Web Accessibility Remediation Archives /Tag

Is Manual Accessibility Testing Worth the Time?

Deadlines move fast. Automated accessibility tools promise faster. It’s no surprise many dev teams lean on them—especially when stakeholders are asking, “Are we compliant yet?” Tools like WAVE and Lighthouse give quick answers, clean reports, and a reassuring sense of progress.

But here’s the part too many teams miss: automated testing only tells part of the story. The code might check out, but what about the actual experience? Can someone using a screen reader complete a purchase? Can a keyboard user navigate a modal without getting stuck? These are the kinds of issues that don’t show up in automated scans—but absolutely show up in real life.

If your goal is to build a product that’s not just technically compliant, but genuinely usable and defensible, manual accessibility testing needs to be part of the process. It’s the only way to uncover what automation can’t: nuance, clarity, and usability in the real world.

In this article, we’ll unpack the value of manual testing, where automated tools fall short, and how a smart hybrid approach gives you better results—and better protection.

What Is Manual Accessibility Testing?

Manual accessibility testing is the hands-on process of evaluating a digital product’s usability for people with disabilities—without relying solely on software. This might include:

Navigating with only a keyboard
Using a screen reader like NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver
Checking for color contrast by eye
Reviewing focus states and logical tab order
Testing real-world use cases (like filling out a form or completing a checkout process)

The goal is to simulate the experience of actual users with assistive technologies and identify barriers beyond code compliance.

The Appeal (and Limits) of Automated Testing

Automated accessibility tools like Lighthouse and WAVE have transformed developers’ identification of issues. They quickly scan code for missing alt text, incorrect ARIA roles, form labeling issues, and other violations of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Automated testing is fast and repeatable. It’s ideal for:

Initial scans during development
Catching basic syntax errors
Setting up CI/CD integration for ongoing testing
Flagging regressions after code updates

But here’s the catch: automation can only detect around 25-35% of accessibility issues. The rest requires human judgment.

What Automated Tools Can’t Catch

Despite their efficiency, automated tools lack the context and empathy of human testing. Here’s what they consistently miss:

Keyboard Trap Detection: Tools may confirm that an element is focusable, but they won’t always detect when users get stuck in modal dialogs or custom components without a proper way to escape.
Screen Reader Usability: Only a human can determine if the screen reader output is logical, coherent, and meaningful in context. Just because a screen reader reads something doesn’t mean it makes sense to the user.
Visual Focus Indicators: Automated checkers might verify the presence of a focus style, but they can’t confirm if it’s visible or intuitive in a real-world interface.
Form Instructions and Error Messages: Does the screen reader clearly announce the error? Are instructions available before a user makes a mistake? Automation doesn’t evaluate the usability of the experience.
Color Contrast in Context: A contrast checker might say a color combination passes WCAG, but it doesn’t judge readability in real UI conditions (like against busy background images or gradients).
Meaningful Link Text: Tools can flag vague text like “click here,” but they don’t understand if a link in a sentence conveys context when read out of order.
Cognitive Load and Ease of Use: Only a human can evaluate whether a layout or interaction is intuitive for users with cognitive disabilities or limited dexterity.

In short, automation checks the code; manual accessibility testing checks the experience.

Why a Hybrid Approach Works Best

The smartest accessibility strategies combine the speed of automation with the nuance of manual testing. Here’s how they complement each other:

Task	Best Method	Why
Catch missing alt attributes	Automated	Fast and reliable for simple HTML validation
Ensure meaningful alt descriptions	Manual	Context is required for accuracy
Validate keyboard navigation	Manual	Humans can detect trap states, confusing order
Check color contrast ratios	Automated	Useful for quick scanning
Judge visual clarity of focus states	Manual	Only human vision can determine visibility
Spot WCAG syntax violations	Automated	Efficient, especially with CI/CD tools
Confirm screen reader compatibility	Manual	Required for usability assurance
Test form completion and feedback	Manual	Critical for real-world workflows

This hybrid approach is not only more accurate—it’s also more defensible in legal contexts. Suppose you’re remediating a site for ADA compliance or preparing for WCAG conformance claims. In that case, you need evidence that your digital experience has been tested by real users or testers simulating those users.

Real-World Example: Checkout Accessibility

Let’s say you’re working on an e-commerce site. An automated test might scan your cart and checkout pages and report:

100% form elements are labeled
Contrast ratios are within limits
No ARIA roles are missing

Looks good.

But a manual tester might uncover:

The shipping address form doesn’t announce errors with a screen reader
The “Apply Coupon” button can’t be reached with the keyboard alone
The payment section’s field focus jumps around unexpectedly
The screen reader reads the price table in a confusing order

These are real barriers that impact sales—and wouldn’t be flagged by automation.

Manual Accessibility Testing Doesn’t Have to Be Time-Consuming

Yes, manual testing takes time. But it doesn’t have to grind your project to a halt.

Here’s how teams can streamline the process:

Integrate manual accessibility testing in sprints. Assign accessibility checks to QA or dev team members alongside other functional testing.
Use assistive tech simulators early. Even five minutes with VoiceOver or NVDA on a new feature can reveal major issues.
Focus on high-impact areas. Prioritize navigation, forms, modals, and anything tied to conversions or essential tasks.
Document patterns. Once you’ve tested common components (like dropdowns, date pickers, etc.), reuse them instead of rebuilding.

And most importantly—train your team. A developer with basic screen reader skills and a solid understanding of WCAG can identify more issues in five minutes than a tool might catch in five hours.

The Long-Term Payoff

Manual accessibility testing isn’t just about checking a compliance box—it’s about protecting your users, your brand, and your bottom line.

Benefits of a hybrid testing strategy include:

Fewer false positives and rework
Better user experience for everyone
Reduced legal risk and stronger compliance
Improved SEO and discoverability
Greater confidence in product quality

When teams understand what to test, how to test it, and why it matters, accessibility becomes a natural part of the development workflow—not an afterthought.

Bridging the Gap Between Code and Experience

So—is manual accessibility testing worth it?

Without question. Automated tools are great for speed, consistency, and catching the basics, but they can’t see the experience through a user’s eyes. Manual accessibility testing brings in that essential layer of human judgment, helping your team uncover issues that really affect usability—especially for people navigating with assistive technologies.

When you pair automation with real-world testing, you’re not just building a site that passes checks—you’re creating something that works better for everyone. It’s a smarter, more resilient way to approach accessibility, especially as legal expectations grow and user expectations rise even faster.

Curious what that could look like for your team? Schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital. We’ll walk you through our Phase 2 real-world remediation services—designed to help you go beyond code checks and build accessibility that holds up in practice, not just on paper.

Greg McNeil

May 15, 2025

Testing & Remediation

Accessibility, Accessibility Remediation, Accessibility testing, manual audit, Manual Testing, Web Accessibility, Web Accessibility Remediation

Don’t Be Fooled by False Positives in Accessibility
Imagine you’re scanning through an accessibility report when it flags a purely decorative image for missing alt text. You pause and double-check the code—aria-hidden= "true" is clearly set—yet the tool insists it’s an issue. In moments like these, you’re dealing with false positives.

When left unchecked, false positives can waste hours of development time, drain your budget, and leave real accessibility problems hidden beneath noise. For developers who regularly rely on automated accessibility testing, learning to recognize and reduce these inaccuracies is as essential as fixing actual accessibility barriers.

What a False Positive Really Is

Simply put, false positives occur when a testing tool incorrectly marks compliant content as inaccessible, even though it aligns perfectly with standards like WCAG. These mistaken alerts often create confusion and lead teams to fix things that aren’t broken—sometimes at the expense of overlooking real issues.

So, why do they happen? Usually, false positives stem from three common causes:
- Limited context: Automated tools understand code but not intent. Elements involving dynamic JavaScript or custom user settings can confuse them, triggering inaccurate alerts. For example, a modal loaded via JavaScript might be marked as inaccessible until it’s fully rendered, even if it meets all WCAG requirements when interactive.
- Overly cautious rules: Some tools are intentionally strict, flagging anything remotely questionable to avoid missing genuine issues. While well-intentioned, this can lead to excessive alerts. Developers end up treating these tools like overprotective smoke alarms—loud, constant, and sometimes hard to trust.
- Varied coding practices: Custom components or unconventional markup patterns, common in modern front-end workflows, often mislead algorithms expecting textbook HTML. Accessibility implemented through ARIA roles or JavaScript event handlers may trip up tools that expect static HTML structures.
Most developers have encountered these scenarios in practice: decorative icons labeled as “critical issues,” contrast alerts ignoring user-selected dark modes, or dynamic form elements incorrectly flagged for missing labels. Each instance represents the broader problem—tools missing the bigger picture.

