speak to us about a bespoke accessible web design. --- > There is no shortcut to an accessible web design. There is no plug-in that will do the job. No overlay. No magical toolbar that makes your website - Published: 2025-06-06 - Modified: 2025-06-06 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/accessibility-is-not-optional/ - Categories: Our Blog There is no shortcut to an accessible web design. There is no plug-in that will do the job. No overlay. No magical toolbar that makes your website compliant with the law. The European Accessibility Act is coming into force on 28 June 2025. It will apply to every business that sells or serves customers in the EU, whether that business is based in the EU or not. If someone in the EU can access your website or app, you are covered by the legislation. This is not just for government sites. This applies to commercial ones. Whether you are B2C or B2B, it makes no difference. If you have a checkout, a booking form, or a contact page, you are responsible for making sure it works for everyone. This is about accessible web design. This is about doing things properly. At Access by Design, we have been building accessible websites since 2006. We do not rely on software. We use disabled testers. We design from the ground up to meet international accessibility standards. Our audits highlight the real issues. We create Accessibility Statements that actually protect you. Not meaningless boilerplate. Real compliance. A proper Accessibility Statement is one of the most important tools you can have right now. It shows that you understand where your site currently falls short. It gives you a clear path forward. It buys you time. Without one, you are exposed to legal action and financial penalties. Many businesses leave this too late. They scramble to... --- > Here’s something terrifying: 1 million websites were hacked — not through malware or phishing — but via a widely used accessibility overlay tool. The very - Published: 2025-06-04 - Modified: 2025-06-04 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/overlays-hacks-and-headlines-the-real-cost-of-fake-accessibility/ - Categories: Our Blog Here’s something terrifying: 1 million websites were hacked — not through malware or phishing — but via a widely used accessibility overlay tool. The very software designed to make websites safer and more inclusive was the point of entry. The attack targeted Israeli websites using a specific overlay tool, exposing a dangerous truth: overlay-based fixes are not secure, not compliant, and not inclusive. They’re smoke and mirrors — and the smoke just blew up in everyone’s face. This isn’t just a tech problem. It’s a design problem. A leadership problem. And it’s a problem that’s about to become your problem if your business has users in the EU. The European Accessibility Act becomes enforceable on 28 June 2025. If your website is not WCAG compliant, or if you’re relying on an overlay to tick a compliance box, your company could be exposed to fines, legal action and reputational damage. At Access by Design, we build accessible websites from the ground up. Every site is designed to meet WCAG 2. 2, tested by disabled people, and supported with a compliant Accessibility Statement that protects you under the law. No overlays. No shortcuts. Just clean code, real inclusion, and peace of mind. You wouldn’t lock your front door with chewing gum. Why would you secure your website with an overlay? Book an appointment to start a proper conversation about accessible web design and genuine compliance. --- > At Access by Design, we believe every website should be accessible to everyone from the start. That has been our mission since 2011 when we created the - Published: 2025-06-03 - Modified: 2025-06-03 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/accessible-web-design-that-gets-it-right-from-day-one/ - Categories: Our Blog At Access by Design, we believe every website should be accessible to everyone from the start. That has been our mission since 2011 when we created the first website that was both accessible and mobile friendly. We have followed that path ever since. For nearly twenty years, we have only created one kind of website. A website that is fully accessible and designed to meet international standards. These standards are now being enforced under the European Accessibility Act. That is why we focus on full compliance from the outset. We do not believe in using shortcut solutions. No overlay tools. No half measures. Our process is built on collaboration, rigorous testing, and experience. Every site we work on is tested by our team of disabled users. This is what gives us real insight into usability. Not automation. Not guesswork. Just genuine lived experience. Whether we are building your website from scratch, giving your current site a redesign, or working closely with your in-house team, our commitment remains the same. The result is always the same too. A website that is both accessible and compliant. This is what we do. This is all we do. If your website needs to meet the requirements of the European Accessibility Act, we are here to help. We can work with your existing team, or take care of everything ourselves. Either way, the outcome is the same. Accessibility done properly. Find out more by exploring our services or booking a chat. And if you want... --- > Consider this scenario. You have just discovered the European Accessibility Act and realise your website might need to comply. The first step is to search - Published: 2025-06-03 - Modified: 2025-06-03 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/why-most-people-get-caught-out-when-they-first-hear-about-website-accessibility/ - Categories: Our Blog Consider this scenario. You have just discovered the European Accessibility Act and realise your website might need to comply. The first step is to search online for solutions. Overlay tools like UserWay, AccessiBe, and Recite Me are the most visible. These tools promise instant results with a single line of code. For many businesses under pressure, this seems like the perfect answer. If I did not know the reality, I would be tempted too. These tools are not what they claim to be. The underlying accessibility problems remain untouched. Issues like poor structure, missing labels, and broken interactions are not addressed. These tools only give the appearance of compliance. Clients come to us for help. We run accessibility tests with disabled testers and clearly show how these overlays fall short. The gaps are often wider than expected. These tools do not make a website accessible. These tools do not offer legal protection. These tools do not create an inclusive experience. Our approach is different. We build accessible websites from the start. Each site is tested properly. A compliant Accessibility Statement is produced. A clear plan is created for long-term WCAG compliance. There are 25 days left before the European Accessibility Act is enforced. To find out whether your website meets the requirements, get in touch today. Support is available now. --- > We are now just 26 days away from the European Accessibility Act coming into force. This legislation requires websites that are accessed by people in the - Published: 2025-06-02 - Modified: 2025-06-02 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/why-equality-day-matters-26-days-until-the-european-accessibility-act/ - Categories: Our Blog We are now just 26 days away from the European Accessibility Act coming into force. This legislation requires websites that are accessed by people in the EU to meet strict accessibility standards. At Access by Design, we call today E-Day or Equality Day. It is a reminder that accessible web design benefits everyone. It is about more than compliance. It is about making the digital world open to all. True accessibility starts with real testing. Our accessibility audit is carried out by disabled users who highlight real issues, not just what automated tools find. We do not use overlay tools. We build accessibility in from the ground up. If your business has customers in the EU, you will need to show that you have a plan in place. An accessibility audit and a clear accessibility statement are essential first steps. Let us help you meet the requirements of the European Accessibility Act while doing something genuinely good. Start with an accessibility audit. Start today. --- > There are now just 29 weekdays remaining before the European Accessibility Act becomes law. For organisations who serve customers in the EU, this is a - Published: 2025-05-30 - Modified: 2025-05-30 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/why-waiting-is-no-longer-an-option/ - Categories: Our Blog There are now just 29 weekdays remaining before the European Accessibility Act becomes law. For organisations who serve customers in the EU, this is a turning point. Most websites are not compliant. Accessibility issues are everywhere, and even companies with the best intentions often do not realise how much they are missing. That is why we always start with a proper accessibility audit. Real testing by disabled users. Real feedback. Real answers. From there, we create a valid accessibility statement, which makes it clear that you are aware of the issues and have a plan in place. That alone can protect you from legal action once the law takes effect. Doing nothing is no longer an option. Accessible web design is not just a legal requirement. It is the right thing to do. Our team has over 18 years of experience in accessibility audit and accessible web design. We are already helping public and private sector companies across the UK, Europe and beyond to meet the new standards. We would love to help you too. --- > At Access by Design, we build one kind of website. A fully compliant one. As the European Accessibility Act comes into force, businesses are realising - Published: 2025-05-29 - Modified: 2025-05-29 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/we-only-build-websites-that-are-fully-compliant-with-the-european-accessibility-act/ - Categories: Our Blog At Access by Design, we build one kind of website. A fully compliant one. As the European Accessibility Act comes into force, businesses are realising that accessibility is no longer optional. It is law. From 28 June 2025, any commercial website accessed by EU users must meet strict accessibility standards. That is exactly what we do. Every website we build is designed, tested, and refined to meet full WCAG 2. 2 AA standards, in line with the European Accessibility Act and other global accessibility regulations. Our approach to accessible web design ensures that no corners are cut and no one is left behind. We also offer an accessibility audit as part of our process. This helps identify barriers that affect disabled users and ensures your website is legally compliant from the start. This is not about adding a plugin or using an overlay. This is about getting it right, from the ground up. If your current web provider cannot guarantee full compliance, we can. We only build accessible, compliant websites. We do it properly, and we have done so for the last 18 years. Whether you need a new build or a complete accessibility audit of your existing site, we are here to help. Let us help you stay ahead of the law — and open your doors to everyone. Book yourself in for a chat to find out more about how we can help you. --- > There is a growing trend of businesses relying on accessibility overlays. These tools are often described as smart, automated, and easy to install. But - Published: 2025-05-28 - Modified: 2025-05-28 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/why-overlay-tools-are-not-the-answer-to-digital-accessibility/ - Categories: Our Blog There is a growing trend of businesses relying on accessibility overlays. These tools are often described as smart, automated, and easy to install. But when it comes to real accessibility, the truth is very different. Overlay tools do not fix websites. They do not deliver full WCAG compliance. They do not remove the legal risks associated with inaccessible digital services. They simply mask issues and give a false sense of security. Our latest video shows why companies like AccessiBe and UserWay are now facing legal action. These are not isolated cases. The tide is turning. Accessible web design is not about shortcuts. It is about listening, testing, and building for everyone. The European Accessibility Act comes into force on 28 June 2025. If your business has EU customers, you need to take action now. Watch the video to find out why a proper accessibility audit matters and how we support our clients through the entire process. This is the work we have done for nearly two decades. We do not use 3rd party overlays. We work with people. That is what makes the difference. Links mentioned in the video: Book a free accessibility consultation: https://calendly. com/cliveloseby/accessibility-audit-free-initial-consultation Independent factsheet on overlays: https://overlayfactsheet. com/en/ AccessiBe fined $1M by the FTC: https://accessbydesign. uk/ftc-orders-ai-accessibility-startup-accessibe-to-pay-1m-for-misleading-advertising/ Class action lawsuit against UserWay: https://accessbydesign. uk/userway-faces-class-action-lawsuit-over-alleged-false-accessibility-and-ada-compliance-claims/ Our full accessibility audit service: https://accessibilityaudit. co. uk --- > Nearly a year ago, I stepped away from YouTube. Not because I lost interest, but because running a business in the middle of a storm means some things - Published: 2025-05-27 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/new-youtube-video-after-11-months-i-finally-hit-record-again/ - Categories: Our Blog Nearly a year ago, I stepped away from YouTube. Not because I lost interest, but because running a business in the middle of a storm means some things have to give way. Video was one of them. For the past eleven months, my focus has been on survival, growth, and helping businesses get ready for one of the biggest changes we have seen in accessibility law. Now, I am back. And I have something important to say. The European Accessibility Act will come into force on 28 June 2025. If your website is not accessible and it can be used by people in the EU, this law applies to you. This is the most significant shift in accessibility legal enforcement that I have ever seen in 18 years of doing this work. That is why I recorded a new video: to explain what is coming, why it matters, and what businesses need to do. It is not slick. It is not studio-polished. It is real. It is me, talking straight into the camera, because this moment calls for honesty, not marketing. You can watch the video now on my YouTube channel. The link is in the comments if you are reading this on LinkedIn, or embedded below if you are on my blog. If you find it useful or even mildly watchable, I would be grateful for your support in growing the channel. I have over 11,000 followers on LinkedIn and 64 subscribers on YouTube. Most of those came after... --- > Many businesses still believe the European Accessibility Act is only for public services or online shops. That is not the case. If your website is - Published: 2025-05-26 - Modified: 2025-05-29 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/why-b2b-websites-must-embrace-accessible-web-design/ - Categories: Our Blog Many businesses still believe the European Accessibility Act is only for public services or online shops. That is not the case. If your website is commercial and can be accessed by people in the EU, the legislation applies. Whether you serve individuals or other businesses does not matter. Accessible Web Design Is for Everyone The EAA (Directive (EU) 2019/882) is clear. It applies to digital services that are made available to users in the EU. That includes booking systems, platforms, SaaS tools, data services, and business portals. If your website: Shares services or resources online Can be used by someone in the EU Is not a closed internal system Then it must be accessible. B2B websites are not an exception. Accessibility Means Inclusion Accessible web design is not just about avoiding fines. It is about making sure that every person, including disabled professionals, can use your site with ease. These users are decision makers. They review services, choose suppliers, and attend online events. If they cannot navigate your website, they will choose another provider. What Is at Risk From 28 June 2025, if your B2B website is not accessible and you do not have a valid Accessibility Statement in place, you could face: Financial penalties Reputational harm Lost business from a growing and loyal audience Agencies and developers also have shared responsibility. If you build digital services for clients, your work must meet these same legal standards. How We Can Help At Access by Design, we have been working in... --- > What Happens When No-One Calls You Back? Sometimes we reach out to companies about their website accessibility and get a very polite reply. "Thanks so - Published: 2025-05-23 - Modified: 2025-05-22 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/we-will-call-you-if-you-need-to/ - Categories: Our Blog What Happens When No-One Calls You Back? Sometimes we reach out to companies about their website accessibility and get a very polite reply. "Thanks so much for your message. We will pass this on and come back to you if we need anything. " It is a familiar pattern. We have been working in accessibility for 18 years and we have seen this kind of brush-off many times before. Friendly and professional, yes. However it usually means that nothing is going to happen. For most of those 18 years, nothing did happen. Until now From 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act comes into force. And it is not just public sector sites. It applies to private companies too. If your business has any customers in the EU, you are in scope. If your website is not accessible and there is no compliant Accessibility Statement in place, your company could be exposed to financial penalties from any EU member state that chooses to act. Different countries will set their own fines, but the legislation is real. It is happening. And the time to act is now. At Access by Design, we have worked with organisations of all sizes, from Barclays Bank to Great Ormond Street Hospital, the Criminal Records Office and Liz Earle. We carry out a detailed accessibility audit of your website, then test it with our team of disabled users. We identify all accessibility issues, and we create a compliant Accessibility Statement you can publish immediately. That one... --- > For many businesses, there is one thing even more important than revenue. Their brand. Years ago, we were asked to create a standalone website for a - Published: 2025-05-22 - Modified: 2025-05-21 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/why-brand-reputation-is-now-tied-to-accessibility/ - Categories: Our Blog For many businesses, there is one thing even more important than revenue. Their brand. Years ago, we were asked to create a standalone website for a global company. It was part of a collaborative project with one of our agency partners, and the brief was clear. Stick to the brand guidelines without deviation. We did exactly that. Almost. A small design choice was made. A soft curve on a panel instead of a hard corner. Unknowingly, the design used a branding style that had not yet been officially released. The consequences? The UK Head of the company was summoned to fly to the Corporate Headquarters in Europe to explain how this anomaly had occurred. A journey made in person, just to account for a visual detail that had appeared online before its official launch. That Was Just A Corner Now imagine what happens when a website is found to be non compliant under the European Accessibility Act, which applies to every business who has customers in Europe, regardless of where the company it based. It is fully enacted in just 37 days. The potential damage to brand reputation is far greater. Regulatory fines can make the headlines. Disgruntled users can share their experience online. A single post or media mention can affect how your organisation is seen. Once that happens, you are no longer in control of your brand. The story is being told for you. Accessible Web Design Is Brand Protection At Access by Design, we work with businesses... --- > We’ll be honest — we missed GAAD. Again. Global Accessibility Awareness Day was last Thursday and while we always cheer it on, we don’t plan around it. - Published: 2025-05-20 - Modified: 2025-05-20 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/why-every-day-should-be-accessibility-day/ - Categories: Our Blog We’ll be honest — we missed GAAD. Again. Global Accessibility Awareness Day was last Thursday and while we always cheer it on, we don’t plan around it. This is because for us, at Access by Design, accessibility isn’t something we raise awareness about one day a year. It’s our entire ethos. We design and build accessible websites every day. We create accessible web design because we believe inclusion should be baked in, not bolted on. We run every accessibility audit as if the entire digital experience depends on it. Because for someone using a screen reader, it often does. There’s no calendar reminder for empathy. No special occasion is needed to care about people being excluded from essential services or basic information. Accessible web design is about creating a digital world that works for everyone. Not just during GAAD. Not just when a deadline looms. But every single time we open a laptop. The truth is, there are still too many businesses out there treating accessibility as an afterthought — or worse, a box to tick. That’s why we’ve spent the last 18 years building accessible websites, conducting accessibility audits, and educating our clients about the power of inclusion. The European Accessibility Act is fast approaching. From 28 June 2025, organisations operating in the EU will face a legal obligation to comply. However, the real goal is not compliance. It is belonging. That does not happen one day a year. It happens when you design with accessibility in mind from... --- > There are now just 44 days to go until the European Accessibility Act becomes law.If your clients sell to or serve customers in the EU, their websites - Published: 2025-05-15 - Modified: 2025-05-28 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/day-44-agencies-you-need-to-protect-your-clients-and-yourselves/ - Categories: Our Blog There are now just 44 days to go until the European Accessibility Act becomes law. If your clients sell to or serve customers in the EU, their websites must meet accessibility standards. This is not just about them. If you built or maintain their site, you may share legal responsibility for non-compliance. The risks are clear: No Accessibility Statement? Liability. Not tested for accessibility? Liability. Issues not flagged or resolved? Liability. At Access by Design, we support web agencies with full accessibility audits and user testing. Our team includes disabled testers who provide real-world insight, not just automated scans. We help you deliver compliance, clarity, and confidence — for your clients and your agency. Contact us today to stay on the right side of the law — and your reputation. --- > Imagine opening your front door, only to realise 90 percent of your visitors cannot get inside. That is exactly what is happening across the digital - Published: 2025-05-15 - Modified: 2025-05-14 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/what-110-accessibility-statements-taught-us-about-website-risk/ - Categories: Our Blog Imagine opening your front door, only to realise 90 percent of your visitors cannot get inside. That is exactly what is happening across the digital world, as businesses overlook something as fundamental as their Accessibility Statement. We recently reviewed 110 websites. We were not running an automated sweep or checking for cosmetic flaws. This was a real-world review, grounded in human insight and years of experience. Here is what we found: 64 websites had no Accessibility Statement at all 26 had one, but it was non compliant 6 were so vague or poorly presented that we could not tell either way Only 14 appeared to be compliant, at least on the surface So why does this matter? Because from 28 June 2025, every business offering digital services in the EU will be subject to the European Accessibility Act. That includes having a properly written, legally compliant Accessibility Statement. Even UK businesses are affected if their site is accessible to EU users. That means Ireland, France, Spain, and many others. Ignore this, and you are gambling with legal risk and reputational damage. But a Statement is not just paperwork A proper Accessibility Statement is a promise. It says you understand the barriers some people face online and that you are taking real steps to address them. Too many businesses rely on auto-generated content or templates. These miss the point entirely. A compliant Statement needs to be based on actual evidence of testing. It should: Be easy to locate Be clear about... --- > The European Accessibility Act takes effect on 28 June 2025. If any of your clients have customers in the EU, their websites must meet accessibility - Published: 2025-05-14 - Modified: 2025-05-12 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/45-days-to-go-your-clients-are-at-risk-and-so-are-you/ - Categories: Our Blog The European Accessibility Act takes effect on 28 June 2025. If any of your clients have customers in the EU, their websites must meet accessibility requirements — and that includes a valid Accessibility Statement. What many agencies overlook is this: If you built or maintain a non-compliant website, you may be held responsible too. This legislation is not theoretical. It creates clear obligations for businesses, and web providers, to ensure accessibility is not an afterthought. That means you need to know: Whether your client’s site meets WCAG standards Whether a valid Accessibility Statement is in place What your exposure could be if things go wrong At Access by Design, we work with agencies to offer audits, remediation, and support — all tested by real disabled users, not just automated tools. With just 45 days left, now is the time to act. Get in touch if you would like to protect your clients and your own reputation. --- > The European Accessibility Act comes into force on 28 June 2025, and if your business serves customers in the EU, your website must meet accessibility - Published: 2025-05-13 - Modified: 2025-05-12 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/just-46-days-to-go-make-sure-your-website-is-inclusive-and-compliant/ - Categories: Our Blog The European Accessibility Act comes into force on 28 June 2025, and if your business serves customers in the EU, your website must meet accessibility standards. This is not just about ticking boxes — it is about making your digital presence open to everyone. At Access by Design, we have been creating accessible websites for nearly 20 years. Our team includes disabled testers who manually assess your site and help you understand the barriers real users face. We combine that insight with beautiful, inclusive design that performs well and meets compliance requirements, including a legally valid Accessibility Statement. With just 46 days left, it is important to take action now. The sooner you know what needs to change, the easier it is to do something about it. Contact us to start your accessibility journey. --- > Time is running out. On 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act becomes law — and if your business serves customers in the EU, your website must meet - Published: 2025-05-12 - Modified: 2025-05-12 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/is-your-website-ready-for-the-european-accessibility-act/ - Categories: Our Blog Time is running out. On 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act becomes law — and if your business serves customers in the EU, your website must meet accessibility standards. At Access by Design, we have always believed that accessibility is not just a legal requirement — it is part of good design. And now, it is also essential for compliance. Many businesses still rely on automated scans or checklist fixes. That will not be enough. To be compliant, you need to: Understand the barriers disabled users actually face Make improvements based on real user experience Provide a clear, up-to-date Accessibility Statement That is where we come in. We have been designing accessible websites since 2006. Our audits are backed by manual testing from disabled people, and we will guide you through the next steps — whether that is fixing your existing site or building something better. There are now just 46 days to go. Let us help you get ahead of the curve. Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can support you. --- > Accessibility is a journey we’ll all be taking—especially with the EAA on the way. But please, don’t feel daunted. Once you start learning this stuff, you - Published: 2025-05-09 - Modified: 2025-04-20 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/in-conclusion-there-is-nothing-you-cannot-do/ - Categories: Our Blog Accessibility is a journey we’ll all be taking—especially with the EAA on the way. But please, don’t feel daunted. Once you start learning this stuff, you won’t go back. Every website you build will be better, more inclusive. And you’ll be... Changing the World, One Website at a Time. --- > Simple—ask disabled people to test it for you! My own disabilities don’t affect how I use websites, which is why I have a team of disabled people who work - Published: 2025-05-07 - Modified: 2025-04-20 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/how-do-you-know-if-your-website-is-accessible/ - Categories: Our Blog Simple—ask disabled people to test it for you! My own disabilities don’t affect how I use websites, which is why I have a team of disabled people who work with me. Their lived experience brings a perspective you just can’t get any other way. Other disabled people are available, by the way. Over 1 billion of them! Find out more about our website accessibility testing team (new window) --- > Website accessibility can seem a bit overwhelming, especially when you first start learning about it. You might be tempted to use a 3rd party - Published: 2025-05-06 - Modified: 2025-04-20 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/beware-snake-oil-salesmen/ - Categories: Our Blog Website accessibility can seem a bit overwhelming, especially when you first start learning about it. You might be tempted to use a 3rd party accessibility “solution” because it offers to fix all your website problems just by dropping a line of code into your website, making it fully compliant with the regulations. Amazing really. It almost sounds too good to be good to be true. Of course it is too good to be true. They do not, I repeat, not, make a website compliant with anything and they actually make websites less accessible for many disabled people. In fact, one provider, AccessiBe, has recently been ordered to pay a $1 million fine for misleading advertising by the US Government. Another provider, Userway, is facing a class action lawsuit from its clients who bought their product, believing it would protect them from being sued. In reality, they were sued because their products did not such thing. Accessibility toolbars are a good thing but only if they are part of the website’s native code, rather than some horrendous 3rd party overlay that will not make your website compliant in any way. For more info on this, please go to overlayfactsheet. com. --- > In my last post, I talked about Popups (Modals) and the importance of making sure that screen readers are alerted when they appear on a website or any - Published: 2025-05-05 - Modified: 2025-04-20 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/focus-trap/ - Categories: Our Blog In my last post, I talked about Popups (Modals) and the importance of making sure that screen readers are alerted when they appear on a website or any validation messages appear. You may be thinking that is all you need to do. Not quite! Today I am going to talk about an issue I come across more often than so many of the others. We are going to talk about Focus Traps! What is a focus trap? Above, we have a login modal. There is a username field, a password field, a login button and a close button You may remember from my previous article that keyboard users will tab between elements on a page. If there is a focus trap, all they can do is stay on this modal until they press the login button or the close button and then it goes away. Just like a sign-up form, a shopping basket, or anything that is overlaid on the website. This is how it should be, you cannot go anywhere else until you get rid of it, just like it will always still be visible on the screen until you click on the login button. No Focus Trap So what happens if there is No Focus Trap? Well, if you are using a keyboard, you tab from the username to the password screen, to the submit button, to the close button; and then you just keep on going! Eventually, you may find your way back but it can take... --- > This could be one that appears after a short while to check you are still there, or asks if you are sure you want to leave. It could be a simple form or a - Published: 2025-05-02 - Modified: 2025-04-20 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/popups/ - Categories: Our Blog This could be one that appears after a short while to check you are still there, or asks if you are sure you want to leave. It could be a simple form or a chatbot. Popups, or modals as they are technically called, are used by almost everyone in digital marketing. I expect you are thinking that I hate modals, I am going to say how bad they are and how you shouldn’t use them? Well, I’m not. Why? Well, let’s think about what a pop-up is used for. What do they need to do? They need to draw the visitor’s attention to somewhere on the screen and give them information, perhaps with a button to click on, to action something. So, you want to alert your visitor and you want to use a pop-up to do it? This is fine. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with alerting someone, it is just that you need to alert everyone. So, for example, most of us can see a pop-up appear on the screen. However, if we can’t see the screen, we do not know it is there. Not a problem, you can code your pop-up so that when it appears, it also sends an alert message to someone using a screen reader! They know immediately what your message is and, in a way, it is even clearer because that message is read to them directly without any other distractions. You use ARIA Labels to do things like this but I do... --- > One of the most important parts of a website is the navigation. People need to find the pages they want and most will use a mouse. Have a look at the - Published: 2025-05-01 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/navigation-challenges/ - Categories: Our Blog One of the most important parts of a website is the navigation. People need to find the pages they want and most will use a mouse. Have a look at the simple example on the right. The 'About Us' page has sub-pages underneath, shown by the triangle next to it. The sub-pages all appear below, you move your mouse down, it changes colour on the page you want. You click on it and you are away. Easy. Mouse-less challenges Let’s say you can’t use a mouse. What then? Some people can’t use one because they’re visually impaired. Others struggle with fine motor control. In both cases, they use a keyboard instead. I’m clumsy and I’ve been using computers since before mice were invented. I will take keyboard shortcuts any day. Using a keyboard So how do you navigate a website with a keyboard? It comes down to just 2 keys that you can test this yourself next time you are on a website. The Tab key and the Enter key. The Tab key is used to navigate and the Enter key is used to perform an action. Stay focussed! Do you remember how the page link turned blue when the mouse hovered over it? Well, when you use a keyboard, you may often not see that happen, it is great when you do, though. However, a lot of neurodivergent people have issues seeing certain colours, so what you should always also see is some kind of outline, so you know where... --- > With just 43 days left until the European Accessibility Act comes into force, it is time to look at your clients' websites — and your own role in what - Published: 2025-05-01 - Modified: 2025-05-12 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/web-agencies-this-is-your-responsibility-too/ - Categories: Our Blog With just 43 days left until the European Accessibility Act comes into force, it is time to look at your clients' websites — and your own role in what happens next If your clients operate in the EU, their websites must meet accessibility standardsIf you designed or maintain those websites, your agency may be held accountable for any gaps That includes: Missing or non-compliant Accessibility Statements Sites that were never tested by disabled users Failing to alert your client to known issues At Access by Design, we work with agencies to get ahead of the riskWe provide real-world accessibility audits backed by manual testing from disabled peopleWe deliver insight, clarity, and a clear path to compliance Contact us today to stay protected and keep your clients safe --- > How is Colour Contrast defined? Colour contrast is one of the most common accessibility issues out there. It’s about how different two colours appear in - Published: 2025-04-30 