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Digital accessibility is a fascinating and complex subject that can sometimes seem overwhelming. However, the core principles of web page accessibility and wcag compliance are logical and straightforward once you know where to start.

Many organisations struggle with beginning their digital accessibility journey. We are here to help you understand the importance of accessible design and guide you through the process of improving your site’s accessibility in line with WCAG compliance standards.

Our blog shares insights on inclusive website layout, web audits, and various aspects of digital accessibility. We aim to provide content that is both interesting and engaging to help you make informed decisions.

Understanding Web Page Accessibility

Web page accessibility means designing and building websites that everyone can use, including people with disabilities. It involves ensuring content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users, no matter their abilities or technologies.

Accessibility is not just a legal requirement; it’s about making the web a fairer and more inclusive place. Properly accessible websites improve user experience for all visitors, enhance SEO, and reduce barriers that prevent people from accessing information or services.

How to Improve Your Web Page Accessibility

Improving web page accessibility starts with understanding the current state of your site. Conducting an web audit can reveal issues and guide your improvements. Using clear language, proper heading structures, alternative text for images, and keyboard-friendly navigation are essential steps.

Incorporating accessible design from the outset ensures that your site meets WCAG compliance and serves a broader audience effectively. Regular testing with real users, including those with disabilities, helps maintain and improve accessibility over time.

Why WCAG Compliance Matters

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set the international standard for digital accessibility. Compliance with WCAG is not only crucial for legal reasons but also enhances the usability and reach of your website.

Failure to meet WCAG compliance can result in legal penalties and damage to your brand’s reputation. Conversely, meeting these guidelines shows a commitment to inclusion and can open your site to a wider audience.

Steps to Achieve WCAG Compliance

Achieving WCAG compliance involves a comprehensive approach that includes auditing your website, implementing necessary fixes, and continuous monitoring. It requires collaboration between designers, developers, content creators, and testers.

Using professional services like web audits and user testing ensures your site meets the required standards. Training your team and fostering an inclusive culture around accessibility further supports ongoing compliance.

To learn more about our web audits and web page accessibility services, visit our web audit services page. For practical testing insights, see our web accessibility testing page.

For detailed WCAG guidelines, visit w3.org. For UK accessibility regulations, see gov.uk.

Cartoon-style image showing a man in a yellow shirt with his hand over his face, looking frustrated. A calendar beside him shows the date 15 May 2025. A speech bubble above him reads, Have I missed it again? — referencing Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

Why Every Day Should Be Accessibility Day

Posted on 20 May 2025

We’ll be honest — we missed GAAD. Again.Global Accessibility Awareness Day was last Thursday and while we always cheer...

Countdown to the European Accessibility Act Access by Design logo European Union flag Desk calendar with 44 days left on it

Day 44 – Agencies: You Need To Protect Your Clients And Yourselves

Posted on 15 May 2025

There are now just 44 days to go until the European Accessibility Act becomes...

Pie chart showing results from 110 websites reviewed for Accessibility Statements. 58 percent had no statement, 24 percent were non compliant, 5 percent were unclear, and 13 percent appeared to be compliant.

What 110 Accessibility Statements Taught Us About Website Risk

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Imagine opening your front door, only to realise 90 percent of your visitors cannot get inside....

Countdown to the European Accessibility Act Access by Design logo European Union flag Desk calendar with 45 days left on it

45 Days To Go: Your Clients Are At Risk — And So Are You

Posted on 14 May 2025

The European Accessibility Act takes effect on 28 June 2025.If any of your clients have customers in the EU,...

Countdown to the European Accessibility Act Access by Design logo European Union flag Desk calendar with 46 days left on it

Just 46 Days To Go: Make Sure Your Website Is Inclusive And Compliant

Posted on 13 May 2025

The European Accessibility Act comes into force on 28 June 2025, and if your...

Countdown to the European Accessibility Act Access by Design logo European Union flag Desk calendar with 47 days left on it

Is Your Website Ready For The European Accessibility Act?

Posted on 12 May 2025

Time is running out. On 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act becomes law — and if your business serves...

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In conclusion - there is nothing you cannot do!!