The Hidden Costs of False Positives

When false positives become part of your day-to-day workflow, the cost isn’t just inconvenience—it’s real impact on time, trust, and outcomes.

Time and Budget Drain

Chasing down false positives can quickly become a costly distraction. Imagine your team spends hours rewriting alt text for images that never needed it. Those same resources could have resolved genuine issues or shipped new features, improving your product instead of spinning its wheels. For larger teams or enterprise projects, these hours quickly compound into days—adding up to measurable delays in delivery and inflated budgets.

This resource drain can be particularly painful during audits or compliance deadlines when teams are working under pressure. Every misfire takes attention away from what truly matters: building inclusive digital experiences for real users.

Erosion of Trust in Tools

Repeated inaccurate alerts erode confidence in accessibility tools. Developers may grow skeptical, dismissing genuine issues as “probably another false positive.” This skepticism can cause real accessibility problems to slip through unnoticed, undermining the very purpose of using these tools.

Once the trust is gone, so is the motivation to use these tools proactively. Instead of integrating accessibility checks early and often, teams may push them off to the final stages—or abandon them altogether. That’s a slippery slope that compromises both compliance and user experience.

Legal and Reputational Risks

Perhaps most serious of all, excessive false positives can mask true accessibility problems. If your team assumes a website is compliant based on misleading tool reports, users could face unexpected barriers. That scenario leaves your organization vulnerable to lawsuits, fines, and damage to brand reputation.

It’s a dangerous combination: a dashboard showing 100% compliance while screen reader users struggle to navigate key interactions. In the worst-case scenario, this could lead to legal action under ADA, Section 508, or similar laws depending on your location or industry.

Practical Steps to Minimize False Positives

It’s not about choosing between automation and accuracy—it’s about striking a balance. Here are a few strategies that can help:

Choose Tools Carefully

Accuracy is crucial. Opt for tools known to minimize false positives—look at reviews, user communities, and real-world feedback. Tools that offer detailed explanations for each issue help developers evaluate the context instead of blindly applying changes. Bonus points for tools that integrate smoothly into your CI/CD pipeline or Git workflows, allowing developers to spot and triage issues earlier in the process.

Combine Automated Testing with Manual Checks

Automation is valuable, but humans bring the necessary context. Regular manual reviews, particularly with real assistive technologies like screen readers or keyboard-only navigation, confirm whether flagged issues are real or simply more false positives. This human element provides critical insights into actual user experiences that no machine can replicate on its own.

Pairing automated scans with periodic expert reviews ensures you don’t end up trusting the scanner more than the people you’re building for.

Educate and Empower Your Team

Providing training ensures everyone knows what a genuine accessibility issue looks like. Regular team briefings, quick reference guides, or lunch-and-learn sessions can equip developers and QA specialists to confidently distinguish true issues from false positives during daily workflows.

It also helps to document commonly misflagged elements in your internal dev wiki or design system docs. That way, developers don’t waste time rediscovering the same conclusions again and again.

Shift Accessibility Testing Left

Accessibility testing should be a routine practice, integrated into every development phase—right alongside linting, unit testing, and code reviews. Early checks catch issues and limit the spread of false positives throughout your codebase.

This shift-left approach reduces last-minute panic before launches and promotes a culture where accessibility is part of the conversation from the start. Teams that embed these habits often find they’re able to respond to flagged issues faster and with greater confidence.

Engage Accessibility Specialists

Sometimes, complex implementations or large-scale projects need specialized insight. Accessibility experts can fine-tune automated testing parameters, spot challenging edge cases, and provide tailored recommendations. Their guidance helps reduce false positives and sets your project on a sustainable path forward.

Even a short-term partnership or audit can clarify which alerts deserve attention and which are tool-generated noise. Think of it like calling in an electrician to check wiring behind the walls—some things are better seen with trained eyes.

A True Positive Path Forward

False positives in accessibility testing aren’t just minor annoyances—they cost valuable resources, erode trust, and potentially expose your site to compliance risks. Left unchecked, they can derail good intentions and cause more confusion than clarity. But with the right balance of tools, process, and people, they don’t have to.

Start by picking better tools, pairing them with manual validation, and investing in your team’s knowledge. Make accessibility part of your workflow—not just a checkbox at the end. And when needed, bring in expert support to cut through the noise.

Want to take your accessibility efforts to the next level? Schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital. Our team will help you build a sustainable, practical strategy for achieving real-world accessibility and staying ahead of compliance requirements.
Greg McNeil

May 13, 2025

Testing & Remediation

Accessibility, Accessibility Remediation, false positives, Web Accessibility Remediation, web developers, web development, Website Accessibility
How 216digital Makes Accessibility Remediation Simple
If you’re a small or mid-sized business owner, you’ve probably heard stories about other businesses getting hit with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) web accessibility lawsuits. Often, these lawsuits come out of nowhere, catching website owners by surprise. You might not even know what you did wrong, why your site was targeted, or how to fix it. It’s frustrating, and it’s scary. Even if you haven’t faced a lawsuit yet, you could be worried about your level of risk. Nobody wants a legal headache—especially not when you’re already juggling everything else that goes into running a business.

Here at 216digital, our goal is to change the conversation around web accessibility. We help small to mid-sized businesses protect themselves from costly accessibility lawsuits while also making websites more inclusive for everyone. Instead of quick fixes that only look good on the surface, we focus on lasting solutions through real accessibility remediation. By partnering with us, you’re not just avoiding legal trouble—you’re also improving every visitor’s experience on your site. Good access equals good business.

In this article, we’re going to break down what web accessibility actually means, how our services work, and why our people-focused approach sets us apart from companies that might rely on short-term, fear-based tactics. We’ll also show you how to schedule a free ADA briefing so you can gain clarity on your level of risk and figure out the next steps to make your site welcoming to all.

What Is Web Accessibility, Really?

Understanding the Basics

The term “web accessibility” can feel intimidating if you haven’t delved into it before. But when you boil it down, it’s quite straightforward: web accessibility means designing and updating your website so that people with disabilities can use it just as smoothly as everyone else. This includes visitors who use screen readers, rely on keyboard navigation, need larger text, or have other accessibility requirements.

Accessibility Helps Everyone

Making a site more accessible often has bonus benefits for everyone. For example, clearer website structure can improve your overall user experience, boost your SEO (search engine optimization), and make your site more user-friendly across different devices. In other words, meeting accessibility standards isn’t just about legal risk—it’s also about creating a smoother experience for all your visitors. That’s why accessibility remediation is such a critical part of a business’s digital strategy.

The Problem: Why Lawsuits Are Happening

Why the Legal Risk Is Growing

Over the past few years, courts have increasingly treated websites as “places of public accommodation,” meaning they fall under rules that require them to be accessible to people with disabilities. This has led to a spike in legal actions against businesses—some well-intentioned (from people who genuinely can’t access certain sites) and others more opportunistic, aiming to force quick settlements.

Proactive Prevention with Remediation

Either way, if your website has accessibility barriers, you could end up with a lawsuit or a demand letter. That often means paying lawyer fees, making sudden updates to your site under intense time pressure, and dealing with stress you never saw coming.

At 216digital, our approach is all about preventing these problems before they happen. Through comprehensive accessibility remediation, we don’t want you to face that unexpected expense or crisis moment. Instead, we want to set you up for success by making sure your site meets recognized accessibility standards in a thorough, sustainable way.

How 216digital Helps You Meet Accessibility Standards

1. Risk-First Approach: Stop Lawsuits Before They Start

When you bring us on board, we don’t just run a quick scan of your site and hand you a list of potential problems. A quick list is a start, but it doesn’t actually fix anything. Instead, we take a risk-first approach. We identify the areas of your site most likely to trigger a lawsuit and tackle them right away. This rapid response significantly reduces your potential exposure.