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/what-does-colour-contrast-actually-mean/ - Categories: Our Blog How is Colour Contrast defined? Colour contrast is one of the most common accessibility issues out there. It’s about how different two colours appear in brightness—basically, whether the text stands out clearly from the background. On websites, this usually means the contrast between foreground text and background colour—but it can apply to anything visual, like icons, borders, or buttons. The technical bit? It’s measured using something called the contrast ratio: 3:1 or higher meets the WCAG AA standard Below 3:1 is a fail Logos are exempt from the guidelines—thankfully—because let’s face it, most logos wouldn’t pass. Testing it is easy You don’t need fancy software or a developer. There are plenty of free tools online where you pop in your foreground and background colours, and they’ll tell you whether it passes. WebAIM’s contrast checker is a good place to start. In the screenshots I’ve included, the contrast ratio on the right is just under 3. So it fails—just—but it still fails. The fix? Usually very simple Often, it only takes a tiny change—darken the text slightly, or lighten the background—and suddenly you’re back over the 3:1 threshold. The difference might be barely noticeable to the eye, but for someone with low vision, it can be the difference between readable and unreadable. Moral of the story: check your contrast. It takes seconds, costs nothing, and makes your content usable for far more people. --- > Expanding on inclusive link text Let’s call out the culprit straight away: “Click here.” It crops up on every other page, yet for many people it’s - Published: 2025-04-28 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/whats-the-best-way-to-avoid-using-the-c-word/ - Categories: Our Blog Expanding on inclusive link text Let’s call out the culprit straight away: “Click here. ” It crops up on every other page, yet for many people it’s about as helpful as a “Wet Paint” sign written in braille and hung face‑down. Why “click here” falls short Screen‑reader users get no context. A blind visitor tabbing through links hears a chorus of identical “click here, click here... ”, but zero clue about what each link actually does. Keyboard‑only and voice‑control users don’t always click. Tapping Enter, issuing “open” commands or working a sip‑and‑puff switch is hardly “clicking”, so the wording already excludes them. SEO and skim‑readers miss out. Descriptive link text doubles as an anchor for search engines and a visual cue for sighted users scanning the page. Better patterns (short, sweet and inclusive) Poor Better Even better (with extra cues) Click here Download our brochure Download our brochure (PDF, 2 MB) Click here for event details View upcoming events View upcoming events (opens in new tab) Click here to read more Read the full case study Read the full case study on accessibility Notice how each improved link tells you what will happen before you activate it—no hidden surprises, no insider knowledge required. The “mouthful” objection Yes, “Follow this link to download our brochure” is technically descriptive, but it still buries the verb (download) under throat‑clearing fluff. Trim the fat and you get “Download our brochure”—five words that do exactly what they say on the tin. Job done. The golden rule If you can plonk your link text into the... --- > Expanding on accessibility guidelines When it comes to web accessibility, our own “building regulations” are the - Published: 2025-04-25 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/how-do-you-pronounce-wcag/ - Categories: Our Blog Expanding on accessibility guidelines When it comes to web accessibility, our own “building regulations” are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines—the set of international standards that spell out how to make a digital experience usable for everyone. Lovely stuff, but that title is hardly something you can rattle off in a hallway chat. So, as with every unwieldy name, it gets trimmed—only no‑one can quite agree how. They are produced by the World Wide Web Consortium, which is itself rather a lot, but I have only ever heard it pronounced as "W-3-C". I hear at least three pronunciations for WCAG: “W‑C‑A‑G” – the strict, letter‑by‑letter recital. Efficient, if a tad robotic. “W‑CAG” – dropping one letter to keep the rhythm snappy. “Woo‑CAG” – the jazz‑hands version; silly to some, memorable to others. I’m curious: which camp are you in? To anyone still saying the full Web Content Accessibility Guidelines every single time...  you deserve a medal and a glass of water! --- > What is the EAA? The European Accessibility Act (EAA) introduces new rules that mirror the regulatory impact of GDPR, which imposed significant fines for - Published: 2025-04-25 - Modified: 2025-04-30 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-european-accessibility-act-why-you-must-act-now/ - Categories: Our Blog What is the EAA? The European Accessibility Act (EAA) introduces new rules that mirror the regulatory impact of GDPR, which imposed significant fines for non-compliance. However, the EAA goes further by ensuring that all digital platforms—websites and apps—are accessible to every user. A WCAG compliance audit will be essential for meeting these new accessibility standards. Starting June 28th, 2025, all private companies with a presence in the EU must comply with the EAA. If your business has an online presence in Europe, the EAA applies to you. This means ensuring your website or SaaS portal meets the regulations or has at least begun the journey to compliance in earnest. . Why should this matter to your business? Non-compliance will result in severe financial penalties. The high-profile GDPR fines faced by global companies have already set a clear precedent: Google: €50 million WhatsApp: €225 million TikTok: €345 million Amazon: €746 million Meta: €1. 2 billion The EAA will soon start enforcing penalties. Businesses should act now to avoid being its first targets. Delaying accessibility work will lead to financial setbacks in multiple areas. You can avoid hefty penalties by taking proactive steps now An accessibility audit will be required, from that, a compliant accessibility statement will help protect your business by clearly demonstrating your intent to address these critical issues. At Access by Design, we have been industry leaders in website accessibility for 18 years. Our unique team combines extensive experience in accessibility testing with the invaluable insights of our disabled... --- > According to WebAIM’s annual Million Report, a sobering 95.9 per cent of the top one million home‑pages scanned in 2024 still betrayed at least one - Published: 2025-04-24 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/some-inaccessibility-stats/ - Categories: Our Blog According to WebAIM’s annual Million Report, a sobering 95. 9 per cent of the top one million home‑pages scanned in 2024 still betrayed at least one detectable failure of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) – a figure that, while marginally better than 2023, leaves an ocean of inaccessible content behind it. Back when I delivered my TED Talk in 2022, the failure rate stood at 97. 4 per cent, and in the 2019 baseline study it was 97. 8 per cent. In other words, five years of spirited campaigning, headline lawsuits and shiny “awareness days” have produced a net improvement of just 1. 9 percentage points. With progress measured in tenths of a per cent, sarcasm feels not only justified but almost mandatory. Should we be inspired or depressed? Depressing? Absolutely. A 95 per cent failure rate means millions of disabled users still hit digital brick walls daily, and automated scans only catch the low‑hanging fruit. The true picture is almost certainly worse. Inspiring? Surprisingly, yes—because that stubborn 1. 9 per cent proves two crucial things: Improvement is possible: Every fraction of a per cent represents tens of thousands of home‑pages fixed. Somebody, somewhere, made the business case, won the budget and shipped the change. The solutions are well‑understood: Most violations—missing alt text, empty links, low‑contrast text—are neither exotic nor expensive to remedy. We’re not waiting for a breakthrough; we’re waiting for commitment. So the stats can depress and galvanise in equal measure: depressing, because the digital divide remains vast; galvanising, because closing that divide is eminently doable... --- > Reason 1 - Legal There are guidelines you are legally required to follow if you are in the public sector.  If you are in the private sector, you can - Published: 2025-04-23 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/3-reasons-why-digital-accessibility-is-important/ - Categories: Our Blog Reason 1 - Legal There are guidelines you are legally required to follow if you are in the public sector.   If you are in the private sector, you can be sued under the Equality Act if you do not meet those guidelines.   There also is the minor matter of the European Accessibility Act which comes into force in a few weeks time! Reason 2 - Financial Google is blind—other search engines are also available, of course!   If your competitors have more accessible sites than your clients, they’ll make more money.   In case you didn’t know, the Purple Pound, which is the spending power of disabled people in the UK, is worth £274 billion a year. In addition, if legal action is taken against your client, they risk both financial and reputational damage. And so do you. Reason 3 - Moral Many companies strive to be as Inclusive as possible, in terms of race, gender and sexual orientation. Disability, unfortunately, is often overlooked but obviously it is just as important. --- > Alt text in a nutshell Alt text (often mis‑labelled an “alt tag”) is the little string you drop into an image’s alt="" attribute so a - Published: 2025-04-23 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/what-is-an-alt-tag-and-how-should-i-use-it/ - Categories: Our Blog Alt text in a nutshell Alt text (often mis‑labelled an “alt tag”) is the little string you drop into an image’s alt="" attribute so a screen‑reader can announce what the image is—or what it does—when the picture itself isn’t available. It’s invisible to sighted users, but vital for blind and low‑vision visitors, people on flaky connections, and anyone who likes their browser with images turned off to save data. Why it matters Context for screen‑readers – Without alt text, the software will read the filename (“IMG_8654‑final‑edit‑v2. jpg”)—hardly riveting prose. Keyboard, voice and braille support – Users who navigate by links alone rely on alt text to understand what each image‑link does Fallback when images break – If the picture times out, the alt text still loads, so nobody’s left guessing. SEO bonus – Search engines index it, which never hurts. Writing alt text: the Goldilocks test Image type Bad (too vague) Better (just right) When to leave it empty Product photo alt="image" alt="Blue canvas backpack, front view" Never—product shots always need alt text Functional icon (link) alt="" alt="Download PDF timetable" Only if the same text link appears right next to the icon Decorative swirl alt="swirl" Empty (alt="") Decorative elements should be skipped entirely so they don’t clutter the reading order  Rule of thumb: if removing the image would make the page confusing, give it alt text. If it’s purely ornamental, set alt="" so assistive tech glides past without a peep. Keep it short, keep it honest Describe what you’d say if you... --- > 22In essence, anything delivered through a web browser—be it a public‑facing site, a secure staff portal, an e‑learning environment or the self‑service - Published: 2025-04-22 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/what-is-digital-accessibility/ - Categories: Our Blog 22In essence, anything delivered through a web browser—be it a public‑facing site, a secure staff portal, an e‑learning environment or the self‑service kiosk that fuels late‑night pizza cravings—should remain usable by every visitor, irrespective of their particular abilities or disabilities. Consider visual impairment. A page need not be perceived visually to be understood. Screen‑reader software—effectively a spoken interface for the web—converts headings, links and descriptive text into clear audio, enabling blind and partially‑sighted users to navigate content with confidence. Motor limitations present a different set of challenges. For individuals who cannot reliably operate a mouse, trackpad or standard keyboard, voice control and switch‑based technologies provide crucial alternatives. While virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa have normalised voice interaction, hands‑free browsing can still be frustrating: commands may misfire, focus may jump unpredictably, and essential controls may be inaccessible. Nonetheless, imperfect access is vastly preferable to exclusion. Each incremental improvement—adding a descriptive label, ensuring keyboard focus, replacing hover‑only menus—brings us closer to a digital landscape in which no one is locked out. That, ultimately, is the goal: designing experiences that allow every person, on any device and in any context, to accomplish their tasks with dignity and ease. --- > Most people who work within accessibility have a personal reason for doing so. This is the central reservation on the Old Shoreham Road, in West Sussex, - Published: 2025-04-18 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/why-accessibility-is-important-to-me/ - Categories: Our Blog Most people who work within accessibility have a personal reason for doing so. This is the central reservation on the Old Shoreham Road, in West Sussex, UK. If you know the road, I am talking about by the cemetery. I was a passenger in a very bad car crash. It was the 11th June 1989 at 4am. The driver fell asleep at the wheel and hit a lamppost at 46 mph. The car was wrecked and we were left with horrendous life-changing injuries. From that moment on, we saw the world through the lens of disability. I have photos of the car which I am not going to show here because I do not want to cause upset. It wasn’t great, in fact it was a close call whether we would survive. If the accident had not happened, I would probably not give accessibility any more thought than anyone else and that is why I do not get frustrated when I meet people who do not get it. It is my role to get alongside them and help them on this journey, one that we will all need to take. Why is accessibility important to you? --- > I had the privilege of speaking about website accessibility at Brighton SEO last week. It was the first time here and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire - Published: 2025-04-17 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/brighton-seo-2025-google-is-blind/ - Categories: Our Blog I had the privilege of speaking about website accessibility at Brighton SEO last week. It was the first time here and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. It was a wonderful opportunity to met so many creatives within the digital sphere and attend some incredibly insight talks about digital marketing. It has been 3 years since my TEDTalk, which has now been viewed over 1 million times. I always signpost people to mty TEDTalk first because it gives them a clear introduction to the world of website accessibility and helps everyone understand what it actually is and what they should do about it, without getting technical. With my talk at brightonSEO, as it was being delivered to digital agencies, I was able to go into some of the specific challenges my team and I have encountered over the years and how they could be overcome. My talk will be available on YouTube at some point but I wanted to put my content here as well, as a series of blogs. I hope you find them helpful. If you would like to have a chat about we could help you with your website accessibility, please do get in touch. --- > Terms and Conditions for Website Development Terms and Conditions for Website Hosting - Published: 2025-03-19 - Modified: 2025-03-19 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/abdterms/ - Categories: Legal Terms and Conditions for Website Development Terms and Conditions for Website Hosting --- > Today I celebrate the return of plain text emails! I hope this will lead, one day, to the eventual elimination of HTML emails altogether. I am not a fan - Published: 2025-02-11 - Modified: 2025-02-11 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-return-of-plain-text-emails/ - Categories: Our Blog Today I celebrate the return of plain text emails! I hope this will lead, one day, to the eventual elimination of HTML emails altogether. I am not a fan of HTML emails. These are emails that have styling applied to them, like simple web pages. They often have columns that are impossible to see on a mobile phone, coloured backgrounds, lots of red x’s where the images have been blocked, text in tiny fonts and so on. You end up having to zoom in with your mobile device, sometimes they have banner images that create a horizontal bar because they are so wide and, when you reply to it, all that messy styling gets included in the bottom, causing that dreaded horizontal bar to remain for as long as the email thread does! A recent audit highlighted this as an issue I undertook an audit for a large ecommerce store last year. One of the aspects I looked at was the emails that were sent automatically to the customer. This would include when creating an account, signup up for special offers, placing an order and so on. Each one was a styled HTML email. It had lots of tiny images that were all blocked, the disclaimer text that was so small it was completely unreadable and it just looked messy. It was also completely inaccessible, as HTML emails usually are. However, when I received an email from one of the customer support team, it was a different story. A clean... --- > I am very pleased to announce that my TEDTalk has now had over 1 million views! It has been nearly 3 years since I had the honour of speaking at a TEDx - Published: 2025-01-30 - Modified: 2025-01-30 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/tedtalk-views-passes-1-million/ - Categories: Our Blog I am very pleased to announce that my TEDTalk has now had over 1 million views! It has been nearly 3 years since I had the honour of speaking at a TEDx Event in Newport. It was a truly wonderful experience and I was extremely honoured when it was featured on TED. com a few months later. Reaching 1 million views was something I hoped might happen one day. However, it is just a number. The number that is far more important is 190,000,000. That is the number of active websites that are failing basic website accessibility in 2025. Now add to that web portals, online courses and a whole host of other