post list

Our Latest Blogs

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.

A man wearing a balaclava is trying to break into a house using a crowbar. Text reads Breaking the law!

Breaking the Law!!

Posted on 2 November 2023

I hate Cookie Banners I do not dislike them. I hate them. They have set Website Accessibility back 10 years.However,...

A cat is relaxing in a treatment room in a spa. Its head is reasting on a rolled up flannel and it has a towel covered its body. It looks calm and peaceful. The words Confirmation Bias are above it.

Confirmation Bias

Posted on 12 October 2023

A pat on the back I would guess that we all like to know we are doing something right. It...

A Weimaraner, a large and sleek grey dog, is in the foreground looking confused. There is a busy office in the background.   

The Importance of Website Accessibility

Posted on 3 October 2023

Ensuring Inclusivity and Compliance In today's digital age, having an online presence is essential for individuals, businesses, and organizations of...

Hand-drawn map lying on grass next to a bow and arrow. The map shows a river, trees, mountains and a dotted line meandering across it, leading to a big red X.

We are going on a scavenger hunt!

Posted on 28 September 2023

Have you ever been on a scavenger hunt? It is an exciting and interactive recreational game in which participants work...

On the left is a screenshot of the Access by Design website, showing their accessibility tool, navigation, and a large interactive graphic displaying some of their portfolio. If a mouse hovers over any one of them, it is raised gently and settles down again as the mouse moves away from it.  On the right is a screenshot of the same website in a plain format, with all of the accessibility options, page links and text over a plain white background

How do you balance aesthetics with accessibility?

Posted on 26 September 2023

Two images, same website There are two images above. The image on the left is of our website. The image...

A lit lightbulb, floating in the air. 4 unlit lightbulbs lie on the floor below it

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, otherwise known as WCAG

Posted on 31 August 2023

What are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines? This is perhaps the most common starting point when you first come across...

A concrete ramp next to a concrete stair on a University Campus

A staircase and a ramp are both OK!

Posted on 3 August 2023

A perfect world? We would all love it if we lived in a world where every website or web portal...

A web page containing an image of a young girl drinking from a mug. A beautiful dog is peacefully asleep on her lap. An arrow is pointing to a larger version of the same image.

Are having featured images on a web page important?

Posted on 27 July 2023

Asking ChatGPT I asked ChatGPT had to say and it gave me some excellent answers, including why adding an Alt...

Graphic with Devops Logo and Tricentis Logo, Text reads Accessibility in Software Development and Testing. Photos of the participants, from left to right: Simona Domazetoska, Senior Product Marketing Manager – Tricentis,  Paloma Oliveira, Developer Advocate, Software Engineer - Sauce Labs Scott Jehl, Web Product Designer & Developer Clive Loseby, Global Leader in Website Accessibility for Disabled People - Access By Design Alan Shimel, Founder & CEO - Techstrong Group

Website Accessibility Webinar

Posted on 20 July 2023

It is always wonderful meeting like-minded people! It was such a privilege to take part in a webinar about a...

A lit lightbulb, floating in the air. 4 unlit lightbulbs lie on the floor below it

What will a website web audit give me?

Posted on 19 July 2023

Understanding why A website web audit will provide you with valuable insights into the accessibility of your website for users...

A happy cartoon monkey is hanging from a vine. The text reads: Filename: mky4653.jpg

Please do not use Filenames as Alt Text

Posted on 6 July 2023

Hopefully, most of us have heard of Alt Text and how important it is. It is used to provide...

2 screenshots of the AA breakdown mobile website, containing the details of the car breakdown. The right-hand one was taken when the screen was pulled up, showing the extra text “No longer need assistance?” and the following link, in red: “Cancel this help request”.

Overlays do not just affect disabled people!

Posted on 29 June 2023

A great start to the week! Monday morning. My car won’t start and I have a one-hour drive home ahead...

a leaflet containing text and graphics, each section of it has a number. The numbers are all over the document in a seemingly random order

Logical Reading Order

Posted on 22 June 2023

What does a Logical Reading Order mean?

Scottish Parliament Website Expenses Tool Page. A large arrow is pointing to the opened accessibility toolbar

Imitation is the highest form of flattery!

Posted on 21 June 2023

That accessibility tool looks familiar! In my last blog, I detailed my recent journey with the Scottish Parliament in developing...

The Scottish Parliament, a modern building with water features in front of it

Helping the Scottish Parliament with their Digital Accessibility

Posted on 19 June 2023

A very different experience We usually get called in to work with an organisation after launching their website, often up...

Cartoon of a large laptop screen with a rocket in front of it, two human figures, one sitting on top, one standing in front. The text reads Understanding Web Analytics: Using Data to Improve Your Website's Performance

Understanding Web Analytics: Using Data to Improve Your Website's Performance

Posted on 10 June 2023

Web analytics is essential for any business or organization with a website. It involves collecting and analyzing data on...

Alt: part of a web page with several links, text reads “Underlined but it is not a link”, “Underlined link but  disappears when the mouse moves over it” , “Link but not underlined and does not change when mouse is moved over it”

Let’s talk about Links

Posted on 8 June 2023

web audit for an NHS Trust I have just finished an audit for an NHS Health Trust. Generally, the standard...

Countdown to the European Accessibility Act Desk calendar with 17 days left on it Access by Design logo European Union flag

Today is a day of triple celebration!

Posted on 18 May 2023

By the strangest of coincidences, 3 events are happening today. What is happening? Firstly, today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day! It...

A close-up of the blown-out car tyre and the kerb that was hit by the car in June 1989 that Clive, Jess and their friends were in

Once upon a time, 34 years ago…

Posted on 11 May 2023

A life-changing event 4 teenagers come out of a club in Brighton at 2am. The driver felt he had too...

Our accessibility toolbar with the options on display

Our Accessiblity Toolbar

Posted on 10 May 2023

We do this as standard! Ever since 2006, when we created our first fully accessible website, we have always created...

A hand coming out of a wall, palm outwards. Text reads No AltText Allowed!

“We don’t allow Alt text”

Posted on 27 April 2023

An extensive digital accessibility review I was talking to one of my clients yesterday that I had done a large...

Blue Badge Access Awards Logo Bespoke Hotels Blue Badge Style

The Blue Badge Access Awards 2023 have now been launched, with a new website!

Posted on 26 April 2023

What are the Blue Badge Access Awards? The Blue Badge Access Awards has been setting the Gold Standard for Access...

Small Awards Shortlisted Badge 2023

Access by Design shortlisted for Small Award!

Posted on 30 March 2023

The Digital Star Award We are very proud to announce that we have been has been shortlisted for the Digital...

A woman sitting down holding an iPad

How to Migrate Your Business Online

Posted on 14 March 2023

The consequences of the deadly epidemic have been truly harsh on people. However, certain reports reveal a considerable increase...