From there, we proceed through the rest of your site, ensuring all content and functions align with trusted accessibility standards. That way, you’re not left vulnerable to new complaints popping up in the future. That’s the difference between surface-level adjustments and meaningful accessibility remediation.

2. Full WCAG Implementation (The Gold Standard for Accessibility)

If you’ve done even a little reading on accessibility, you’ve likely seen mention of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Judges, lawyers, and advocacy groups generally refer to WCAG 2.1 for determining whether a site is accessible. These guidelines cover areas like color contrast, text size, navigation, labels, and much more—essentially the nuts and bolts of a properly accessible website.

At 216digital, we don’t guess at what might be acceptable; we follow a systematic process to ensure your site aligns with WCAG 2.1 AA standards. We conduct thorough manual reviews along with automated checks to verify real-world accessibility, not just box-ticking. Our team’s hands-on accessibility remediation work results in a site that is recognized as accessible by the broader web community.

3. Ongoing Monitoring with a11y.Radar

A frequent misconception is that fixing accessibility barriers is a one-time job. In reality, websites are ever-evolving. You add new pages, adjust your site design, or change your content management system. Each of these updates can unintentionally introduce fresh barriers or break fixes you’ve made in the past.

That’s why we built a11y.Radar. It’s our specialized monitoring tool that consistently keeps an eye on your site, even after you’ve addressed the initial round of accessibility issues. a11y.Radar periodically checks if new problems have cropped up or if previously fixed areas have broken. With this in place, your accessibility remediation efforts stay intact, and you can relax, knowing you’re not being blindsided by hidden hurdles.

4. Hands-On Guidance and Support

Technical expertise is crucial, but we believe that easy-to-understand communication is just as important. Our team provides one-on-one support and guidance, answering questions you have about accessibility guidelines, legal implications, and the practical steps to ensure your site meets the right standards.
- Plain-Language Explanations: We won’t drown you in legal or tech jargon.
- Training Resources: If your developers or content team need training to maintain accessibility remediation practices, we’re happy to help.
- Personalized Assistance: Every website is different, so we don’t force you into a cookie-cutter solution.
We want you to feel confident about your site’s accessibility, not left in the dark about what’s happening behind the scenes.

Why We’re Different from Other Accessibility Companies

We’re Not Selling Fear—We’re Solving a Real Problem

Let’s be honest: lawsuits are a genuine risk, and the ADA is taken seriously in court. But 216digital’s mission is to educate you, not terrify you. We want to give you a clear understanding of what’s at stake and how you can proactively protect your business. Scare tactics aren’t our style. Instead, we rely on proven, professional accessibility remediation to resolve real issues.

No Overlays, No Shortcuts

Some companies push accessibility “overlays” that claim to magically solve every potential issue. While these might address a few surface-level features (like text resizing or color contrast toggles), they rarely fix deeper code-level or structural issues—and sometimes even introduce new difficulties.

At 216digital, our philosophy is to fix your site at the source. We go into the code and address each issue thoroughly. Yes, it’s more work. But the results are genuine and reflect real progress that stands the test of time. That’s the power of full-scale accessibility remediation.

We’re a Small Team That Cares

We’ve been around for more than 25 years. In that time, we’ve supported hundreds of businesses across industries, from e-commerce shops to local service providers. We know what it’s like to run a small or medium-sized business, and we treat your goals and concerns with respect. We’re also proud to say we’re a tight-knit crew. When you call us, you’ll speak to real people who care about your success—and who care deeply about getting your accessibility remediation right.

Ready to Talk? Let’s Schedule Your ADA Briefing

Worried your website might have accessibility barriers? Not sure if you’re at risk for a lawsuit? We offer a free ADA briefing to help you figure out your next move. It’s a no-pressure conversation where you’ll learn what’s really happening on your site and how we can help.
- Site Assessment: We take a basic look at your site to spot any glaring red flags.
- Risk Overview: We talk about possible risks that could leave you open to legal action.
- Options & Timeline: We lay out what solutions might look like, with a sense of how long and how much effort they might take.
We’re not here to push a sales pitch—just to share our expertise and help you make the best decision. If you decide to work with us, awesome! If not, at least you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of your situation and how to move forward.

If you’re ready to stop wondering about your site’s accessibility status and start taking proactive steps, reach out to schedule your free ADA briefing. We’ll explain everything you need to know in a straightforward, understandable way. Fill out our contact form below or schedule online today at 216digital.com/ada-briefing. We can’t wait to hear from you and show you how simple real accessibility remediation can be.
Greg McNeil

April 7, 2025

Testing & Remediation

Accessibility, Accessibility Remediation, Accessibility testing, automated testing, Web Accessibility, Web Accessibility Remediation, Website Accessibility
Accessibility Barriers: The Problem with Placeholders

Form design might seem simple at first. You add text fields, maybe a dropdown or two, and call it a day. But when it comes to guiding users, many designers rely on placeholders to show instructions or examples inside the input fields. On the surface, this seems like a neat way to save space and keep the layout clean. However, those same placeholders can create big usability and accessibility issues.

If you’ve been counting on placeholders to label your form fields, it might be time to rethink your approach. In this article, we’ll explore why placeholders cause problems, especially for people with disabilities, and how you can design forms that are clearer and easier for everyone to use.

Why Placeholders Cause Problems in Forms

1. They Disappear When Users Start Typing

Picture this: a user clicks on a field that says “Enter your phone number,” the moment they begin typing, that instruction vanishes. If they suddenly forget the exact format or details required, they have to either clear the field to see the placeholder again or guess what was there in the first place. This can be annoying in simple fields, but it becomes a real headache in longer or more complex forms. Each additional step or moment of confusion can lead to higher drop-off rates and reduced accuracy.

2. Not All Browsers Support Them

Although modern browsers generally display placeholders, some older or less common browsers may not. When these browsers skip placeholders altogether, the user has zero guidance or instruction for the field. If your form is already barebones—meaning you’ve omitted labels or separate hint text—people on unsupported browsers are left to figure it out on their own. This can be especially problematic when international or low-tech audiences may rely on older systems.

3. Once Filled, Fields Lose Context

After a user inputs data into a field, the purpose of that field may not be obvious. This is especially true for details like phone numbers, ZIP codes, or other specialized information. Without visible labels, users who step away from their screens or return later might forget the exact context for each field and whether it requires a specific format (e.g., whether to include country codes or parentheses for phone numbers).

4. Reviewing Answers Becomes a Hassle

Many people like to review their answers before hitting the Submit button. However, if placeholder text disappears once the user types something in, they can’t quickly verify whether their entry meets the field’s requirements. This can lead to overlooked mistakes—like mixing up month and day in date fields or forgetting to include a state abbreviation in an address.

5. Fixing Errors Gets Confusing

When a form returns an error message, it often refers to a specific label or hint. Without a visible label, a user might only see a generic error message like “Invalid entry” without knowing how to fix it. They’re left guessing whether they must add a certain number of characters, switch from text to numbers, or follow a specific pattern. This guesswork can be frustrating and lead to abandoned forms.

6. Some Browsers Hide Placeholders When the Field Is Focused

In certain older browsers, clicking or tabbing into an input field removes the placeholder immediately. Suppose a user didn’t fully absorb the instructions beforehand. In that case, they’ll have to navigate out of the field and back in, or potentially delete any typed text, to see the placeholder again. It’s a minor issue but yet another piece of friction.

7. They Can Be Mistaken for an Actual Answer

Placeholder text usually has a lighter contrast to differentiate it from actual user input, but the difference can be subtle. Some users might assume the placeholder is pre-filled data and skip the field altogether. Or they might try to erase the text, only to realize it’s a placeholder, not a typed entry.

8. Low Contrast Makes Them Hard to Read

One frequent design choice is to make placeholders light gray. This aesthetic might look sleek but can be challenging to read for people with visual impairments or even those using a device in bright sunlight. Low contrast is a direct accessibility barrier and may violate the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) guidelines, which recommend sufficient contrast between text and background.