platforms, it becomes even more overwhelming. Website Accessibility Guidelines first appeared in 1999. The principles haven’t changed, they have merely evolved as web technology has developed. I keep waiting for the one event that might cause a dramatic sea-change in awareness and maybe the advent of the European Accessibility Act in a few months will be just that. I hope so. Most of the fantastic people I have met who have an interest in website accessibility have a personal connection with it, either they themselves or people close to them have a disability that impacts their ability to do the digital tasks everyone else takes for granted. That is why I cannot blame people for being ignorant. If we hadn’t been in that horrendous car accident in 1989 that caused us to have life-changing injuries, we would... --- > Lawsuit over accessibility widget This article originally appeared on TechStart-ups on 23/12/2024. Userway is facing a class action lawsuit filed by - Published: 2025-01-28 - Modified: 2025-01-27 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/userway-faces-class-action-lawsuit-over-alleged-false-accessibility-and-ada-compliance-claims/ - Categories: Our Blog Lawsuit over accessibility widget This article originally appeared on TechStart-ups on 23/12/2024. Userway is facing a class action lawsuit filed by Bloomsybox. com, LLC, accusing the company of making misleading claims about its accessibility widget. The lawsuit, filed at Delaware District Court, alleges that Userway promoted its product as a simple, foolproof solution for achieving ADA compliance but failed to deliver on its promises, leaving businesses vulnerable to legal action. According to the court documents, Userway promoted its widget as an easy fix for making websites ADA-compliant and aligning with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Businesses were assured that a single line of code would not only ensure compliance but also shield them from lawsuits, with the added promise of legal support if disputes arose. The lawsuit claims these assurances were exaggerated. Bloomsybox alleges that the widget didn’t ensure compliance and, in some cases, made websites harder to use for people with disabilities. Rather than reducing legal risks, businesses using the widget were reportedly more likely to face lawsuits. “Plaintiff brings this action seeking damages caused by Userway’s misleading and false representations in its advertising, its direct marketing, its standard form correspondences with customers, and in its standard form contract regarding its “overlay” products that purport to adjust any website’s underlying code to ensure that the website meets all legal and regulatory standards needed to comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). Plaintiff further seeks injunctive relief that would require Userway to discontinue its deceptive practices,”... --- > Reposting this article from the TechCrunch website:  The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has fined accessiBe, a startup that claims to make websites - Published: 2025-01-24 - Modified: 2025-01-24 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/ftc-orders-ai-accessibility-startup-accessibe-to-pay-1m-for-misleading-advertising/ - Categories: Our Blog Reposting this article from the TechCrunch website: The U. S. Federal Trade Commission has fined accessiBe, a startup that claims to make websites more compatible with the screen readers blind people rely on to access the internet, for false advertising and compensating reviewers without disclosing that it sponsored the reviews. In a proposed order, the FTC would require accessiBe to pay $1 million that may be used to refund the company’s customers, and prohibit accessiBe from overstating the capabilities of its tools. The order would also mandate that accessiBe “clearly and conspicuously” highlight connections to endorsers of its services. “Companies looking for help making their websites compliant must be able to trust that products do what they are advertised to do,” Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s bureau of consumer protection, said in a statement. “Overstating a product’s ... capabilities without adequate evidence is deceptive, and the FTC will act to stop it. ” New York-based accessiBe sells an AI-powered plug-in that it says can make any website compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a set of technical criteria used to assess website accessibility. The company pitches its services as a shield against lawsuits for noncompliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the federal civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination. Founded in 2018 by entrepreneurs Dekel Skoop, Gal Vizel, and Shir Ekerling, accessiBe has managed to raise $58. 5 million in venture capital from investors, including Los Angeles-based private equity firm K1. At... --- > It is good to know that snake oil salesmen are still going strong in 2024! Their product, so they say, will fix your website and make it WCAG - Published: 2024-12-16 - Modified: 2024-12-16 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/snake-oil-salesmen-in-2024-selling-inaccessible-overlays/ - Categories: Our Blog It is good to know that snake oil salesmen are still going strong in 2024! Their product, so they say, will fix your website and make it WCAG Compliant. All you need to do is pay them a hefty annual fee and drop a single line of code into your website. You can then sit back, relax, safe in the knowledge that all your problems have gone away . Except they have not gone away. Your website is still not compliant. The snake oil salesman has taken your money but his product has not done what it promised. It never can. A drop of snake oil does not fix your problems. Neither does a bottle or ever 100 bottles of it. Remember that before you consider buying it. Who are these people and on what grounds do I say this? Follow this link to overlayfactsheet. com for the answer! Changing the World, One Website at a Time. --- > An exciting new project! I am planning to produce a series of short analysis videos, focussing on my passion for raising awareness of website - Published: 2024-12-10 - Modified: 2025-01-27 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/calling-all-website-owners/ - Categories: Our Blog An exciting new project! I am planning to produce a series of short analysis videos, focussing on my passion for raising awareness of website accessibility. These will not be like the regular detailed audits I do for my clients. Instead, I will look at a website, pick out a few things that are examples of good accessibility practice, as well as highlighting where there is room for improvement. Do you want to get involved? To do this, I am looking for people who are willing to have their website featured. I realise it may seem a bit like putting your head in a lion’s mouth but please let me reassure you that my aim is to help you enhance your website’s accessibility, rather than just being critical. If you are willing to let me analyse your website on my YouTube channel, I promise to show my appreciation by being balanced, objective and, above all else, encouraging! I realise I may get zero responses but I have always believed, if you don’t ask, you don’t get! Thnak you If you are interested, please send me an email: clive@accessbydesign. uk --- > Let's donate some money! Recently, Iona and I had a somewhat frustrating experience while testing the donation page of a charity website. The page offered - Published: 2024-11-25 - Modified: 2024-11-25 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/so-you-want-english-pounds/ - Categories: Our Blog Let's donate some money! Recently, Iona and I had a somewhat frustrating experience while testing the donation page of a charity website. The page offered several donation options: £5, £10, £50, or an "Other" field for custom amounts. The design of the page was clear, and the options were easy to understand, which was great at first. Iona was keen to donate £10, so she tried to select that option. Iona uses voice recognition software to navigate websites due to a hand disability, so she started by attempting the command, "Click Ten Pounds. " Unfortunately, nothing happened. Undeterred, she tried again with "Click Link," hoping that the links would trigger a response and display numbers next to them, allowing her to select the correct option. But once again, nothing occurred. She repeated this with "Click Button," hoping it would have a similar effect, but still, there was no response. Software malfunction? At this point, Iona repeated these commands several times, just to rule out the possibility of the voice recognition software malfunctioning. However, there was no success. As a last resort, she switched to using the "Tab" key method, which is usually a reliable fallback. This method involves repeatedly saying the word "Tab," allowing the system to cycle through each clickable element on the page, highlighting them as it goes. As you can imagine, this process is far from ideal. It's both tiring and slow. Iona can only speak at the rate that the voice recognition software can process, and... --- > I am super proud to announce that I am now officially a Keynote Speaker at brightonSEO next April! I love working with agencies and helping them with - Published: 2024-11-22 - Modified: 2024-11-22 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/clive-is-a-keynote-speaker-at-brightonseo-2025/ - Categories: Our Blog I am super proud to announce that I am now officially a Keynote Speaker at brightonSEO next April! I love working with agencies and helping them with digital accessibility. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to share examples of good practice and explain how it is possible to use established marketing techniques, (usually involving overlays ), but in an accessible way! https://brightonseo. com/talks/google-is-blind-what-this-means-for-you-in-2025 --- > Does this make sense? Let us put it another way, can disabled people use your digital products? I am getting enquiries from SASS Vendors on exactly this - Published: 2024-11-19 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/is-your-saas-platform-wcag-2-2-compliant/ - Categories: Our Blog Does this make sense? Let us put it another way, can disabled people use your digital products? I am getting enquiries from SASS Vendors on exactly this question. On many occasions, it was driven by one of their prospective clients. Their honest answer was “er, we are not sure but we will get back to you. ”. Hence their reason for reaching out to me and my team. Obviously, in an ideal world, it would have been easier if they were able to answer the question straight away. This prevents a potential delay in the decision-making process and, if Vendor A is able to say “Yes” and Vendors B & C are not able to, Vendor A is more likely to secure the business. However, we live in a demand-driven world. If the demand from your prospects is there, this a stronger driving force than any amount of legislation to look at this seriously and get ahead of your competitors. The demand is there and it is growing. Next time you are considering a SASS product for your company, ask the question. In doing so, you are helping the digital world become a more inclusive place and, by choosing an accessible SAAS product, you are making a better investment for your business! If you would like to have a chat about how we could help you in making your SAAS product complaint, why not book yourself in for a free consultation? Caption: cartoon illustration of a desktop computer. The screen... --- > Chichester District Council have just announced that their popular Enabling Grant is now open again for applications. If you have a business within the - Published: 2024-09-11 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/enabling-grant-for-chichester-based-small-businesses-now-available/ - Categories: Our Blog Chichester District Council have just announced that their popular Enabling Grant is now open again for applications. If you have a business within the Chichester District, you could get a match-funded grant of up to £2500 towards a new website or other asset for your business. If you would like a quote from us to support your application, please send us an email or call us on 01243 776399. Read the article about the Enabling Grant Applications close on 30th September, so you do not have long! --- > We are delighted to announce that we were winners at the Chichester and Bognor Business Awards last Friday, in the Digital Excellence Category! The - Published: 2024-06-20 - Modified: 2024-06-20 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/access-by-design-award-winners-once-again/ - Categories: Our Blog We are delighted to announce that we were winners at the Chichester and Bognor Business Awards last Friday, in the Digital Excellence Category! The ceremony took place at the Avisford Park Hotel and was hosted by the British comedian Helen Lederer. We were deeply honoured that the judges recognised our pioneering work in website accessibility since 2006. In our submission, we explained why we believe that we are the only company that provides all of the following, under one roof: 1) Award-Winning Accessible Web Design 2) Digital Accessibility Audits 3) Live user testing with disabled people We have always been pioneering in website accessibility and our Accessibility Toolbar allows all users to benefit from being able to change the way a website is viewed, without relying on any 3rd party software to do so. Our Accessibility Toolbar has recently been copied by the Scottish Parliament as an example of best practice, on a Member’s Expenses portal we helped them develop from the ground up. It should go live on the rest of the website in due course. We also created the Web’s first mobile-friendly, fully accessible website in 2011, for which we won the Chichester Observer Award for Business Innovation in 2016. Clive was a TED speaker on website accessibility in February 2022 and it has since been featured on TED. com. It has been viewed over 950,000 times: In a world where over 95% of websites fail basic accessibility checks, we are proud to be not only pioneers in... --- > I was lucky enough to watch Wicked The Musical last night at the Mayflower, Southampton. I had seen it before in the West End but this experience was - Published: 2024-06-13 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/how-to-make-wicked-even-more-so-using-accessibility-services/ - Categories: Our Blog I was lucky enough to watch Wicked The Musical last night at the Mayflower, Southampton. I had seen it before in the West End but this experience was better! Why? On each side of the stage were captions! I have some hearing loss, mostly due to my misspent youth playing in a rock band and seeing too many gigs without hearing protection. It is not to the point that I require a hearing aid but I did struggle to hear all of the lyrics, particularly when the full ensemble is singing and some of the words themselves are not real words anyway. Having the captions at the side of the stage (which also provided excellent audio description between the speaking lines) was brilliant for me because it allowed me to fully understand every word said, unlike when I saw it the first time. There were signs around the theatre asking for feedback about them, and I made a point of letting them know how brilliant these accessibility services were! As far as I am away, every performance during the run is captioned. I didn’t find it intrusive, I found it just enhanced my enjoyment of the performance. Anyone else who has hearing loss would have benefitted just as much. When you make what you do more accessible, everyone benefits! Accessibility services come in many different guises, big thumbs up to the Mayflower Theatre! Caption: the interior of a grand theatre, focusing on the stage where a musical is in full... --- > What is the C-Word with Web page accessibility? Click Here. Er... Click Where? Click here. Three simple words that are incredibly frustrating. You see - Published: 2024-06-06 - Modified: 2024-08-02 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/oh-no-not-the-c-word/ - Categories: Our Blog What is the C-Word with Web page accessibility? Click Here. Er... Click Where? Click here. Three simple words that are incredibly frustrating. You see them everywhere on the internet, showing a lack of thought about the language we use every day. There are certain words we all agree not to use because they are offensive. Some may come to mind as you read this. "Click here" may not, but it is to me, which is why I call it the c-word. Consider any website littered with this phrase: "Click here to sign up for our mailing list and get a 10% discount on your first purchase. " "Click here to read our policy on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. " Click here for this, click here for that. You might ask, "What's wrong with that? " Let's imagine you are blind and using a screen reader. Your screen reader announces, "Click here. " Click where? You might think it's still acceptable because the screen reader identifies a link, allowing you to decide whether to select it. But what if I said it's akin to telling a room full of people to stand up, even though someone in the room is in a wheelchair? Is this still okay? Does this make a person with a disability feel more or less welcome? If, however, you asked everyone in the room to stand up or raise their hand if they were able, would they then feel more or less welcome? Back to "Click here.... --- > A real-world experience with a credit card My elderly father has been hospitalised for some time but will be coming home on Monday. This news brings - Published: 2024-05-30 - Modified: 2024-05-30 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-need-for-a-colour-check-is-not-just-for-websites/ - Categories: Our Blog A real-world experience with a credit card My elderly father has been hospitalised for some time but will be coming home on Monday. This news brings immense relief and joy to our family. However, in preparation for his return, we have encountered some unexpected challenges that highlight a critical issue: accessibility in design. Just the other day, we were trying to top up his mobile phone. It seemed like a simple task—call the mobile phone company, provide the necessary details, and voila! But as life would have it, things are rarely that straightforward. My father wanted to use his credit card for the transaction. As I was on the phone with the customer service representative, ready to read out his card details, I hit an unexpected roadblock. The credit card numbers were printed in a colour that was exactly the same as the background. Imagine trying to read something that is virtually invisible. It was a nightmare, especially since I did not have my assistive technology (glasses) with me. Squinting and straining my eyes, I tried to make out the numbers, but it was almost impossible. An alternative solution that made a colour check easier! After several frustrating minutes, we eventually sorted it out by using his other card, which thankfully had a strong, contrasting background that made the numbers easy to read. While this solved our immediate problem, it made me realise, once again, how vital it is to consider accessibility in any form of design. This was not... --- > What is WCAG? Accessibility means what exactly? 