Posted on 9 May 2025

Accessibility is a journey we’ll all be taking—especially with the EAA on the way. But please, don’t feel daunted.Once you...

The Access by Design Website Accessibility Audit Team: Krista (Superpower: Blind, Weapon: JAWs Screen Reader),  Mede (Superpower: Blind, Weapon: JAWs Screen Reader),  Iona (Superpower: Cannot use hands, Weapon: Dragon Dictation),  Sara (Superpower: Neurodivergent, Weapon: Dark Mode), Lleona (Superpower: Blind, Weapon: NVDA Screen Reader),

How do YOU know if your website is accessible?

Posted on 7 May 2025

Simple—ask disabled people to test it for you!My own disabilities don’t affect how I use websites, which is why...

A cartoon man holds a jar with a wheelchair symbol, along with accessiBe and UserWay logos and a web link.

Beware snake oil salesmen!

Posted on 6 May 2025

Website accessibility can seem a bit overwhelming, especially when you first start learning about it. You might be tempted...

A login popup appears on a website, highlighting the focus on the login form.

Focus Trap

Posted on 5 May 2025

In my last post, I talked about Popups (Modals) and the importance of making sure that screen...

Illustration of a signup popup with a cursor on a web browser screen, labelled Popups on the left.

Popups!

Posted on 2 May 2025

This could be one that appears after a short while to check you are still there, or asks if...

Navigation menu with Home, About Us, Services, and Contact buttons above a black computer mouse icon.

Navigation challenges

Posted on 1 May 2025

One of the most important parts of a website is the navigation. People need to find the pages...

Countdown to the European Accessibility Act Access by Design logo European Union flag Desk calendar with 43 days left on it

Web Agencies, This Is Your Responsibility Too

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With just 43 days left until the European Accessibility Act comes into force, it...

Slide19

What does Colour Contrast actually mean?

Posted on 30 April 2025

How is Colour Contrast defined? Colour contrast is one of the most common accessibility issues out there. It’s about how...

Three download links, two with red Xs beside them, and one with a green checkmark.

What’s the best way to avoid using the c-word?

Posted on 28 April 2025

Expanding on inclusive link text Let’s call out the culprit straight away: “Click here.” It crops up on every other page, yet...

W3C_logo

How do YOU pronounce WCAG?

Posted on 25 April 2025

Expanding on accessibility guidelinesWhen it comes to web accessibility, our own “building regulations” are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines—the set of international standards...

an approaching steam train

The European Accessibility Act: Why You Must Act Now

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What is the EAA? The European Accessibility Act (EAA) introduces new rules that mirror the regulatory impact of GDPR, which...

Three monitors show web accessibility stats: 97.8% (2019), 97.4% (2021), 95.9% (2024), with slow improvement.

Some inaccessibility stats

Posted on 24 April 2025

According to WebAIM’s annual Million Report, a sobering 95.9 per cent of the top one million home‑pages scanned in 2024...

Two color contrast checker results: left passes accessibility, right fails due to low contrast.

What is an alt tag and how should I use it?

Posted on 23 April 2025

Alt text in a nutshell Alt text (often mis‑labelled an “alt tag”) is the little string you drop into an image’s alt=""...

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3 reasons why digital accessibility is important

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Reason 1 - Legal There are guidelines you are legally required to follow if you are in...

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What is digital accessibility?

Posted on 22 April 2025

22In essence, anything delivered through a web browser—be it a public‑facing site, a secure staff portal, an e‑learning environment...

The kerb that was hit by the car in June 1989 that Clive, Jess and their friends were in

Why Accessibility is important to me

Posted on 18 April 2025

Most people who work within accessibility have a personal reason for doing so.This is the central reservation on the...

Clive is on stage at Brighton SEO delivering his talk

Brighton SEO 2025 - Google is Blind

Posted on 17 April 2025

I had the privilege of speaking about website accessibility at Brighton SEO last week.It was...

a plain text email on a piece of paper in an envelope, shown at an angle. rays of light come out from the centre

The return of plain text emails!

Posted on 11 February 2025

Today I celebrate the return of plain text emails! I hope this will lead, one day, to the eventual elimination...