9. Some Screen Readers Don’t Read Placeholder Text

Screen reader support for placeholders is inconsistent. Some devices or assistive tools ignore placeholders entirely, leaving users no context. If you rely on placeholders to communicate critical instructions, this group of users may miss out on the information they need.

10. Smaller Clickable Area Without Labels

When you have a label element associated with a form field, clicking the label sets focus on that field. This feature is handy, especially for people with motor impairments who benefit from a larger clickable target. Without a proper label, users might have to click precisely on the field, which can be more complicated.

11. Placeholder Text Gets Cut Off

Long placeholder text often doesn’t fit in the space provided, so it gets truncated. If the most crucial part of the instruction is at the end—like a date format or suffix—it may not be visible. Mobile users, in particular, have limited screen space, making it even more likely that critical instructions get chopped.

12. Some Browsers Don’t Translate Placeholders

If you depend on browser-based translation (like Google Translate in Chrome), remember that these tools don’t always translate placeholder text. International users might see fields with instructions in a language they don’t understand, putting them at a disadvantage.

13. Auto-Complete Can Mess Things Up

Browsers often auto-fill fields such as name or email based on saved user information. When that happens, the placeholder text is never shown. If the user doesn’t recall the exact format needed—like whether the phone number should include a dash or parentheses—they might submit the wrong thing without even realizing it.

14. High Contrast Mode Makes Placeholders Look Like User Input

High Contrast Mode in Windows can shift placeholder text to the same color as regular text. In that situation, a placeholder might appear identical to actual input, confusing users who think the field is already filled in or assume it’s a default value.

What You Should Do Instead

Rather than relying on placeholders, consider these best practices:

Use a Visible Label

Make sure every form field has a label that stays on the screen. Labels tell users—sighted, low vision, or blind—what the field is for. They also help screen reader users navigate more easily.

Put Hint Text Below the Label

If you need to offer more guidance, place this text below or next to the label. This way, the hint stays visible all the time. It won’t disappear once someone starts typing.

Provide Clear Formatting Instructions

Instead of relying on placeholders, add clear examples outside the input field. For instance, you could show “MM/DD/YYYY” under the “Date of Birth” label. Users can see the format without losing the prompt.

Test for Accessibility

Test your forms with screen readers and try them in high-contrast mode. Check that the labels are clear, that hint text stands out, and that the form works well even if placeholders don’t show up at all. Tools like WAVE or Google Lighthouse can help identify accessibility barriers.

Consider Better UX Patterns

Inline validation, tooltips, or progressive disclosure can guide users in a more reliable way. These methods let users see error messages or instructions at just the right time, without losing any important label text.

Clear Forms, Better Experiences

Using placeholders might seem like a clean and modern design choice, but it often causes more trouble than it’s worth. From disappearing instructions to accessibility issues, placeholders can leave users frustrated and unsure. Instead of relying on placeholders, give each field a clear label and keep helpful guidance visible. By doing so, you’ll create a smoother, more inclusive experience for everyone who visits your site.

Need help making sure your forms are user-friendly and accessible? 216digital specializes in improving digital experiences for all users. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you design better, more inclusive forms—no placeholders needed.

Greg McNeil

February 6, 2025

How-to Guides

Accessibility, How-to, Web Accessibility Remediation, web developers, web development, Website Accessibility
How to Test a Website for Accessibility
Making sure your website works for everyone, including people with disabilities, isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential. Accessibility testing helps you find and fix issues that could make your site tough to use for people with visual, hearing, cognitive, or mobility impairments. Whether you’re a web developer, IT pro, or content creator, knowing how to test for accessibility can save you headaches—and money—later.

In this guide, we’ll cover some simple, effective ways to check your site’s accessibility. Don’t worry; you don’t need to be an expert to get started. Let’s dive in!

Why Website Accessibility Testing Matters

Accessibility testing ensures your website is welcoming to everyone, regardless of their abilities. It also helps you stay in line with important standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and legal requirements like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

But it’s not just about compliance—it’s about creating a better experience for all your users. For example:
- Clear, organized content helps screen readers and makes reading easier for everyone.
- Good color contrast improves visibility, whether you’re in bright sunlight or a dim room.
- Keyboard-friendly navigation benefits people who can’t use a mouse and even power users who prefer shortcuts.
Accessibility doesn’t just check a box—it enhances your site for everyone.

Quick Accessibility Testing Methods

You don’t need a deep dive into the world of accessibility to start testing your website. There are three main ways to test:
1. Automated Testing
2. Manual Testing
3. Assistive Technology Testing
Each method offers unique insights. Using them together? That’s your golden ticket to a more accessible site.

Automated Accessibility Testing

Automated tools are perfect for a quick scan. They flag common issues like missing alt text, messy headings, or poor color contrast. Think of them as a helpful starting point, not the end-all solution.

Here are a few tools to get you started:
- WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool): This browser extension highlights issues like missing alt text and improper ARIA attributes. Bonus: It’s free and super easy to use.
- Google Lighthouse: Built right into Chrome’s DevTools, it gives your site an accessibility score and helpful feedback.
- WebAIM’s Contrast Checker: This tool ensures your text and background colors meet WCAG’s contrast requirements.
Pro Tip: Automated tools are great, but they’re not perfect. They might miss subtler issues or flag things that aren’t actually problems. Treat them as step one, not the whole process.

Manual Accessibility Testing

Sometimes, you need a human touch. Manual testing simulates real-world user experiences to catch what tools can’t.

Try These Tests:
- Keyboard Navigation Test:
  - Use the Tab key to move around your site. Can you access every link, button, and form?
  - Is there a visible focus indicator (like a highlight) on selected elements?
  - Does the navigation flow make sense?
  - If you can’t complete tasks like filling out a form or navigating menus, there’s work to do.
- Color Contrast Test:
  - Use WebAIM’s Contrast Checker to make sure your text is easy to read against its background.
  - Aim for a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18px or larger).
- Alt Text for Images:
  - Check your images. Does the alt text describe their content or purpose?
  - Decorative images? They should have empty alt text (e.g., alt=””).
- Forms and Error Messages:
  - Are form labels clear?
  - Do error messages explain what went wrong and how to fix it?
For further details on manual testing, please read our article “The Human Touch: Manual Testing for Web Accessibility.”

Testing with Assistive Technologies

If you want the real deal, test your site with the tools your users rely on. Screen readers like NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) offer invaluable insights into how accessible your site really is.

What to Check:
- Is the content reading in a logical order?
- Are links clear and descriptive?
- Does alt text accurately describe images?
Testing with assistive tech gives you a firsthand look at your site’s usability.

Common Accessibility Issues to Watch For

As you test, keep an eye out for these usual suspects:
- Missing or unhelpful alt text.
- Low color contrast.
- Skipped heading levels (like jumping from H2 to H4).
- Keyboard traps where navigation gets stuck.
- Forms without labels or clear error messages.
- No visible focus indicators for buttons or links.
The Limitations of Quick Tests

Quick tests are awesome for a first pass, but they won’t catch everything. For example:
- They might miss problems with interactive elements or dynamic content.
- They don’t always account for users with cognitive disabilities.
For a deeper dive, consider a professional audit. Experts can evaluate your site with advanced tools, manual reviews, and assistive tech to ensure you’re fully WCAG-compliant.

Why Overlays Aren’t the Solution

You might’ve seen tools promising quick fixes with overlays or widgets. Sounds tempting, right? But these “solutions” often create more problems than they solve.

Here’s Why Overlays Fall Short:
- They don’t address underlying code issues.
- They can clash with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
- They frustrate users instead of helping them.
Real accessibility starts with your site’s design and development, not a temporary patch.

Wrapping It Up: A Holistic Approach to Accessibility

Testing your website for accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting with automated tools like WAVE or Google Lighthouse and layering in manual checks for keyboard navigation, color contrast, and assistive technology testing, you can create a more inclusive experience for all users.

But remember, quick tests are just the beginning. Regular testing and professional audits ensure your website meets accessibility standards and provides the best possible user experience.