25 years ago, WCAG 1.0 was introduced. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Version 1.0  These - Published: 2024-05-23 - Modified: 2024-08-02 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/happy-birthday-wcag-accessibility/ - Categories: Our Blog What is WCAG? Accessibility means what exactly? 25 years ago, WCAG 1. 0 was introduced. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Version 1. 0 These guidelines were published to help web designers make their websites more accessible. To quote directly from their abstract: “The primary goal of these guidelines is to promote accessibility. However, following them will also make Web content more available to all users, whatever user agent they are using (e. g. , desktop browser, voice browser, mobile phone, automobile-based personal computer, etc. ) or constraints they may be operating under (e. g. , noisy surroundings, under- or over-illuminated rooms, in a hands-free environment, etc. ). Following these guidelines will also help people find information on the Web more quickly. These guidelines do not discourage content developers from using images, video, etc. , but rather explain how to make multimedia content more accessible to a wide audience. ” Wow. That encapsulates it perfectly. How to make your website more accessible and inclusive for everyone. So why are we not celebrating? 25 years later, 95. 9% of the top 1 million websites still fail to meet basic accessibility standards. Why? Do web designers not care? I do not believe that is the case. However, whatever the reasons, we cannot ignore the sad fact that these guidelines have had minimal impact on the majority of websites built today. Lived Experience If I had not been involved in a horrendous car crash over 30 years ago, which resulted in life-changing injuries for... --- > White backgrounds affect some neurodivergent people. Symptoms can include headaches and exhaustion. I see this at first-hand with two of my team, when we - Published: 2024-05-09 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-problem-with-white-backgrounds/ - Categories: Our Blog White backgrounds affect some neurodivergent people. Symptoms can include headaches and exhaustion. I see this at first-hand with two of my team, when we are doing live audits. We will always start off brightly but, as time goes on, the white background begins to gradually chip away at their energy and reduce their ability to concentrate. You begin to hear it in the tone of their voices. They rarely complain but, as I have got to know them, I know how the intensity of our sessions affects them and they are exhausted by the end of each one. So, should we get rid of white backgrounds? Of course not! There is a simple solution. Offer different colour contrast options on your website. All it takes is a bit of JavaScript to switch the website’s styling at the press of a button. Doing this allows your neurodivergent visitors to have a more inclusive, enjoyable experience on your website and increase their feeling of well-being towards you. Find out how we can help you with your website accessibility --- > We are thrilled to announce that we are finalists at the Chichester and Bognor Business Awards 2024, in the Digital Excellence Category! There is a - Published: 2024-04-23 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/finalists-at-the-chichester-and-bognor-business-awards-2024/ - Categories: Our Blog We are thrilled to announce that we are finalists at the Chichester and Bognor Business Awards 2024, in the Digital Excellence Category! There is a black-tie dinner at the Avisford Park Hotel in June which we are very excited about attending. We were winners at this event back in 2016, for Product Innovation. This was in recognition of our pioneering work in website accessibility, such as creating the web’s first accessible, mobile and tablet-friendly website in 2011. 8 years on, “website accessibility” is still a phrase unknown to many and, sadly, 95. 9% of the Web’s top 1 million websites fail many basic accessibility standards in 2024. However, our work, whether in accessible web design or accessibility audits is, in a small way, making a difference. One website at a time. After all, it was 96. 3% in 2023. 0. 4% improvement in 12 months. There is a long, long way to go... . --- > A Website Accessibility Audit that involves disabled people is the - Published: 2024-02-17 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/why-is-involving-disabled-individuals-crucial-for-accessibility-audits/ - Categories: Our Blog Why is it important to involve individuals, in accessibility audits? In our world it's crucial to ensure that websites are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Accessibility audits play a role in assessing the accessibility of websites. However the active participation of individuals in these audits is vital for an understanding and effective addressing of accessibility. You might question why their involvement holds importance. The answer lies in the perspectives and experiences that disabled users bring to the table. They navigate the web in ways. Face barriers that others may not even recognize. By including individuals in accessibility audits we gain knowledge about practical issues that greatly impact website usability for a significant portion of the population. When disabled individuals are directly involved in the auditing process it goes beyond identifying issues. It ensures that solutions are not solely based on theory but also grounded in real world applications. This approach shifts our focus from following an accessibility checklist to creating an environment that genuinely welcomes. Accommodates everyone. The ultimate goal is to establish a space that not embraces all users but actively invites them providing an inclusive and enriching experience. Including users in accessibility audits also serves another purpose; it promotes the concept of design, from inception. This principle underscores the importance of considering accessibility, throughout the design and development phases than treating it as an afterthought or a mere checkbox to be ticked off at the end of development. By involving individuals in these audits it serves... --- > Having an accessible website is both a moral and legal requirement. It also opens more doors than you could imagine! Talk to us today! - Published: 2024-02-16 - Modified: 2024-02-09 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/how-to-make-your-site-user-friendly-for-everyone/ - Categories: Our Blog Web Accessibility Basics In todays era it is not a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility to ensure that your website is accessible, to all users. Web accessibility refers to the design and development of websites, tools and technologies that enable people with disabilities to use them. This includes addressing impairments such as cognitive, neurological, physical, speech and visual limitations. This guide serves as an introduction to web accessibility by providing steps for implementing web design that caters to everyone. It is essential for businesses in Chichester and any other entity aiming to establish an presence. Recognizing the Significance of Website Accessibility Accessible web design allows a broader audience, including individuals with disabilities to access your services. It involves eliminating barriers that might hinder interaction or access to websites for people with impairments. Apart, from the viewpoint having an accessible website can enhance your brand reputation boost search engine rankings and mitigate legal complications since many regions now enforce web accessibility regulations. Key Components of Accessible Web Design Developing a website encompasses crucial elements ranging from content structure to technology utilization. Here are some important things to consider; Semantic HTML When using HTML, its important to choose the HTML element, for the task at hand. This practice helps convey the meaning of the content on your web page than focusing on its appearance. For instance you can use elements like , , and to structure your page layout while using to tags for headings ensures that screen readers can... --- > Ensuring that you have an accessible website is critical in keeping you ahead of your competitors. We are industry-leading experts! - Published: 2024-02-14 - Modified: 2024-02-09 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/ensuring-equal-access-to-your-website/ - Categories: Our Blog From Breaking Barriers, to Enhancing Online Experience In a time where the digital world is constantly expanding it has become essential to ensure that your website is accessible to all individuals than a courtesy. Accessible web design involves creating spaces that can be used by everyone regardless of their cognitive abilities. This dedication to inclusivity not widens your audience. Also reflects positively on the values of your brand. As we explore the intricacies of making websites more accessible in contexts like web design in Chichester the focus remains on eliminating barriers and improving the user experience for everyone. The Essence of Making Websites Accessible Making websites accessible means designing them in a way that allows people with abilities and disabilities to easily use them. This approach takes into account needs such as impairments, hearing impairments, physical limitations, speech difficulties, cognitive challenges and neurological conditions. The ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone can access information and use features equally thus creating an inclusive online environment. The Importance of Accessibility In todays era websites often serve as the point of contact between businesses or services and potential users. It is vital to guarantee that this digital gateway remains open, for everyone. An accessible website has benefits. Not does it reach an audience but it also ensures compliance, with legal standards reducing the risk of potential legal issues. Additionally creating an accessible website aligns with practices in web design enhancing usability for all visitors. This can have effects on search engine rankings... --- > Accessible Web Design can be complex, espeically with Forms. We always ensure that our websites have correctly labelled forms, Let us help. - Published: 2024-02-13 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-importance-of-correctly-labelling-forms-in-accessible-web-design/ - Categories: Our Blog The importance of clarity and usability cannot be overstated in the realm of web design. Forms play a role, in user interaction on websites whether its for account registration online purchases or feedback provision. However one often overlooked aspect that's crucial for accessibility is the labeling of these forms. In this blog post we delve into the significance of proper form labeling within the context of web design. We shed light on its impact on creating websites that cater to all users, including those with disabilities. This holds relevance for web designers in Chichester and other locations who aim to achieve website accessibility and comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Improving User Experience for All Accurate form labels are essential for delivering an user friendly experience. Clear labels inform users about the expected information in each form field minimizing confusion and potential errors. This not benefits users with disabilities. Also enhances interactions across the entire user base by ensuring efficiency and simplicity. Supporting Users with Assistive Technologies For individuals relying on technologies like screen readers labeled forms are indispensable. These technologies heavily rely on accurate form labels to convey information, about each field to their users. When form labels are unclear it can be challenging for users to understand what is expected of them. This can lead to frustration. May even prevent them from completing the form. By ensuring labeling we enable technologies to effectively communicate the purpose and function of each form element thereby making the web more... --- > Looking for accessible web design, Chichester? We have been creating fully accessible websites since 2006 and lead the web in innovation! - Published: 2024-02-12 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/a-comprehensive-guide-to-website-accessibility-best-practices/ - Categories: Our Blog In todays world of technology it is more important, than ever to ensure that your website is easily accessible to all users. Website accessibility refers to the practice of making your website usable for people as possible including those with disabilities. This guide will delve into the practices for creating a web design focusing on principles that enhance navigation and inclusivity. By embracing these practices not can web design in Chichester. Beyond reach a wider audience but it can also contribute to creating an inclusive and equal online environment. Understanding the Concept of Website Accessibility Website accessibility involves removing barriers that may hinder interaction or access to websites by individuals with disabilities. When websites are designed, developed and edited correctly all users can have access to information and functionality. This includes individuals with auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech and visual impairments. The Significance of Accessible Web Design Accessible web design ensures that all potential users, including those with disabilities mentioned earlier can access content on your website seamlessly. They should be able to navigate through your website while engaging with your services and making purchases without encountering any obstacles. Creating a website not broadens your audience reach but also ensures compliance, with legal standards thereby avoiding potential legal consequences. Furthermore it enhances the user experience and usability of the website, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and improved SEO rankings. Essential Elements of a Website To ensure the creation of a website it is crucial to consider certain key... --- > Accessible Web Design, Chichester. It is what we do. Every time. Talk to us to find out about having an accessible website for yourself! - Published: 2024-02-11 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-crucial-role-of-keyboard-navigation-in-accessible-web-design/ - Categories: Our Blog Keyboard navigation is an aspect of web design that greatly impacts the usability of websites for a diverse range of users. In todays age it is not just. Necessary to ensure that websites can be easily navigated using only a keyboard. This holds importance, for web designers in Chichester and around the world who strive to create appealing and inclusive websites for everyone. Lets explore why keyboard navigation is considered a cornerstone of web design and how it enhances website accessibility. The core principle of web design is to make digital content available to users with disabilities. Keyboard navigation plays a role in enabling individuals with impairments or those relying on assistive technologies that emulate keyboard functionalities to access content perform actions and navigate through website pages without any obstacles. By implementing keyboard navigation websites ensure access, for all users regardless of their abilities. Ensuring Compliance, with Web Accessibility Standards Keyboard navigation is not considered a practice but it is also a requirement stated in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) which serve as the benchmark for website accessibility. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that websites fulfill their ethical obligations to provide access to digital content. For web designers and developers those involved in web design in Chichester and beyond it is crucial to incorporate keyboard navigation from the early stages of development. This approach plays a role in achieving WCAG compliance and fostering an online environment. Improving Usability and User Experience The advantages of keyboard navigation go beyond accessibility;... --- > Accessible web design doesn't limit creativity; instead, it fosters it. In today's landscape having an online presence is crucial, for business success. - Published: 2024-02-10 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/embracing-accessibility-the-cornerstone-of-web-design-in-chichester/ - Categories: Our Blog Accessible web design doesn't limit creativity; instead, it fosters it. In today's landscape having an online presence is crucial, for business success. That's why the importance of website accessibility cannot be emphasized enough for businesses in Chichester and beyond. Investing in a website goes beyond ticking a box – it forms the foundation of a comprehensive and inclusive digital strategy. Designing for Inclusion When we talk about website accessibility we are not referring to catering to individuals with disabilities. It is about creating an environment that welcomes users from all walks of life and abilities. Accessible web design ensures that every person regardless of their cognitive capabilities can effortlessly navigate and interact with your website. By embracing accessibility businesses in Chichester demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and equal access for everyone. Reaching a Broader Audience By making your website accessible you open doors to an audience – including individuals with disabilities who rely on technologies like screen readers, magnifiers or voice commands. Removing barriers to access allows businesses in Chichester to tap into a demographic that might otherwise be overlooked. From impaired users to those, with motor impairments or cognitive disabilities accessible web design guarantees that everyone can engage with your content and utilize your services. Compliance, with regulations and managing risks In the United Kingdom laws like the Equality Act 2010 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2. 