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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.

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I am speaking at a TedX event on Website Accessibility for Disabled People!

Posted on 11 November 2021

I am so excited to announce that I am going to be speaking at TedX Lukely Brook on Wednesday...

Karine Elharrar, an Israeli Government Minister and a wheelchair user

Oops, sorry, we didn’t think of that….

Posted on 4 November 2021

As the BBC reported yesterday, an Israeli Government Minister, Karine Elharrar, had to return to her hotel 50...

A computer keyboard with a glowing \ACCESSIBILITY\ key. The key features an accessibility icon of a person in a wheelchair. The background is a blend of blue, purple, and pink hues, creating a modern and vibrant look.

Today is Purple Tuesday!

Posted on 2 November 2021

Did you know that today is Purple Tuesday? It is known as the UK’s official Accessible Shopping Day and...

Fingers on keyboard writing html code

Is your website printer friendly?

Posted on 21 October 2021

Have you ever printedHave you ever tried to print off a page from a website?...

A person in a wheelchair, dressed in a blue blazer and jeans, looks to their right at the base of a flight of stairs. They are on a paved outdoor area with a lamppost in the background.

This is why you need to take action now!

Posted on 14 October 2021

web audit Enquiry I had a chat with a travel company this week. They had some concerns about how accessible...

A wheelchair symbol drawn in the sand, the tide is coming in

“Hey you! You in the wheelchair, stand up!”

Posted on 7 October 2021

I cannot imagine that anyone reading this article would ever say this to someone who is in a wheelchair....

Blind person using computer with braille computer display and a computer keyboard

Blind people do not use the internet. How could they, they cannot see the screen.

Posted on 23 September 2021

It started with a conversation I was having a chat with a very nice lady last week. We had met...

A person wearing a blue jacket holds a smartphone horizontally to take a photo of a scenic landscape at sunrise or sunset. The image on the phone's screen shows another person photographing the viewer. The background features rolling hills under a colorful sky.

Here is one easy way to resolve your website accessibility issues!

Posted on 16 September 2021

I am delighted to announce that today is the day that Run Your Own Website Version 2 is officially...

Website accessibility: what is it and why is it important?

Posted on 16 August 2021

It’s time to make sure your website is accessible to all demographics. Find out what that means and why...

Web accessibility wheelchair symbol on a computer keyboard

Click Here… Click There… Click… Where????

Posted on 22 July 2021

The answer to these questions may seem obvious Would you invite someone sitting in a wheelchair to stand? Would you...

Wheelchair sign against green nature background

Your website and accessibility. All you need to know in one video!

Posted on 15 July 2021

Do you have a website? If you do and you are...

Outside photo Boots Stores Chichester, people are outside including a woman being pushed in a wheelchair

Understanding Website Accessibility, the easy way

Posted on 8 July 2021

A simple way of explaining a complex issue Website accessibility, although a complex subject, is of fundamental importance because it...

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The Access by Audit website is now launched!

Posted on 24 June 2021

After our press release last week, announcing the launch of Access by Audit, we have been putting the...

Blind person using computer with braille computer display and a computer keyboard

Understanding Website Accessibility

Posted on 22 June 2021

I was delighted to have a conversation last week with Jill Willson from The Equality Practice.Jill is as passionate...

Young woman without arms training hard in martial arts

An inclusive approach

Posted on 10 June 2021

I had a wonderful conversation with a lady who runs an organisation that is focused on inclusivity, particularly with...

Cartoon of a funny electric battery-powered muscle car with a huge battery

Would you drive a Tesla with only 3rd Party Insurance?

Posted on 3 June 2021

Of course you wouldn’t! However, I am finding websites that do actually have an accessibility statement (most of them...

Close-up of a wheelchair user holding a mask in their left hand

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)

Posted on 19 May 2021

May 20th 2021 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day! For the last 15 years, we at Access by Design, have been...

Young man looking shocked while watching breaking news on phone.

Let’s talk about the C Word

Posted on 6 May 2021

The C Word. A word that could be offensive to some of your visitors when they come to your website....

Wheelchair symbol with 3 ticks to the left of it

Website Accessibility – ignorance is no longer an excuse!

Posted on 29 April 2021

There is just so much misinformation and misunderstanding about website accessibility, where your legal responsibilities lie, what it actually...

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All that glitters is not gold… that is why websites need an web audit!

Posted on 22 April 2021

I have just finished a website web audit for a publicly-funded organisation in the UK. Their website had been...

A computer keyboard with a glowing \ACCESSIBILITY\ key. The key features an accessibility icon of a person in a wheelchair. The background is a blend of blue, purple, and pink hues, creating a modern and vibrant look.

I am afraid that will cost extra…

Posted on 1 April 2021

I took a call yesterday from a Town Council. They had just had their website rebuilt and...

Lots of pound coins

Grants towards a website upgrade if your business is in the Chichester area

Posted on 26 March 2021

Hot off the presses today: From the Economic Development Team 26 March 2021 Enabling Grant SchemeWe are really pleased to announce that...

Chocolate chip cookie with crumbs isolated on white background

Drop your Cookie Banner or risk prosecution!

Posted on 18 March 2021

Really? Come on Clive, that’s a bit extreme isn’t it?Well, read on and judge for yourself….Cookie banners break Accessibility...

A joyful, laughing emoji with closed eyes and a wide open mouth. The yellow face has raised eyebrows, visible upper teeth, and a big smile. Hands are placed together near the chin, adding to the expression of happiness and amusement.

Google is laughing at you…

Posted on 11 March 2021

…and it’s not sending anyone to your website!It is just SO annoying, isn’t it? You have spent ages building...