If you’re ready to take your accessibility efforts to the next level, 216digital can help. Our team specializes in comprehensive accessibility solutions that go beyond surface fixes. Schedule an ADA briefing with us today by using the contact form below. Let’s work together to make your website accessible to everyone.
Greg McNeil

December 16, 2024

How-to Guides, Testing & Remediation

Accessibility, Accessibility Remediation, Accessibility testing, Web Accessibility Remediation, Website Accessibility
Progress Over Perfection: Steps Toward Digital Accessibility
In today’s digital world, creating websites and content that are accessible to everyone should be a top priority. But let’s face it — making your website completely accessible for every single user can feel like an overwhelming task. That’s where the concept of “progress over perfection” comes into play.

Achieving digital accessibility isn’t a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing process of continuous improvement. If you aim for perfection from the start, you might get stuck, feel defeated, or even give up. But by focusing on making progress, even small steps, you can create a more inclusive online experience without the stress of reaching perfection right away.

Let’s break down how you can start building a sustainable approach to digital accessibility with the right mindset, tools, and strategies.

What Is Digital Accessibility?

Before we dive into the “progress over perfection” mindset, let’s quickly talk about what digital accessibility really means. Simply put, it’s about making sure that all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can access and use your website, apps, or digital content easily.

This includes people who may be blind, deaf, have low vision, or have mobility challenges. It also covers people who have cognitive disabilities or those who just prefer to use assistive technology like screen readers, voice commands, or keyboard navigation.

Digital accessibility can seem like a huge task at first, but it’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about making consistent improvements to ensure your site is usable by as many people as possible.

The Problem with Perfectionism

When you aim for perfection, the goal can feel so far out of reach that it becomes paralyzing. This is especially true with digital accessibility, where there are lots of technical guidelines and standards (like WCAG – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to follow. While these standards are great for ensuring accessibility, focusing on every little detail can slow you down.

In reality, no website is perfect when it comes to accessibility. Users have different needs, and it’s impossible to design for every potential scenario at once. So, instead of feeling like you need to fix everything at the same time, shift your focus to continuous improvement. Every small step counts, and over time, those steps will add up to a more accessible and inclusive digital experience.

Why Focus on Progress?

The beauty of focusing on progress over perfection is that it’s achievable. It lets you start small, tackle the most pressing accessibility issues first, and then build on that foundation. As you implement changes, you’ll gradually improve the user experience, making it better for people with disabilities while also making your website more user-friendly for everyone.

Here are some reasons why progress over perfection is the way to go for sustainable digital accessibility:
1. You Don’t Get Stuck: Trying to achieve perfection can leave you frozen in place, unsure of where to start. By focusing on progress, you can tackle one problem at a time and move forward.
2. It’s More Manageable: Rather than trying to fix everything at once, breaking down accessibility work into smaller tasks makes it more manageable and less overwhelming.
3. You Can Build Momentum: When you make even small improvements, it creates a sense of accomplishment. This encourages you to keep making changes and adding new updates over time.
4. It’s Realistic: Perfection doesn’t exist when it comes to accessibility. There will always be more to improve, so aiming for progress keeps you focused on what matters.
Practical Tips for Achieving Digital Accessibility

Now that we understand the importance of progress, let’s talk about some practical steps you can take to make real improvements to your site. You don’t need to do everything at once, but here’s how you can start moving toward a more accessible website today:

Start with Low-Hanging Fruit

When you’re just getting started, it’s helpful to identify and address the “low-hanging fruit” — the quick wins that will make the biggest impact with the least amount of effort. These might include:
- Alt Text for Images: Add descriptive alt text to images so screen readers can convey the meaning of those images to users with visual impairments.
- Keyboard Navigation: Make sure that all interactive elements (like forms, buttons, and links) can be accessed using only a keyboard.
- Color Contrast: Ensure that text has enough contrast against the background so users with low vision can read it easily.
By making these changes, you’re addressing immediate barriers that can make a huge difference in how accessible your website is for many users.

Integrate Accessibility into Your Workflows

To create long-term sustainability, accessibility shouldn’t be something you do only once or twice. It needs to be built into your everyday workflow. Whether you’re designing a new page, creating content, or updating a feature, think about accessibility from the start.

Here are a few ways you can integrate accessibility into your routine:
- Involve Accessibility from the Beginning: If you’re working on a new website or a redesign, include accessibility from the very start of the project. This way, accessibility considerations become part of the foundation.
- Use Accessible Tools and Templates: Many website builders, content management systems (CMS), and templates have accessibility features built-in. Make sure you’re using those tools to save time and reduce errors.
- Educate Your Team: Make sure everyone involved in content creation and site maintenance understands basic accessibility principles.
Get Real Feedback from Users

One of the best ways to improve accessibility is to hear directly from users. Real people with disabilities can give you valuable insight into how they experience your website and where the barriers lie. This is far more effective than guessing or relying solely on automated testing tools.

You can:
- Conduct User Testing: Recruit users with various disabilities to test your site and provide feedback. This can help you uncover issues you might have missed.
- Engage with Your Audience: Ask for feedback through surveys or comments. Listen to your users, and if they point out areas for improvement, make a plan to address them.
Use Tools for Continuous Monitoring

To ensure your website stays accessible over time, use tools that can help you identify and fix problems as they arise. One such tool is a11y.Radar.

A11y.Radar continuously scans your website for accessibility issues and provides you with actionable reports. This allows you to stay on top of accessibility improvements without needing to manually review your entire site. With regular scans, you can catch issues early and keep your site in good shape.

It’s All About Consistent Improvement

Remember, the goal of digital accessibility isn’t to be perfect; it’s to be inclusive. Every improvement you make is a step toward creating a better, more accessible experience for all your users. By focusing on progress over perfection, you’ll keep moving forward without getting stuck in the weeds.

So, don’t be afraid to start small. Address the most pressing accessibility issues first, integrate accessibility into your workflows, engage with real users for feedback, and use tools to monitor your progress. Over time, you’ll create a website that’s not only accessible but sustainable in the long run — and that’s something to be proud of!

If you’re ready to take the next step in your accessibility journey, schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital. Our experts can help you create a sustainable, actionable plan for achieving digital accessibility while mitigating risk. Let’s move forward together!
Greg McNeil

December 9, 2024

Testing & Remediation, WCAG Compliance

Accessibility, ADA Compliance, ADA Website Compliance, Web Accessibility Remediation, web development, Website Accessibility
When Is Web Accessibility Most Easily Achieved?
Creating an inclusive digital experience is no longer optional; it’s critical to building modern websites and applications. Accessibility for websites ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can access, navigate, and interact with your content. While achieving accessibility at any stage is commendable, it’s most efficient and effective when integrated early in development. By starting accessibility efforts from the initial design planning phase and continuing through coding and content creation, businesses can ensure smoother workflows, cost efficiency, and an inclusive user experience.

Why Start Early?

Integrating accessibility early in the website development lifecycle is not just a best practice—it’s a necessity. Here’s why:

Cost Efficiency

Addressing accessibility for websites issues after a site is live can be expensive and time-consuming. According to research, fixing a bug during the design phase costs significantly less than fixing it post-launch. Early integration avoids retrofitting, often requiring revisiting designs, rewriting code, and reworking content.

Smoother Workflows

When accessibility for websites is built into your processes, teams can proactively anticipate and address potential issues rather than scrambling to fix problems at the last minute. This approach minimizes disruptions and fosters collaboration across design, development, and content teams.

Better User Experience

Accessibility enhances usability for everyone. By focusing on inclusivity from the beginning, you create a website that’s compliant and offers a seamless experience for all users, regardless of their abilities.

Best Practices for Early Integration

Integrating accessibility into your website development process from the outset ensures a smoother workflow, reduces costs, and creates a more inclusive user experience. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)—an internationally recognized set of standards for digital accessibility—serve as a foundational resource for implementing these practices. By incorporating WCAG principles early, you align your project with best practices while creating a platform that everyone can use.