2) establish obligations for website accessibility. Neglecting these standards can lead to consequences, including fines and potential lawsuits. By investing... --- > Looking for advice on Accessibile Website Design? Start with getting the basics right to help you create an accessible website! - Published: 2024-02-09 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/why-colour-contrast-is-important-in-accessible-web-design/ - Categories: Our Blog Colour contrast plays a role, in the world of web design ensuring that digital content is easily accessible to all users, including those with impairments. As web designers in Chichester and beyond we strive to create appealing and user friendly websites. Understanding the importance of colour contrast is key to achieving this goal. It's not about following guidelines; it's about creating an environment where everyone can effortlessly navigate, comprehend and engage with web content. In this article we will explore why color contrast is essential for web design and how it impacts user experiences. Improving Readability for Users with Visual Impairments The difference in brightness between font colours (foreground) and background colours significantly affects the readability of text on a website. For individuals with impairments like color blindness or low vision having a contrast between text and its background is crucial for distinguishing words and understanding the content. Accessible web design prioritizes these users needs by ensuring that text stands out distinctly from its background. This not improves readability. Also ensures that information is accessible, to everyone. Meeting Legal Obligations and Following Guidelines In jurisdictions both public and private sector websites must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines establish contrast ratios, for text and images ensuring that people with impairments can easily perceive the content. By prioritizing colour contrast in web design designers and developers not meet these standards. Also safeguard their organizations from potential legal repercussions of non compliance. Enhancing User Experience for Everyone The... --- > You make the choice Investing in a website that's accessible, to all, is a choice for your business. In today's era your website serves as the face of - Published: 2024-02-08 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/investing-in-an-accessible-website-is-the-best-investment-you-could-make/ - Categories: Our Blog You make the choice Investing in a website that's accessible, to all, is a choice for your business. In today's era your website serves as the face of your brand reflecting your values and commitment to customer service. It is not only a requirement but a moral and commercial imperative to ensure that your website can be accessed by everyone. This includes individuals with disabilities who may rely on assistive technologies. By prioritising accessibility in web design you create a user experience for all visitors enhancing customer satisfaction and potentially boosting loyalty. Whether you are based in Chichester or anywhere else in the world investing in a website can differentiate you from the competition. Leave a lasting impression, on your audience. Expanding Your Audience One of the reasons to prioritize an accessible website is the opportunity to reach a broader audience. There are millions of people who experience disabilities that can impact their internet usage. By ensuring your website is accessible you can welcome a segment of the population. Expand your potential customer base. This in turn can lead to increased traffic, higher conversion rates and a wider market reach. An accessible website guarantees that you do not unintentionally exclude a portion of customers. Boosting SEO Efforts Search engine optimization (SEO) plays a role, in increasing visibility for any business. Accessible web design often aligns with SEO practices. For instance by providing texts for images you not only assist visually impaired users but also help search engines understand the content... --- > We have long history of Accessible Web Design and specialise in WCAG 2.2 Accessible Websites - Published: 2024-02-07 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/if-you-want-to-have-an-accessible-website-built-where-do-you-begin/ - Categories: Our Blog Creating a website that's accessible, to all users is a step in promoting inclusivity and ensuring equal access to digital content. However when it comes to building a website from scratch, careful planning, adherence to practices and dedication to accessibility standards are essential. Lets delve into the steps and considerations involved in constructing a website right from the beginning. Getting Familiar with Accessibility Standards and Guidelines The initial step towards building a website is getting acquainted with accessibility standards and guidelines. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2. 2) established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) serve as the benchmark for web accessibility. WCAG provides a framework that outlines principles, guidelines and success criteria for developing web content. By familiarizing yourself with WCAG you ensure that your website aligns with recognized accessibility standards thus enabling access for all users. Conducting an Accessibility Evaluation Before diving into the design and development phase it's crucial to conduct an evaluation of the accessibility of your website (if applicable) or your planned design prototypes. An accessibility evaluation helps identify barriers and potential challenges that might hinder access for individuals, with disabilities. To ensure that your website is accessible, to users with disabilities it is important to utilize evaluation tools, manual testing methods and assistive technologies. These measures will help assess the accessibility of your website across dimensions, including navigation, content structure, multimedia elements, forms and interactive components. Consider involving experts and consultants in the field of accessibility who have experience in designing websites.... --- > If you wish to speak to experts in Accessible Web Design, call us! We have been creating Accessibles Websites since 2006! - Published: 2024-02-06 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/what-benefits-does-accessible-web-design-bring-to-your-business/ - Categories: Our Blog Unleashing the Power In todays era, where having a presence is crucial creating a user friendly website has become essential for businesses looking to connect with a broader audience and enhance the overall experience, for users. User friendly web design goes beyond meeting requirements; it promotes inclusivity improves usability and ultimately contributes to the success of your business. Lets explore the advantages that user friendly web design brings to your business. Reaching a Wider Audience User web design ensures that your website is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. By adhering to accessibility standards like those outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2. 2) your website becomes accessible to people with impairments such as auditory, motor and cognitive disabilities. This expanded accessibility not caters to an audience but also opens up new market segments thereby expanding your potential customer base. Enhancing User Experience Prioritizing accessibility in web design directly correlates with an user experience (UX). By incorporating features such as text for images easy keyboard navigation and clear and understandable content users can navigate through your website effortlessly and efficiently. This seamless UX encourages interactions, with your brand resulting in increased engagement levels, higher conversion rates and enhanced customer satisfaction. Furthermore a user friendly and easily accessible website plays a role, in encouraging visitors to come fostering brand loyalty and building long term relationships. Enhanced Performance in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) The practices of web design closely align with the principles of search engine optimization (SEO) which... --- > Need a WCAG 2.2 Accessibility Audit? Our team of disabled testers ensure you get so much more than just a basic assessment! - Published: 2024-02-03 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-importance-of-accessible-web-design-for-voice-recognition-software-users/ - Categories: Our Blog Our incredible team of experts, in website accessibility testing includes Iona, who has a hand disability. Due to this she relies on voice recognition software to navigate websites. In this article we explore the importance of creating web designs for users of voice recognition software and delve into the positive impact and benefits it brings. The development of websites that are accessible to individuals using voice recognition software is vital for fostering inclusivity and ensuring access to content and services. Voice recognition technology has become increasingly prevalent serving as a lifeline for people with disabilities while also providing a hands interaction method for an audience. Advancing Inclusivity and Equal Access The foundation of web design lies in promoting inclusivity by ensuring that everyone can effortlessly access and interact with content regardless of their abilities or assistive technologies. For individuals on voice recognition software accessible web design eliminates barriers to access by enabling them to navigate websites, forms, engage with multimedia content and perform various tasks using simple voice commands. By prioritizing accessibility, for users of voice recognition software website creators promote inclusivity and equal access—empowering individuals to effectively engage with content and services. Enhancing Independence and Autonomy Voice recognition software presents a hands alternative, to methods of input allowing individuals to interact with digital interfaces solely through voice commands. This technology proves beneficial for those with mobility or conditions that hinder their use of conventional input devices. By using voice recognition technology these individuals can independently. Navigate websites fostering a... --- > A fully Accessible Website does not exist. However, our expertise in WCAG 2.2 Accessible Website Design will help you get much closer to it! - Published: 2024-02-02 - Modified: 2024-02-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/why-a-fully-accessible-website-is-like-a-unicorn/ - Categories: Our Blog What is the connection, between these two? In the world of myths and imagination unicorns gracefully prance through the dreams of many sparking a sense of wonder and enchantment. These legendary beings, adorned with a horn spiraling from their foreheads have captivated minds for centuries. Alongside the dream of unicorns there is also a quest for accessible websites – ones that cater to the needs of all individuals. However both unicorns and accessible websites face challenges that make their existence highly unlikely. Unicorns symbolize a vision of purity, grace and magic within folklore. They are deeply woven into narratives as they represent the pursuit of experiences. Nevertheless when we examine unicorns through biological lenses numerous hurdles arise that question their plausibility. From a perspective the concept of a horse creature possessing a single horn protruding from its forehead goes against fundamental principles in mammalian anatomy. The evolutionary process has not produced any species resembling the unicorn. While certain animals have horn structures, like the narwhal with its tusk they differ significantly from the depiction of unicorns. Additionally the challenges that come with the niche unicorns would inhabit add obstacles. In order for a species to thrive it needs a habitat, access, to food sources and a balanced ecosystem. The fact that there is no contemporary evidence supporting the existence of unicorns in the world also reduces the likelihood of their reality. Shifting gears to website accessibility In a vein striving for an accessible website represents an admirable endeavor rooted in... --- > In todays age of technology the Internet has become a source of information, services and opportunities. However it's important to acknowledge that not - Published: 2024-02-01 - Modified: 2024-07-26 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/how-wcag-2-2-accessible-web-design-empowers-everyone/ - Categories: Our Blog In todays age of technology the Internet has become a source of information, services and opportunities. However it's important to acknowledge that not everyone can easily access and navigate the world. WCAG 2. 2 web design plays a role, in creating an inclusive digital environment that empowers all individuals to participate fully and equitably. This article explores how accessible web design contributes to empowerment across user groups. Inclusivity as a Core Value At its core WCAG 2. 2 web design embodies the value of inclusivity by recognizing the needs and abilities of users. By prioritizing accessibility during the design and development process website creators ensure that individuals with disabilities – including those with auditory, motor and cognitive impairments – can effectively access and engage with content. Inclusivity goes beyond being a concept; it becomes a guiding principle that shapes every aspect of the experience. Removing Information Barriers WCAG 2. 2 Accessible web design removes barriers to information guaranteeing access to resources and knowledge for everyone. For individuals, with disabilities inaccessible websites create obstacles that impede their ability to obtain information, educational materials, employment opportunities and public services. When developers prioritize the accessibility of websites they create pathways for everyone to access information and empower users to pursue their interests, education and professional goals without any limitations. Promoting Independence and Autonomy Independence and autonomy are elements, for empowerment. Accessible web design following WCAG 2. 2 guidelines plays a role in fostering these qualities among users. For individuals with disabilities having the... --- > Have a Website Accessibility Audit with a disabled accessibility testing team. It will give you unbeatable, unique insights! - Published: 2024-01-31 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/strategies-and-revelations-from-website-accessibility-audits/ - Categories: Our Blog Exploring Inclusion, in the Digital World In todays paced world it has become crucial for organizations committed to promoting inclusivity on the internet to conduct accessibility audits. These audits thoroughly examine website design and functionality to identify any barriers that may hinder access for individuals with disabilities. By analyzing the audit results experts uncover insights that guide the development of initiatives aimed at enhancing digital inclusivity. Now lets dive into the strategies and knowledge gained from these website accessibility audits shedding light on the path towards creating an online environment. Unveiling Discoveries Website accessibility audits bring to specific areas where improvements are required. They provide insights that shape remedial actions. Some key findings include; Navigation Challenges; Complex navigation structures make it challenging for users with abilities to explore websites seamlessly. Auditors identify pathways. Advocate for intuitive navigation frameworks that enhance overall user experience. Semantic Structure; Insufficient semantic structure poses difficulties for screen reader compatibility making content inaccessible to users. Auditors emphasize the importance of adhering to guidelines in order to ensure that content can be understood effectively across technologies. Keyboard Accessibility; Websites lacking support, for keyboard navigation exclude users who rely on keyboard input. Auditors strongly recommend implementing keyboard navigation mechanisms to facilitate effortless browsing without requiring mouse input. Our team dedicated specifically to website accessibility testing noticed this issue during their evaluation process. Challenges, in Responsive Design; Inconsistencies in how websites adapt to devices can create difficulties for users accessing content, those using assistive technologies. Experts recommend using design... --- > Only a Website Accessibility Audit with a disabled accessibility testing team will give insights not found anywhere else! - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/unveiling-access-a-holistic-approach-to-digital-inclusivity/ - Categories: Our Blog Accessibility in the realm of the world holds a crucial role, in fostering inclusivity. "Unveiling Access; A Comprehensive Guide to Embracing Digital Inclusivity" is more than a manual; it represents a philosophy that emphasizes the creation of experiences that transcend barriers and embrace diversity. This comprehensive approach to inclusivity encompasses a multifaceted journey towards establishing spaces where every individual regardless of their abilities can actively engage and flourish. Understanding the Essence of Digital Inclusivity Digital inclusivity goes beyond making content accessible; it embodies an ethos rooted in equity, dignity and respect for all users. At its core digital inclusivity entails designing and developing user friendly digital interfaces that can adapt to diverse needs and preferences. It involves acknowledging and embracing the perspectives and abilities that each individual brings to the landscape. The Significance of a Approach An all encompassing approach to digital inclusivity recognizes that accessibility should not be treated as an isolated feature but rather as an integral part of the design and development process. It acknowledges that genuine inclusiveness goes beyond compliance, with regulations and guidelines—it encompasses a mindset, a culture and a set of principles woven into every stage of the journey. Organizations can create environments that prioritize accessibility by taking an approach. Emphasizing Empathy, in Design At the core of inclusivity is empathy – an understanding of the diverse needs, challenges and experiences of users. Designing with empathy involves putting oneself in the shoes of individuals with disabilities and creating experiences tailored to their requirements and... --- > A website accessibility audit is a crucial process for ensuring that digital content is accessible to all, regardless of abilities or disabilities - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/a-website-accessibility-audit-demystified/ - Categories: Our Blog Shedding light on the importance of accessibility In todays era ensuring that websites are accessible has become a crucial element of web design and development. An accessible website guarantees that all users regardless of their cognitive abilities can effectively navigate and engage with its content. Consequently conducting a website accessibility audit is not considered a practice but is often legally required in many jurisdictions. However the process of carrying out audits may appear intimidating to some individuals. Lets demystify the concept of website accessibility audits and explore their components and advantages. Understanding Website Accessibility Audits Essentially a website accessibility audit involves conducting an evaluation of how a website adheres to established accessibility standards and guidelines. These standards, such, as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2. 