Creating an accessible website goes beyond just checking a few boxes—it’s about enabling everyone, including people with disabilities, to engage with your content smoothly. A well-structured accessibility checklist can help you address common barriers, test thoroughly, prioritize fixes, and ensure ongoing compliance with accessibility standards.

Here’s a comprehensive web accessibility checklist to guide you through essential steps:

Understand and Set Your Accessibility Goals

Define accessibility goals based on WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards.

Before diving into specific changes, remember that your accessibility improvements should align with recognized standards, particularly WCAG 2.1 A/AA levels. Setting these goals from the start ensures your site meets both legal requirements (like ADA compliance in the U.S.) and the diverse needs of your users. Following an accessibility checklist can help ensure each goal is met.

Audit Your Website for Accessibility Gaps

Conduct an initial audit to identify accessibility issues.

An audit gives a clear view of your website’s current accessibility status, spotlighting areas that need attention. Use tools like automated scanners, manual audits, and assistive technologies (AT) such as screen readers to uncover common barriers. An accessibility checklist is helpful here to document each area tested, including:

• Keyboard Navigation: Verify that users can navigate your site without a mouse, using keyboard commands only.
• Color Contrast: Use a contrast checker to ensure text is readable for people with low vision.
• Alt Text for Images: Check that all images have descriptive alt attributes, making content accessible for visually impaired users.

Ensure Keyboard Navigation is Intuitive

Ensure users can navigate your site fully with a keyboard.

Keyboard navigation is essential for users who don’t use a mouse. This includes making sure all interactive elements like buttons, forms, and links are accessible with the “Tab” and “Enter” keys.

• Focus States: Make sure focus states (visual indicators for keyboard users) are visible and defined.
• Logical Order: Verify that the tab order follows a logical sequence, mirroring the visual layout.

To learn more about keyboard navigation, check out our article, “What is Keyboard Navigation?”

Implement Proper Use of Alt Text for Images

Add descriptive alt text to all informative images.

Alt text serves as an alternative to images, allowing screen readers to describe visuals to visually impaired users.

• Functional vs. Decorative: Use alt text for images conveying essential information. Use alt=”” for decorative images to prevent screen readers from reading unnecessary details.
• Descriptive Text: Avoid vague descriptions like “image” and offer concise, informative details to convey the image’s purpose.

For additional information about alt text, read our article “Understanding Image Alt Text Descriptions.”

Ensure Sufficient Color Contrast

Check and adjust color contrast to meet accessibility standards.

Adequate contrast between text and background ensures readability, especially for users with visual impairments. WCAG recommends a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for regular text and 3:1 for larger text.

• Tools: Use WebAIM’s Contrast Checker to verify compliance.
• Avoid Color-Only Cues: Avoid relying solely on color to convey important information, as colorblind users might miss these cues. Pair colors with other indicators, like icons or text labels.

Use Semantic HTML Structure

Build a well-structured HTML hierarchy for better accessibility.

A clear HTML structure is essential for screen readers and other assistive devices. Proper tags help convey the structure and purpose of your content.

• Headings: Use heading tags (<h1>, <h2>, etc.) in a logical order, guiding users through content.
• Landmarks: Include ARIA landmarks like role= “navigation” and role= “main” for easier page navigation.
• Lists and Tables: Use HTML lists for lists and tables for data, not layout purposes.

Check out our articles, “How Semantic HTML Improves Your Accessibility & SEO?” or  “How to Implement ARIA Landmarks and Roles for Better Accessibility”  for a deeper dive into semantic HTML and ARIA landmarks.

Test with Assistive Technologies

Test your website with various assistive technologies.

Testing with AT tools like screen readers, voice recognition, and magnification provides insights into your site’s accessibility. Common screen readers include JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver.

• Screen Reader Testing: Check that all text, buttons, and links are accessible with screen readers.
• Voice Navigation: Confirm that users can navigate all interactive elements using voice commands.
• Magnification Tools: Ensure that the design remains usable when zoomed to 200%.

Incorporate Accessible Forms

Design forms with clear labels and error messages.

Accessible forms enable users to enter information accurately and with ease.

• Labels and Instructions: Each form field should have a visible label. Use placeholder text sparingly.
• Error Handling: Provide clear error messages when input is invalid. Describe what went wrong and how to fix it.
• Field Focus: Ensure that after submission, the keyboard focus moves to the first field needing correction.

Conduct Remediation Based on Prioritized Issues

Address identified accessibility issues based on their impact.

After auditing, prioritize fixes by severity and frequency. Address critical issues first, especially those that affect navigation and content comprehension.

Implement Continuous Monitoring with Tools Like a11y.Radar

Set up ongoing accessibility monitoring to maintain compliance.

Web accessibility is a continuous effort. New content or design changes can create new barriers, so ongoing monitoring tools like a11y.Radar can be part of your accessibility checklist, alerting you to real-time issues.

• Real-Time Alerts: Get notifications for new issues, allowing for prompt fixes.
• Automated Reports: Schedule regular accessibility reports to stay aware of your compliance status.

Conduct Routine Manual and Automated Testing

Schedule consistent accessibility testing intervals.

Automated tools are helpful for common issues, but manual testing finds more complex accessibility gaps. A mix of both ensures a thorough evaluation.

• Automated Testing: Use tools like Google Lighthouse or WAVE for quick assessments.
• Manual Testing: Focus on custom components that automated tools may not fully catch.

Keep Up-to-Date with WCAG Guidelines

Stay current on WCAG updates and best practices.

Accessibility standards evolve to meet new needs. KRegularly updating your accessibility checklist ensures compliance with the latest WCAG guidelines, like WCAG 2.2 or 3.0.

• Review WCAG Changes: Familiarize yourself with new criteria.
• Align with a11y.Radar: Ensure your monitoring tools adapt to updates, maintaining continuous compliance.

Take the First Step Towards Accessibility

Creating an accessible website is essential not only for compliance but for providing a truly inclusive experience for all users. By following a structured approach to accessibility—setting goals, auditing your site, prioritizing fixes, and maintaining continuous monitoring—you’re laying a solid foundation for an accessible, user-friendly site.

If you’re ready to make accessibility a priority but need guidance on how to navigate ADA compliance, consider scheduling an ADA briefing with 216digital. Our team can help you navigate accessibility standards, pinpoint key areas for improvement, and develop a checklist tailored to your site’s needs. Take the first step toward making your website accessible to all—schedule your ADA briefing with 216digital today and ensure your digital presence is compliant, inclusive, and welcoming.