Incorporate Accessibility into Design

Design is the foundation of an accessible website. Thoughtful design choices can prevent significant barriers from arising. Here’s how to ensure accessibility for websites from the beginning:
- Color Contrast: Use color combinations that meet WCAG’s minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for larger text. This ensures readability for users with visual impairments.
- Responsive and Scalable Fonts: Implement relative units like em or rem for font sizing, enabling users to resize text as needed without breaking layouts.
- Keyboard Navigation: Ensure all interactive elements (like buttons, forms, and menus) are fully operable with a keyboard alone, vital for users who cannot use a mouse.
- Accessible Visual Cues: Design clear focus states for interactive elements so users navigating with a keyboard can see which element is currently active.
Use Semantic HTML

Semantic HTML improves the usability of your website for assistive technologies and enhances the experience for all users. Here’s why it matters:
- Meaningful Tags: Use HTML5 elements like <header>, <nav>, <main>, and <footer> to give structure to your page. These tags help screen readers and other assistive technologies provide context to users.
- Proper Use of ARIA: Use Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) attributes only when semantic HTML cannot achieve the same functionality. Incorrect or excessive ARIA use can introduce unnecessary complexity.
Test Accessibility Throughout Development

Testing ensures your website is inclusive at every stage of its lifecycle. It helps detect and resolve potential barriers before they become costly problems. Follow these strategies:
- Assistive Technology Testing: Use tools like NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver to simulate real-world interactions and ensure your site is accessible to users relying on screen readers or magnifiers.
- Automated Testing Tools: Tools like WAVE, or Lighthouse can quickly identify common accessibility issues. Use them as part of your continuous integration process.
- Manual Testing: Combine automated testing with manual reviews to catch issues that tools might miss, such as ensuring logical tab order or meaningful link text.
- Iterative Testing: Conduct accessibility tests at critical milestones—during design, during development, and before launch.
Write Inclusive Content

Content creators play a crucial role in making a website accessible. Accessible content ensures that all users can engage with your site meaningfully:
- Alternative Text for Images: Provide concise yet descriptive alt text for all non-decorative images. This ensures users with visual impairments understand the context.
- Descriptive Links: Avoid vague link text like “click here.” Instead, use text that describes the link’s purpose, such as “Download the user manual.”
- Structured Headings: Use a logical heading hierarchy (e.g., <h1> for the main title, followed by <h2> and <h3> for subsections) to improve navigation.
- Multimedia Accessibility: Provide captions for videos and transcripts for audio content to accommodate users with hearing impairments and improve SEO.
Common Mistakes to Avoid

Delaying Accessibility Checks

One of the most common missteps is treating accessibility as an afterthought. Waiting until the end to check for compliance often results in rushed fixes that must be more thorough and effective.

Over-reliance on Automation

While automated tools are excellent for flagging issues, they can’t catch everything. Manual testing and user feedback are essential for identifying nuanced accessibility barriers.

Neglecting Maintenance

Accessibility is not a one-time task. Regular updates, content changes, and new features can introduce barriers if not correctly managed. Continuous monitoring is essential to maintaining compliance.

Actionable Advice for Integrating Accessibility

Educate Your Team

Invest in accessibility training for your design, development, and content teams. Understanding the principles of accessibility empowers everyone to contribute to an inclusive user experience.

Adopt Accessibility Checklists

Incorporate WCAG guidelines into your project workflows with easy-to-follow checklists. These ensure that no critical steps are overlooked during design or development.

Engage Accessibility Experts

Consulting with experts early can save time and resources. They can provide audits, training, and guidance tailored to your project’s needs.

Build Accessibility Into Your Workflow

Use tools like GitHub to integrate accessibility checks into your code repositories. Automated testing scripts can flag issues as developers commit code.

Monitor Accessibility Post-Launch

Deploy ongoing monitoring tools like a11y.Radar to track compliance and detect issues as they arise. Regular audits ensure your website remains accessible as it evolves.

Conclusion

Website accessibility is most efficiently and effectively achieved when treated as a core part of the development process. By starting accessibility for websites efforts early—at the design stage—and continuing them through coding, content creation, and post-launch maintenance, businesses can avoid costly mistakes, streamline workflows, and create an inclusive user experience.

The benefits of early integration are clear: reduced costs, enhanced usability, and compliance with legal standards. By embracing best practices like using semantic HTML, testing with assistive technologies, and prioritizing continuous testing, organizations can set themselves up for success.

Remember, accessibility isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about making your website welcoming and usable for everyone. Start early, stay committed, and reap the rewards of an accessible, inclusive digital presence.

Ready to make accessibility a cornerstone of your web strategy?

Schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital today. Our experts are here to guide you through creating a website that’s not only compliant but also exceptional in user experience. Contact us to take the first step toward an inclusive digital future.
Greg McNeil

December 2, 2024

Testing & Remediation

Accessibility Remediation, Web Accessibility, Web Accessibility Remediation, Website Accessibility
Accessibility Tips for Post-Remediation Success
Hey, content creators! Now that you’ve made great strides in remediating your website for accessibility, it’s time to consider how to keep that momentum going. Creating accessible content isn’t just a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing process. Let’s dive into some best practices that will help your team consistently produce accessible content and ensure your website is welcoming to everyone.

Why Accessibility Matters

Let’s take a moment to understand why digital accessibility is so important. Accessibility means making your content usable for people with disabilities. This can include those who are blind, deaf, or have mobility challenges. When you prioritize accessibility, you’re not just meeting legal requirements but also reaching a wider audience and showing that you care about all your users. This can lead to increased engagement, better SEO, and a positive brand image.

Training Your Team

The first step in creating accessible content is training your team. Everyone involved in content creation needs to understand the basics of accessibility. Consider hosting regular workshops or training sessions to cover key topics. Here are some essential areas to focus on:

Writing Alternative Text

Alternative text, or alt text, is a crucial part of accessibility. It describes images for people who can’t see them. When creating content, ensure your team knows how to write compelling alt text. Here are some tips:
- Be Descriptive: Alt text should describe the image accurately. Instead of saying, “A dog,” say, “A golden retriever is playing fetch in the park.”
- Keep It Concise: Aim for around 125 characters. Be descriptive, but don’t overwhelm the reader.
- Skip Decorative Images: If an image is purely decorative and doesn’t add value to the content, it’s best to leave the alt text blank.
Ensuring Proper Heading Structures

Proper heading structures not only help with readability but are also vital for screen readers. When creating web content, remind your team to use headings hierarchically. Here’s how:
- Use H1 for Titles: The main title of your page should always be an H1 tag.
- H2 for Subheadings: Use H2 tags for major sections and H3 tags for subsections. This creates a clear outline for users and helps them navigate your content.
- Avoid Skipping Headings: Don’t jump from H1 to H4 without using H2 and H3. This can confuse users and screen readers.
Creating Accessible Documents

When creating downloadable content like PDFs or Word documents, keep accessibility in mind as well. Here are some tips:
- Use Headings and Styles: Just like web content, use headings in documents to help structure the information.
- Add Descriptive Links: Ensure that links are descriptive. Instead of saying “click here,” use phrases like “read our accessibility guide.”
- Check Reading Order: In PDFs, the reading order matters. Use accessibility features in your document software to ensure the content reads logically.
Ongoing Review and Feedback

Creating accessible content doesn’t stop once you’ve trained your team. It’s essential to implement an ongoing review process. Here’s how to keep improving:
- Peer Reviews
  - Encourage team members to review each other’s content for accessibility. A fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes that might have been missed. Create a checklist for peer reviews that includes items like alt text, heading structure, and color contrast.
- Feedback from Users
  - If possible, seek feedback from users with disabilities. Their insights can help you identify areas for improvement that you might have yet to consider.
- Stay Updated
  - Digital accessibility guidelines can evolve, so it’s essential to stay informed about best practices. Consider subscribing to accessibility blogs or joining professional organizations that focus on digital accessibility.
Wrapping Up

Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done task—it’s an ongoing commitment that helps you maintain a more inclusive and user-friendly website for everyone. Keeping your content accessible means continually refining your approach, training your team, and staying proactive with the latest best practices. But don’t worry, you don’t have to do it alone! Tools like a11y.Radar make it easier to stay on top of accessibility long after your initial remediation. With real-time monitoring, you can catch issues as they arise, ensuring your website remains compliant and welcoming to all users. So, keep the momentum going and know that you’re building not just a compliant site, but a better experience for every visitor.
Greg McNeil

October 24, 2024

How-to Guides, Web Accessibility Monitoring

a11y.Radar, Accessibility, Accessibility monitoring, Accessibility Remediation, Web Accessibility Remediation
Accessibility Remediation: Definitions & Guidelines

When you’re getting started with digital accessibility, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the technical jargon to wrap your head around. However, getting familiar with these key concepts is the first step toward making your website more accessible for everyone to use. In this guide, we’ll break down some of the most important terms you’ll come across in accessibility remediation. Whether it’s ensuring your site works well with keyboard navigation or understanding how assistive technologies come into play, we’ve got you covered. This quick rundown will help you get comfortable with the basics and take meaningful steps toward a more accessible site.