2) serve as frameworks for designing websites and creating content that's inclusive to all users. The audit entails reviewing aspects of the website including its design, functionality and content in order to identify any barriers that might impede access for individuals, with disabilities. Key Elements of a Website Accessibility Audit Reviewing Code An important aspect of an accessibility audit involves examining the underlying code used on the website. This involves using HTML, CSS and JavaScript to structure them in a manner that supports accessibility features, like keyboard navigation, compatibility with screen readers and proper semantic markup. Evaluation of Visual Design The visual design of a website plays a role in its accessibility. During an audit, designers assess factors such as color contrast, font size... --- > What's the Common Ground? At glance a website accessibility audit and a cars MOT test certificate may seem unrelated.. Upon examination they share - Published: 2024-01-27 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-parallels-between-a-website-accessibility-statement-and-an-mot-certificate/ - Categories: Our Blog What's the Common Ground? At glance a website accessibility audit and a cars MOT test certificate may seem unrelated. . Upon examination they share important principles that highlight their significance in their respective fields. Lets explore this analogy to understand how both accessibility and safety certifications provide assurance regarding usability, inclusivity and adherence, to standards. In essence a MOT test certificate for a car confirms that the vehicle meets safety and performance standards mandated by authorities. This certificate assures you that the car has undergone testing and inspections to ensure it is safe for road use. Similarly a website accessibility audit focuses on ensuring that digital content can be accessed, navigated and comprehended by all individuals regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Safety Comes First! Firstly both a website accessibility audit and a MOT test certificate prioritize inclusivity and user safety. The certification process for cars ensures that necessary safety features are in place to protect passengers and other road users. Likewise a website accessibility audit concentrates on making digital content usable for individuals with disabilities such as impairments, in vision or hearing abilities, limited mobility or cognitive challenges. By adhering to accessibility standards websites guarantee that their content can be accessed and interacted with by individuals of all abilities. It's similar, to how a safety certificate for a car demonstrates compliance with established regulations. Likewise an accessibility audit for a website reflects its commitment to recognized standards and guidelines. Just as regulatory bodies establish safety standards for vehicles in... --- > Screen readers face hurdles due to web complexity, tech limits, and evolving digital trends. Awareness helps create inclusive digital spaces. - Published: 2024-01-26 - Modified: 2024-02-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-challenges-faced-by-screen-readers/ - Categories: Our Blog What are screen readers? Screen readers are assistive technologies designed to enable individuals with visual impairments to access digital content, including websites, applications, and documents. Despite their invaluable role in fostering digital inclusivity, screen readers encounter numerous challenges when navigating websites. These challenges stem from the diversity of web design practices, the complexity of modern web development, and the inherent limitations of screen reader technology. Understanding these challenges is crucial for web developers and designers to create more accessible and user-friendly online experiences for all users. Our fab team members! We are fortunate to have three remarkable individuals who are blind and adept at using screen readers. Krista and Mede utilize JAWS, while Lleona prefers NVDA. Their involvement in every website accessibility audit is immeasurable, bringing invaluable insights and perspectives to the process. Structure is vital for website accessibility One of the primary challenges screen readers face with websites is the lack of semantic structure and proper HTML markup. Websites that do not adhere to web accessibility standards often lack clear headings, landmarks, and labels, making it difficult for screen readers to interpret and navigate the content. Inaccessible websites may use div elements instead of semantic HTML tags like , , , and , which provide important structural information to screen readers. Without proper markup, users relying on screen readers may struggle to understand the organization of content and navigate efficiently through web pages. Common website accessibility issues with multimedia content Another significant challenge is the presence of inaccessible multimedia... --- > Introduction Creating spaces, products and technologies that cater to the needs of individuals is crucial, for ensuring inclusivity. Whether in the world - Published: 2024-01-25 - Modified: 2024-02-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/bridging-the-gap-the-unified-principles-of-physical-and-digital-accessibility/ - Categories: Our Blog Introduction Creating spaces, products and technologies that cater to the needs of individuals is crucial, for ensuring inclusivity. Whether in the world or digital realm accessibility principles share a foundation. These principles emphasize the importance of accommodating a range of abilities to promote an inclusive and equitable world. This article explores the parallels between digital accessibility shedding light on how these principles come Common Principles Universal Design In the world universal design aims to create environments and products that're usable by people of all abilities without requiring adaptation or specialized design. Similarly in the sphere universal design focuses on developing websites, applications and content that're accessible to individuals with diverse needs, including those with disabilities. User Centered Design In spaces user centered design involves considering the needs and preferences of all users to create environments. Digital user centered design entails developing technology and interfaces that prioritize user experience while taking into account the needs of individuals, with varying abilities. Effective Communication, for All Ensuring consistent communication is crucial in both digital spaces to accommodate everyones needs. In spaces, signage, auditory cues and other communication methods should be easily understandable enabling people to navigate their surroundings with ease. Likewise in the realm using fonts, colors and navigation structures enhances the user experience by providing clear and consistent communication. Flexibility and Personalisation To cater to individuals diverse needs physical spaces should offer flexibility and customization options. This includes accommodating mobility aids, assistive devices and personal preferences so that everyone can navigate comfortably.... --- > Creating Welcoming Websites for Everyone! In a world driven by the digital revolution ensuring website accessibility is of importance. With the internet - Published: 2024-01-24 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-importance-of-website-accessibility-testing-with-disabled-people/ - Categories: Our Blog Creating Welcoming Websites for Everyone! In a world driven by the digital revolution ensuring website accessibility is of importance. With the internet becoming a part of our lives it is crucial to ensure that individuals, with disabilities can easily navigate websites. This is where the significance of accessibility testing comes into play and heres an interesting fact. It goes beyond aspects; it's about fostering a friendly and inclusive online environment! Understanding the Concept of Website Accessibility Website accessibility can be considered as the superhero of web design. It revolves around designing websites in a manner that allows everyone regardless of their abilities or disabilities to access and explore content. We understand that certain individuals face challenges such as auditory, motor or cognitive impairments. Therefore it becomes imperative for websites to cater to the needs of users. The Inclusive Nature of Accessibility Testing Now lets delve into accessibility testing – it's not about following regulations. It involves comprehending the user experience for those who encounter barriers. By involving people with disabilities in testing procedures developers gain insights, into the difficulties users may encounter. It all boils down to empathy. Truly understanding what your audience requires. Legal and Ethical Considerations Apart, from the aspects there are ethical motives behind ensuring website accessibility. Numerous countries have guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2. 2) to ensure that digital content is accessible to everyone. Neglecting these guidelines not poses risks but also reflects poorly on a businesss commitment to social responsibility.... --- > Navigating link behavior is a common challenge. Opening links in new windows can frustrate users, especially those with disabilities. Clearly communicate when a link will open in a new window to enhance accessibility and user experience. - Published: 2024-01-15 - Modified: 2024-02-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/is-it-ok-to-open-links-in-a-new-window/ - Categories: Our Blog Dealing with link behavior is an issue that my team faces when conducting Website Accessibility Testing. Whenever you click on a link, on a webpage it usually does one of two things;. Opens the link in the tab/window or in a new tab/window. Based on our experience we've noticed that the prevailing approach is to open links in a tab/window especially when redirecting to another website. While this may seem like the choice it raises the question; is it really the suitable option? The importance of this matter often comes up during discussions with my clients during their website management training. They express concern about visitors leaving their site. Potentially not coming back. I always emphasize that opening links in the window/tab is practice, particularly for individuals with disabilities. There are reasons supporting this viewpoint. For instance if someone has impairments they may not realize that a link has opened in a window making it difficult for them to find their way back, to the previous website without using the browsers back button. Although they can eventually reopen their browser and continue browsing it requires time and effort. Just imagine how this challenge escalates with each followed link. Opening windows can put a strain on computer resources especially for those, with less powerful computers. This is particularly important for individuals with disabilities who rely on software like JAWS or Dragon which can be resource intensive. It's frustrating when websites slow down or stop working which we've observed during our audits... --- > Clive's upcoming seminar delves deeper into Website Accessibility, covering practical considerations, public and private sector requirements, and the European Accessibility Act, with a potential online recording. - Published: 2024-01-11 - Modified: 2024-01-15 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/new-website-accessibility-seminar-for-2024/ - Categories: Our Blog My TED Talk on Website Accessibility Website Accessibility. What it means for your organisation in 2024. I had the enormous privilege of giving a TED Talk on website accessibility nearly 2 years ago. It was written for people with little or no understanding of what website accessibility actually means and what they could do about it. I did not go into specifics, I wanted to use illustrations to help people understand the concept and give some very general guidance. It has been really helpful to point people at it, so that at least they could have an understanding of the basics, before meeting them to discuss undertaking a website accessibility audit with them. That is, of course, just the start of the digital accessibility journey and I have always wanted to give another talk on the subject, going more into the specifics and I am delighted to announce that I am to do just that! A deeper dive in website accessibility I have been asked to speak at the West Sussex Business Expo in April. I will present information on the practical considerations that people should be aware of. explaining the requirements for the public sector and the private sector, as well as looking ahead to 2025 and the European Accessibility Act. We are also looking into having it recorded so that it can be made available online afterwards. Registration is free. Find out more. Caption: Clive giving his TEDx Talk in 2022. He is standing in front of a... --- > Common issue: buttons that look like buttons but are coded as links, causing confusion for users like Iona who rely on voice commands. Consistency is crucial; if it looks like a button, code it as a button. - Published: 2024-01-10 - Modified: 2024-02-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/buttons-and-links-common-misconceptions/ - Categories: Our Blog This is an issue. In my website accessibility audits I frequently come across a problem; buttons that visually look like buttons but are actually coded as links. . Sometimes it's the way around. So what does this mean exactly? According to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) a button is a widget that allows users to trigger actions or events such, as submitting forms, opening dialogs canceling actions or performing deletions. The examples of buttons shown in the graphic are illustrations of this concept. However what we often find is that these buttons are mistakenly coded as links Why does it matter? Let me explain with an example; Iona, who is a member of my testing team uses Dragon dictation to issue commands to her computer. Due to discomfort while using a mouse or keyboard she relies on voice commands like "click link" or "click button. " When Iona says "Click Button " she expects the buttons on the web page to be highlighted for selection. Unfortunately none of the buttons she sees are highlighted in response, to her command. Sometimes Dragon doesn't always recognize Ionas voice commands so she often needs to repeat a command just to make sure if it's a problem, with Dragon or the website. To make things worse the Search icon is usually coded as a button even though it may be the button on the page visually. However there might be buttons that don't look like buttons. If theres one button it gets automatically... --- > Blind testers faced with confusing forms and misaligned labels, reminiscent of 2 Ronnies sketch. Appearance doesn't guarantee functionality! - Published: 2024-01-09 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/answering-the-question-before-last/ - Categories: Our Blog Imagine this scenario You were being asked a series of questions but there is a twist. the answers that you must give are actually for the previous question. For example: Q What day is it today? Q What is your name? A Friday Q Give me the name of a fruit A Clive Q Name a famous artist A Orange Q Who is the singer in U2? A Van Gogh This actually happened with my team! This was precisely the experience encountered by our trio of blind testers during a recent audit. Forms have always posed a challenge for them, and this particular one, at first glance, appeared visually impeccable. Each field seemed to be correctly labelled – the title field had the word "Title," the first name field had "First Name," and so forth. Everything seemed perfectly in order. However, despite the apparent correctness, Mede, Krista, and Lleona encountered difficulties in filling out the form. It wasn't until I examined the code later that I realized the labels were not correctly associated with the form fields. Instead, they were separate and appeared in the next line of code. This meant that their screen readers were reading out the labels after the corresponding field, leading our testers to naturally assume that the subsequent field was the one being referred to. It brought to mind a famous sketch – perhaps you recall it. The classic 2 Ronnies Mastermind parody sketch perfectly encapsulates this situation. The sketch features the two Ronnies, one... --- > Think for a moment Have you ever found yourself staring at a webpage, scratching your head, wondering, "Click here? Click where?" You're not alone; it's - Published: 2023-12-22 - Modified: 2024-01-09 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/click-here-er-click-where-exactly/ - Categories: Our Blog Think for a moment Have you ever found yourself staring at a webpage, scratching your head, wondering, "Click here? Click where? " You're not alone; it's like the universal link mystery phrase. So, let's think for a while about this common "Click Here" or just "Here" situation. You see, it's not as friendly and inclusive as it sounds. Imagine not using a mouse – clicking is out of the picture, and even if you could click, where on Earth should you be aiming? Inclusivity is key! With Voice Recognition you have to use the phrase "Click Link," and Screen Readers dutifully announce "Link. " However, we are not talking about this. The real issue is that "Click Here" is way too vague. It's like saying, "Go there" without pointing the way. Let's fix that, shall we? Instead of: - Click Here to sign up for our mailing list. - Click Here to read our policy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. How about: - Sign up for our mailing list. - Read our policy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. See the difference? It's crystal clear and user-friendly. No guessing games. Just straightforward action. Now, some might suggest replacing "Click Here" with "Follow this Link. " This sounds inclusive, right? Well, yes it is, but it comes with a twist. The link text becomes longer, and picture this – a screen reader cheerfully announcing, "Link, follow this link to sign up for our mailing list. " A bit of a mouthful, isn't... --- > Did you know that disabled people do not like hamburgers? Here is why… Hamburgers are generally not good for your health and yet many of us love them. It - Published: 2023-12-07 - Modified: 2024-06-17 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/disabled-people-do-not-like-hamburgers/ - Categories: Our Blog Did you know that disabled people do not like hamburgers? Here is why... Hamburgers are generally not good for your health and yet many of us love them. It is the same with websites. Hamburger menus are almost always inaccessible for disabled people and yet most web designers love them. You generally see them when you are looking at the version website on a mobile but I have reviewed many websites that have them on the desktop version as well. It consists of 3 lines in a box with rounded corners. When you select it with your mouse, it opens up, so you can see all the pages and choose what you want. The problem is that disabled people using assistive technology such as screen readers or voice recognition usually find one of two things: They cannot use the hamburger menu at all They can only use part of it This means that they are not able to navigate the website, which is kind of important. Here is how to fix it However, there is a simple solution to this. A sitemap. A sitemap of your website allows disabled people to navigate to any page on your website via a clean, bulleted list. Add a Skip Link to that Site Map, so that anyone can go straight to it and your problem is solved. This is because you have provided an accessible alternative. Simple. If you want to see an example of this in action, hit the tab key twice.... --- > Web pages often change visually without reloading, posing challenges for screen reader users. Accessibility testing by disabled individuals is crucial for inclusivity. - Published: 2023-11-23 - Modified: 2024-02-07 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/dynamic-content-the-elephant-in-the-room/ - Categories: Our Blog Has something changed? Web pages are traditionally static. You go to a page, you see what is there and then you perhaps click on something that performs an action, such as submitting a form. You then get taken to another page that confirms that you have done this. Simple really. However, web designers like to make the journey smoother, more visually attractive and they will often use techniques to change what is on a web page without having to reload it. The difficulty is that you are not actually changing anything on the page. What you actually have to do is load everything first and then hide stuff that may or may not get shown later. The problem with this approach is that, although something may change visually, a blind person using a screen reader will not be aware that anything has changed, as the page itself has not reloaded. Intervention is needed I see this repeatedly in our audits: A graphic or an important warning message will magically appear A set of extra questions on a form will be shown A selection of available courses will change and so on I have to then tell my Teamie what has changed so they can use their screen reader to find this new content. Sometimes it can be easy to find, just pressing their arrow keys a couple of times would be enough to read the message that has just appeared. However, sometimes, even when I have told them it is... --- > Alt tags matter! Avoid subjective descriptions; use AI or be concise. Descriptive alt tags enhance accessibility for all users. - Published: 2023-11-16 - Modified: 2024-01-09 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/which-of-these-alt-tags-is-the-most-appropriate/ - Categories: Our Blog 3 Alt Tags for 3 images Work, lifestyle and business concept. Good-looking focused european female in trendy glasses sitting in cafe near laptop, working on notebook, surrounded with books, making notes for lesson with kids About_hero   These are the Alt tags on a website I came across yesterday on the Home Page. They went with the featured stock images that were grouped together, as the prominent images. I think that perhaps most people would agree that “good-looking” is both subjective and inappropriate. “Work, lifestyle and business concept“ might be more appropriate in a caption, if used at all. However, at least it is possible to get some sense of the photo, whereas the other two are clearly of no use. AI does have its uses! I put these images into PowerPoint and it used AI to autogenerate the descriptions, which I have put in the Alt Tag myself. They were: A person sitting at a table using a computer A group of people sitting at a table A group of young girls running in a hallway Please add alt tags to your images, even if you are not certain about how much or how little to say, please at least say something or use AI to do it for you! Something is better than nothing! #Business #WebDesign #Diversity #Inclusion #Accessibility Would you like to find out more? If you would like to find out more about website accessibility, please follow these links: Watch my TED Talk Find out more... --- > Alt tags aid accessibility for the blind, describing images on websites. Writing them involves considerations of detail and sensitivity. Opinions vary; share yours! - Published: 2023-11-09 - Modified: 2024-01-09 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/what-should-be-in-an-alt-tag/ - Categories: Our Blog What is an Alt Tag? An Alt Tag is a tag that is attached to an image that helps a blind person understand what it is an iamge of. A live example I was in a live website accessibility audit with Mede the other day. She is completely blind and uses a screen reader. She was not born blind but instead developed a degenerative eye condition whilst she was a child. In other words, she can still remember and understand visual concepts. We were reviewing a series of images of staff members on the about us page of the organisation. There were no alt tags, so I began describing each person to Mede and, as I did so, I began to wonder what would be appropriate to say and what is not. Mede said she likes descriptions that give her more of a sense of what someone looks like, rather than their job title, such as Head of Communications, so I began to look for characteristics such as their hairstyle, hair colour, if they were wearing glasses etc. . Food for thought I instinctively steered away from race and age but it got me thinking. Is it offensive for an alt tag to describe someone as young, older or middle-aged? To describe the colour of their skin or their ethnicity? Writing Alt tags is a subjective business and it is better to write one than not at all, of course. What are your thoughts? Please do get in touch and... --- > Cookie banners, though legally required, hinder accessibility. Example: Iona couldn't control optional cookies via voice, violating privacy and equality laws. - Published: 2023-11-02 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/breaking-the-law/ - Categories: Our Blog I hate Cookie Banners I do not dislike them. I hate them. They have set Website Accessibility back 10 years. However, if you use any kind of analytics on your website, the law requires you to have one. Here is one reason why Recently I was joined by Iona, on a live audit of a NHS Trust website. It had a Cookie Banner, provided by a well-known 3rd party. Iona cannot use her hands without great pain and relies on Dragon Dictation to navigate websites. She uses a mouse when she has no other choice but her degenerative condition means that one day she will not be able to use a mouse at all. This is why what she does, as part of my team of Accessibility Testers, is so important. On the website, she was actually able to open the Cookie Banner and was presented with a choice of which Cookies to allow (beyond the necessary ones). Unfortunately, she was not able to turn any of the optional Cookies off, due to the fact that the banner used an overlay that did not respond to voice control. So she was forced to accept all the Cookies, whether she wanted to or not. Breaking two laws! This means that the website is currently breaking both Data Privacy Law and the Equality Act. Maybe some people may think this is no big deal. I happen to think it is. Which is better, break one law intentionally to avoid breaking another one,... --- > Blind users often miss online confirmations, impacting their experience. A portal's success in delivering accessible messages brought positive surprises. Inconsistencies persist but highlight easy fixes for enhanced accessibility. - Published: 2023-10-12 - Modified: 2024-01-09 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/confirmation-bias/ - Categories: Our Blog A pat on the back I would guess that we all like to know we are doing something right. It gives us a feeling of calm reassurance. But not for everyone One of the difficulties that blind people have when they are interacting with a website, such as filling in a form, is that they miss out on such confirmations. What happens is that messages such as “Thank you for completing our form” or “File Upload Successful” will appear on the screen and their screen reader will be unaware of it and they will not know it is there unless they are told. This happens a lot with my Team when we are on a Live Accessibility Audit. A message will appear and my blind Team Members (Mede, Krista and Lleona) will be unaware of it until I tell them it is there. They can then find it, although sometimes not very easily, from then on they will automatically hunt for such a message when doing other interactivity on the website. Such is their lived experience. A better experience! However, they all had a very different experience when we audited a Portal recently! There were a lot of technical tasks, involving a lot of interactivity, such as uploading files, adding email addresses, choosing dates, selecting from multiple checkboxes, dropdowns and hitting a button to save their changes. When the Save Button was selected, a nice friendly message appeared in a box on the top of the screen, stating exactly what... --- > Ensuring Inclusivity and Compliance In today's digital age, having an online presence is essential for individuals, businesses, and organizations of all - Published: 2023-10-03 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-importance-of-website-accessibility/ - Categories: Our Blog Ensuring Inclusivity and Compliance In today's digital age, having an online presence is essential for individuals, businesses, and organizations of all kinds. However, ensuring that your website is accessible to everyone is not just a matter of good practice; it's a legal and moral imperative. In this article, we will explore why website accessibility matters and how to determine if your website needs to be accessible. Accessibility legislation varies from country to country, but in the United Kingdom and many other nations, website accessibility is primarily divided into two categories: websites within the Public Sector and all other websites. Websites within the Public Sector Public sector websites encompass entities like local and national governments, schools, colleges, hospitals, and more. In 2018, the UK government issued specific guidelines detailing the standards required for accessibility in public sector websites. Every Other Website All other websites, including those operated by businesses, organizations, and individuals, fall under this category. Regardless of their nature, these websites are also subject to accessibility requirements as defined by the Equality Act, which was enacted in 2010. So, how do you know if your website needs to be accessible? The answer is straightforward: if your website can be accessed from within the UK, it must be accessible to disabled people. Failure to ensure accessibility can have serious consequences. Why Website Accessibility Matters When a website is not accessible, it creates barriers for disabled individuals, making it difficult or impossible for them to use it. This exclusion not only goes... --- > Have you ever been on a scavenger hunt? It is an exciting and interactive recreational game in which participants work individually or in teams to find a - Published: 2023-09-28 - Modified: 2023-09-28 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/we-are-going-on-a-scavenger-hunt/ - Categories: Our Blog Have you ever been on a scavenger hunt? It is an exciting and interactive recreational game in which participants work individually or in teams to find a list of specific items, solve riddles, or complete tasks within a designated area or timeframe. Typically organized for fun and adventure, scavenger hunts encourage participants to use their problem-solving skills, creativity, and teamwork to track down clues and complete challenges, often leading to a rewarding sense of accomplishment when the hunt is successfully completed. These events can be tailored for various occasions, from children's birthday parties to corporate team-building activities, making them a versatile and enjoyable pastime for people of all ages. How about a digital one? Sara, one of my fab website accessibility audit team has been on one recently. This one was on a portal that we audited recently. The portal itself was quite a technical one. One of the tasks involved changing options in an admin section and hitting a button called Save Settings, to save the changes. The difficulty was that, even though each page of the portal looked very similar, the Save Settings button was in a different place on some of the pages. Sometimes it would be in the top right corner, sometimes it would be in the bottom right corner and sometimes it would be in a seemingly random place. Sara is neurodivergent. She has extreme ADHD and dyspraxia. Lack of consistency is something that she particularly struggles with and she said she felt like this... --- > Two images, same website There are two images above. The image on the left is of our website. The image on the right is also of our website. The content - Published: 2023-09-26 - Modified: 2023-09-26 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/how-do-you-balance-aesthetics-with-accessibility/ - Categories: Our Blog Two images, same website There are two images above. The image on the left is of our website. The image on the right is also of our website. The content is identical. One perhaps looks rather more attractive than the other but if you are blind and are using a screen reader, they are the same. The difference between the two is the stylesheet. The stylesheet determines how a page is laid out, which fonts are used, the size of the text, the colour palette and so on. Mobiles, tablets and monitors all have different screen sizes so the stylesheet is used to display the content in a way that works most effectively for that screen size. This is all pretty basic stuff. The stylesheet controls how the website looks and, as the screen size is changed, the content gets laid out differently. What else can we do with a stylesheet? With accessible web design, we just take this concept and extend it a little further. Rather than just specifying the size of the font in the standard view, we can also specify the font size in the large size version and extra-large size version. Rather than just specifying the foreground and background colours, we can also specify different combinations of foreground and background colours, so people can choose a combination that works for them. We can offer a plain text version and even allow visitors to choose a different colour combination, in case white backgrounds give them headaches. Put... --- > What are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines? This is perhaps the most common starting point when you first come across this thing called Website - Published: 2023-08-31 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/the-web-content-accessibility-guidelines-otherwise-known-as-wcag/ - Categories: Our Blog What are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines? This is perhaps the most common starting point when you first come across this thing called Website Accessibility. These guidelines, when followed, will help ensure your website is more accessible for disabled people. There seem to be two favoured ways of pronouncing WCAG. The acronym “w cag” where the sound of the w is used, rather than spelling the letter The abbreviation “w c a g”, is where each letter is spelt out separately. This phrase is, of course, used rather a lot when people are engaged in conversations about website accessibility. I always use the abbreviation but that is just my personal preference. What about screen readers? Anyway, it got me thinking about screen readers and how they might pronounce it. I then made a very short video using NVDA. https://youtu. be/gc2g5Qw_xXs If you have watched or heard it, you will see or hear that the abbreviation is the one that is most difficult to hear. Putting a space between W and CAG ensures that it is spelt out correctly. I realise that those who use screen readers would perhaps spell out each letter if they were unsure of what the word was and, after a while, get used to hearing it anyway but it is an interesting thought. Should language evolve to become more inclusive or should screen readers spell out abbreviations by default? Would you like to find out more? If you would like to find out more about website... --- > A perfect world? We would all love it if we lived in a world where every website or web portal was completely accessible to everyone, regardless of their - Published: 2023-08-03 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://accessbydesign.uk/a-staircase-and-a-ramp-are-both-ok/ - Categories: Our Blog A perfect world? We would all love it if we lived in a world where every website or web portal was completely accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability or disability, wouldn’t we? Sometimes it cannot be done. A recent audit We have recently finished an audit of a web portal. There was a questionnaire that had to be filled in, before any of the modules could be started. The number of questions varied, with anything from 16 up to over 80. There were 5 possible responses to each question. It was coded so that the current question was displayed in an attractive box. The previous question was above it, the next question was below it. These were both shown in a more opaque manner. After each one was completed, it visually moved up and the next question became active. It looked really nice. Sadly, not accessible The problem was that it was not accessible. Iona, who uses a screen reader, could not operate it at all. Mede, Krista and Lleona, who all use screen readers, could use it, after a fashion but each question had 6 responses instead of 5. One of them was empty and hidden because it was necessary to allow it to operate but it became rather tiring with a screen reader, after a while. On top of that, the question to be answered was not actually read out by the screen reader in the first place. If I had not told them they were there,... --- ---