Key Terminology in Accessibility Remediation

When it comes to making your website accessible, there are a few key terms you’ll want to get familiar with. Here’s a quick breakdown of the essential terms you’ll encounter as you work to ensure your site is welcoming and usable for everyone.

Usability

Usability is all about how easy it is for people to navigate and interact with your website. The goal is to make sure that no one—regardless of their abilities—struggles to find what they’re looking for or complete tasks. It’s not just about making things functional, but about making them simple, intuitive, and frustration-free for all users.

Remediation

Remediation is just a fancy way of saying “fixing accessibility issues.” These are problems uncovered during an audit or assessment. This could mean tweaking your code, updating content, or adding features to make your site easier for people with disabilities. The idea is to go beyond patching things up and ensure your site works smoothly in the long run.

Compliance

Compliance refers to meeting specific legal guidelines and standards, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Following these rules isn’t just about staying out of legal trouble—it’s about making sure your site is usable by people with disabilities. By staying compliant, you protect your business and ensure an inclusive online space.

Auditing

An accessibility audit is a deep dive into your website to identify any barriers that might prevent people with disabilities from using it fully. These barriers can range from missing image descriptions to confusing layouts. Auditing is the first step in figuring out what needs to be fixed, giving you a clear roadmap to improving your site’s accessibility.

User Testing

User testing is a hands-on way to see how real people—especially those with disabilities—interact with your website. While automated tools can catch some issues, real users can point out things machines might miss, like tricky navigation or features that don’t work well with assistive technologies. It’s like getting an inside scoop on how to make your site better for everyone.

Assistive Technologies

Assistive technologies are tools that help people with disabilities use the web. These include screen readers, voice control software, and alternative keyboards. Knowing how your site interacts with these tools is key to ensuring that all users can access your content.

Screen Reader

A screen reader is software that converts the text on a website into spoken words, allowing visually impaired users to “hear” the content. It’s a vital tool for those who can’t see the screen, helping them access everything from written text to image descriptions.

Keyboard Navigation

Not everyone uses a mouse to browse a website—many people rely on their keyboard to move through a site. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure that all site functions can be accessed using keyboard shortcuts. This includes things like filling out forms, clicking buttons, and navigating menus without needing a mouse.

Alternative Content

Alternative content refers to substitutes for visual or interactive elements that some users can’t access. For example, adding descriptive text (alt text) for images helps visually impaired users understand what’s in the picture. It’s not just about including something—it’s about making sure the alternative content adds value for those who need it.

Accessibility Overlay

An accessibility overlay is a quick-fix tool that can be added to your site to address specific accessibility problems. While it might provide some immediate help, it often doesn’t get to the root of the issues. True accessibility needs to be built into your site’s design and code rather than relying on these temporary fixes.

Accessibility Monitoring

Digital accessibility isn’t something you do once and forget about—it’s an ongoing effort. Monitoring means regularly checking your site to ensure it continues to meet accessibility standards as you make updates or add new content. This way, you can catch any new issues early and make sure your site stays user-friendly for everyone over time.

Compliance Standards and Laws

When it comes to making sure your website is both accessible and legally compliant, there are a few essential standards and laws you need to be aware of. Understanding these helps you avoid potential legal issues and ensures your site is inclusive.

W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)

The W3C is the leading organization that sets the rules and standards for how the web functions. They’re responsible for creating protocols that guide the future of the web, and one of their most important contributions is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines are the go-to standards for digital accessibility, ensuring that online content is usable for people of all abilities.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

WCAG is a comprehensive set of recommendations to make web content more accessible to everyone, especially people with disabilities. These guidelines are built around four main principles—Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (often called POUR).

In short, these principles ensure that all users can perceive and interact with content, understand how to use the site and that the content works reliably across different technologies and platforms. Following WCAG isn’t just good practice—it’s often a legal requirement.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA is a prominent civil rights law in the U.S. that protects people with disabilities from discrimination in various areas of life, including employment, public services, and, now, digital spaces. While the ADA doesn’t specifically mention websites, courts have increasingly ruled that digital accessibility falls under its umbrella. This means your website must be accessible, or you could be at risk of legal action for not complying with the ADA.

Section 508

Section 508 is a law that specifically applies to federal agencies and any organization working with them. It requires that all electronic and information technology, including websites, be accessible to people with disabilities. The good news is that Section 508 closely aligns with the WCAG standards, so if you’re following WCAG, you’re likely on the right track for Section 508 compliance, too.

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)

IDEA ensures that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate education, and in today’s world, that includes access to digital learning materials. Whether it’s a website, software, or other digital resource used in schools, it must be accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. If you’re involved in the education sector, this law is critical for ensuring digital accessibility in the classroom.

Accommodation Approaches

Making digital content accessible takes a variety of approaches. Here are some essential methods to ensure your website can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Alt Text

Alt text, or alternative text, is a short description you add to images on your website. This ensures that people using screen readers can understand what the image is showing, even if they can’t see it. Alt text is essential for making visual content accessible to everyone.

Captions and Closed Captioning

Captions provide a text alternative for the spoken content in videos, which is helpful for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Closed captions take it a step further, including descriptions of non-verbal sounds like music or laughter, so users get the full experience of the video.

Video Description

Video descriptions offer a spoken narration of the visual elements in a video. This allows visually impaired users to understand what’s happening on screen, beyond just the dialogue, by hearing descriptions of actions, settings, or critical visual cues.

Color Contrast

Good color contrast between text and its background makes it easier to read, especially for people with visual impairments or color blindness. By ensuring your site has good contrast, you improve readability and make sure that everyone can engage with your content.

Headings and Landmarks

Using proper headings and landmarks on your website helps users navigate more easily, especially those relying on screen readers. These tools allow users to quickly jump between sections or locate specific content without having to scroll through the entire page.

Text-to-Speech

Text-to-speech technology can convert written text into spoken words, offering another way for users to access content. This is especially helpful for users with learning disabilities, visual impairments, or even those who prefer listening over reading.

Inclusive Design

Inclusive design means thinking about a wide range of user needs from the very beginning of the design process. By considering accessibility from the start, you can build a website that works for as many people as possible, without needing to retrofit fixes later.

Text Resize and Screen Magnification

Some users need to increase text size or zoom in on parts of your website to see them clearly. By allowing for easy text resizing and screen magnification, you’re giving users with visual impairments more control over how they view your content.

Why Accessibility Remediation is Critical

Accessibility remediation isn’t just about checking boxes for legal compliance—it’s about creating an inclusive, user-friendly digital space that welcomes everyone. Let’s dive into why making your website accessible is so important:

1. Inclusivity

At its core, digital accessibility is about inclusivity. Making sure your website is accessible means that people of all abilities can engage with your content, products, or services. This enhances the user experience for everyone, whether they have a disability or not. When your site is easy to use and navigate, you’re creating a welcoming space where everyone can participate equally in the digital world.

2. Legal Protection

Compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG and laws like the ADA isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement. Failing to meet these standards can result in lawsuits, hefty fines, and serious damage to your brand’s reputation.

3. Improved SEO

Here’s a bonus: many of the same practices that make your site accessible also happen to be great for SEO. For example, providing descriptive alt text for images not only helps visually impaired users but also helps search engines better understand your content. Structured content, clear headings, and easy navigation improve both accessibility and your search rankings. In short, making your site accessible can help you get noticed by more users—including search engines.

4. Market Reach

By ensuring your site is accessible, you’re opening your business up to a much larger audience. About 16% of the global population lives with some form of disability, and when your site is accessible, you’re making sure they can engage with your brand. This isn’t just a moral win—it’s good for business. More accessibility means more customers, which can directly lead to a boost in your customer base and your bottom line.

Take the First Step Toward Accessibility

Now that you’re more familiar with the key terms and concepts behind accessibility remediation, you’re in a great position to start making meaningful changes to your website. From ensuring proper keyboard navigation to creating alt text for images, every step you take improves the experience for users of all abilities—and keeps you on the right side of compliance.

But you don’t have to tackle this alone. At 216digital, we specialize in helping businesses create accessible websites that meet legal standards and enhance user engagement and reach. If you’re ready to make your site more inclusive and avoid potential legal risks, we’re here to guide you through the process.

Schedule a complimentary ADA strategy briefing with our team today. Together, we’ll map out a plan tailored to your business, helping you integrate WCAG 2.1 compliance into your development roadmap. Let’s start creating a digital space that welcomes everyone and sets your business up for long-term success.

Greg McNeil

September 26, 2024

Legal Compliance, Testing & Remediation, WCAG Compliance, Web Accessibility Training

accessibility Definitions & Guidelines, Accessibility Remediation, ADA Compliance, Web Accessibility Remediation, Website Accessibility
Why Use an Outside Firm for Accessibility Remediation
In the digital age, web accessibility is more than just a compliance checkbox—it’s a commitment to inclusivity and a critical aspect of your website’s user experience. However, ensuring your website is accessible can be complex and time-consuming, requiring specialized knowledge and skills. This is where an outside firm for accessibility remediation becomes invaluable. Let’s explore why partnering with an experienced firm like 216digital can be a game-changer for your business.

Expertise and Knowledge

Accessibility remediation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It demands a deep understanding of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other relevant standards and regulations. An outside firm brings a wealth of expertise to the table, ensuring that every aspect of your website meets the required accessibility standards.

Professionals in accessibility firms stay current with the latest updates and changes in guidelines and regulations. This continuous learning is crucial because web accessibility is an evolving field. For instance, WCAG 2.1 introduced new criteria that were not present in WCAG 2.0. Keeping up with these changes requires a dedicated team that is always on top of industry developments.

Comprehensive Testing

Effective accessibility remediation goes beyond automated tools. While these tools are useful for identifying obvious issues, they often miss more nuanced problems that can significantly impact users with disabilities. An outside firm utilizes a combination of automated tools and manual testing to ensure thorough coverage.

Manual testing is essential for evaluating how real users with disabilities interact with your website. This includes testing with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies. Experienced accessibility professionals can identify and fix issues that automated tools might overlook, ensuring a truly accessible user experience.

Making Judgment Calls

Accessibility is not always black and white. There are situations where judgment calls are necessary to balance design, functionality, and accessibility. Professionals with experience in accessibility remediation can make informed decisions about how to address complex issues.

For example, consider a data table that is essential for conveying information but difficult to navigate with a screen reader. An expert can determine the best approach to make the table accessible without compromising its functionality or usability. These judgment calls require a deep understanding of both accessibility principles and user experience design.

Up-to-date with Current Guidelines and Regulations

Web accessibility guidelines and regulations are constantly evolving. An outside firm specializing in accessibility remediation ensures that your website is not only compliant with current standards but also prepared for future changes.

For instance, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) mandates that websites and mobile applications of certain businesses must be accessible by 2025. Staying ahead of such regulations can save your business from potential legal issues and ensure a smoother transition to compliance.

Efficiency and Focus

Partnering with an outside firm allows your internal team to focus on core business activities. Accessibility remediation can be a time-consuming process, especially for teams that lack specialized knowledge. By outsourcing this task, you can ensure it is handled efficiently and effectively without diverting your team’s attention from other important projects.

Considering 216digital as a Partner

When choosing an outside firm for accessibility remediation, it’s crucial to select a partner with a proven track record of success. 216digital stands out as an excellent choice for several reasons:
- Proven Expertise: With years of experience in web accessibility, 216digital has a deep understanding of the challenges and solutions involved in making websites accessible.
- Comprehensive Services: We offer a full range of services, from initial audits to ongoing maintenance, ensuring your website remains accessible over time.
- Client-Centric Approach: Working closely with our clients, we understand their unique needs and provide tailored solutions that meet both accessibility standards and business goals.
- Up-to-date Knowledge: 216digital stays current with the latest accessibility guidelines and regulations, ensuring your website is compliant now and in the future.
Wrapping Up

Web accessibility is essential for creating an inclusive online environment and avoiding potential legal pitfalls. While it might be tempting to handle accessibility remediation in-house, the benefits of partnering with an outside firm like 216digital are clear. Our expertise, comprehensive testing, ability to make informed judgment calls and up-to-date knowledge of current guidelines and regulations can transform your website into an accessible and user-friendly platform.

Investing in accessibility is not just about compliance; it’s about demonstrating a commitment to all your users and enhancing the overall user experience. By choosing an experienced partner for accessibility remediation, you can ensure your website meets the highest standards of accessibility and remains a valuable asset for all visitors.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule a complementary ADA Strategy Briefing so that you can confidently take this next step into digital accessibility.
Greg McNeil

July 30, 2024

Testing & Remediation

Accessibility, Accessibility Remediation, Web Accessibility Remediation, Web Accessibility Solution, Website Accessibility, Website Accessibility Tools

What Is Manual Accessibility Testing?

The Appeal (and Limits) of Automated Testing

What Automated Tools Can’t Catch

Why a Hybrid Approach Works Best

Real-World Example: Checkout Accessibility

Manual Accessibility Testing Doesn’t Have to Be Time-Consuming

The Long-Term Payoff

Bridging the Gap Between Code and Experience

What a False Positive Really Is

The Hidden Costs of False Positives

Time and Budget Drain

Erosion of Trust in Tools

Legal and Reputational Risks

Practical Steps to Minimize False Positives

Choose Tools Carefully

Combine Automated Testing with Manual Checks

Educate and Empower Your Team

Shift Accessibility Testing Left

Engage Accessibility Specialists

A True Positive Path Forward

What Is Web Accessibility, Really?

Understanding the Basics

Accessibility Helps Everyone

The Problem: Why Lawsuits Are Happening

Why the Legal Risk Is Growing

Proactive Prevention with Remediation

How 216digital Helps You Meet Accessibility Standards

1. Risk-First Approach: Stop Lawsuits Before They Start

2. Full WCAG Implementation (The Gold Standard for Accessibility)

3. Ongoing Monitoring with a11y.Radar

4. Hands-On Guidance and Support

Why We’re Different from Other Accessibility Companies

We’re Not Selling Fear—We’re Solving a Real Problem

No Overlays, No Shortcuts

We’re a Small Team That Cares

Ready to Talk? Let’s Schedule Your ADA Briefing

Why Placeholders Cause Problems in Forms

1. They Disappear When Users Start Typing

2. Not All Browsers Support Them

3. Once Filled, Fields Lose Context

4. Reviewing Answers Becomes a Hassle

5. Fixing Errors Gets Confusing

6. Some Browsers Hide Placeholders When the Field Is Focused

7. They Can Be Mistaken for an Actual Answer

8. Low Contrast Makes Them Hard to Read

9. Some Screen Readers Don’t Read Placeholder Text

10. Smaller Clickable Area Without Labels

11. Placeholder Text Gets Cut Off

12. Some Browsers Don’t Translate Placeholders

13. Auto-Complete Can Mess Things Up

14. High Contrast Mode Makes Placeholders Look Like User Input

What You Should Do Instead

Use a Visible Label

Put Hint Text Below the Label

Provide Clear Formatting Instructions

Test for Accessibility

Consider Better UX Patterns

Clear Forms, Better Experiences

Why Website Accessibility Testing Matters

Quick Accessibility Testing Methods

Automated Accessibility Testing

Manual Accessibility Testing

Testing with Assistive Technologies

Common Accessibility Issues to Watch For

The Limitations of Quick Tests

Why Overlays Aren’t the Solution

Wrapping It Up: A Holistic Approach to Accessibility

What Is Digital Accessibility?

The Problem with Perfectionism

Why Focus on Progress?

Practical Tips for Achieving Digital Accessibility

Start with Low-Hanging Fruit

Integrate Accessibility into Your Workflows

Get Real Feedback from Users

Use Tools for Continuous Monitoring

It’s All About Consistent Improvement

Why Start Early?

Cost Efficiency

Smoother Workflows

Better User Experience