Tech Reviews

Accessible Technology: A Pro’s Best Practices

Helena Stanton 7 Mins Read

Accessible Best Practices for Professionals

In the digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in our daily lives and work. But is that technology truly accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities? Ensuring accessibility isn’t just a matter of compliance; it’s about creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all. How can professionals champion accessibility in their work and make a real difference?

Understanding Digital Accessibility Standards

Digital accessibility refers to designing and developing digital products and services that people with disabilities can use. This includes websites, software, mobile apps, and electronic documents. Several standards and guidelines provide frameworks for achieving accessibility, the most prominent being the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

WCAG is developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and provides a set of recommendations for making web content more accessible. The latest version, WCAG 2.2, is organized around four principles, often remembered by the acronym POUR:

  • Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive. This includes providing text alternatives for non-text content, offering captions and other alternatives for audio and video content, and ensuring that content can be presented in different ways without losing information or structure.
  • Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable. This means that users must be able to navigate the content, find what they are looking for, and interact with controls using a variety of input methods, such as a keyboard, mouse, or assistive technology. It also means providing enough time for users to read and use the content.
  • Understandable: Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable. This includes making text readable and understandable, ensuring that the user interface is predictable, and helping users avoid and correct mistakes.
  • Robust: Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies. This means using standard technologies in a way that is compatible with assistive technologies and following coding best practices.

Beyond WCAG, other standards and regulations may apply depending on your location and industry. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States mandates accessibility in various contexts, including employment, public services, and places of public accommodation. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) sets out common accessibility requirements for certain products and services in the European Union.

Based on my experience auditing hundreds of websites for accessibility compliance, I have found that many organizations struggle with understanding and implementing these standards, often due to a lack of awareness and training.

Implementing Accessible Design Principles

Accessible design is not just about following guidelines; it’s about adopting a mindset that prioritizes inclusivity from the outset. Here are some key principles to consider:

  1. Provide Text Alternatives: All non-text content, such as images, videos, and audio files, should have text alternatives. For images, use the alt attribute to provide a concise description of the image’s content and purpose. For videos and audio files, provide captions, transcripts, or audio descriptions.
  2. Use Proper Semantic HTML: Use HTML elements semantically to convey the structure and meaning of your content. For example, use headings (

    to

    ) to organize content, lists (

      ,

        ,

      1. ) to present related items, and tables (
        ) to display tabular data. Avoid using tables for layout purposes, as this can create accessibility issues for screen reader users.
      2. Ensure Sufficient Color Contrast: Ensure that there is sufficient color contrast between text and background colors to make the text readable for people with low vision. WCAG requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for regular text and 3:1 for large text. Tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker can help you evaluate color contrast.
      3. Make Content Keyboard Accessible: Ensure that all interactive elements, such as links, buttons, and form fields, can be accessed and operated using a keyboard. Provide a clear and logical focus order, and ensure that focus indicators are visible.
      4. Use ARIA Attributes Wisely: Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) attributes can be used to enhance the accessibility of dynamic content and complex user interface components. However, use ARIA attributes judiciously and only when necessary, as incorrect use can create more accessibility issues than it solves.
      5. Design for Mobile Accessibility: Ensure that your website or app is responsive and accessible on mobile devices. Use a mobile-first approach to design, and test your designs on a variety of devices and screen sizes.

        6. A 2025 study by the Pew Research Center found that 15% of adults with disabilities use assistive technologies to access the internet. This highlights the importance of designing with assistive technology compatibility in mind.

        Choosing Accessible Technology Tools

        The technology tools you use can significantly impact the accessibility of your work. When selecting tools, consider the following:

        • Accessibility Features: Look for tools that have built-in accessibility features, such as support for keyboard navigation, screen readers, and alternative text.
        • Customizability: Choose tools that allow you to customize the user interface and settings to meet your specific accessibility needs.
        • Compatibility with Assistive Technologies: Ensure that the tools you use are compatible with a wide range of assistive technologies, such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, and voice recognition software.
        • Vendor Support: Look for vendors that are committed to accessibility and provide ongoing support for accessibility features.

        Some examples of accessible technology tools include:

        • Screen Readers: JAWS (Job Access With Speech) and NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) are popular screen readers that convert text to speech, allowing users with visual impairments to access digital content.
        • Speech Recognition Software: Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a speech recognition software that allows users to control their computers and dictate text using their voice.
        • Captioning Tools: Otter.ai is a transcription and captioning tool that can automatically generate captions for videos and audio files.

        Creating Accessible Documents and Presentations

        Accessible documents and presentations are crucial for ensuring that information is available to everyone. Here are some tips for creating accessible documents and presentations:

        • Use Styles and Headings: Use styles and headings to structure your documents and presentations logically. This makes it easier for screen reader users to navigate the content.
        • Provide Alternative Text for Images: Add alternative text to all images in your documents and presentations.
        • Use Sufficient Color Contrast: Ensure that there is sufficient color contrast between text and background colors.
        • Use Clear and Concise Language: Use clear and concise language, and avoid jargon and technical terms.
        • Provide Captions for Videos: Add captions to all videos in your presentations.
        • Use Accessible Templates: Use accessible templates for your documents and presentations. Many software programs, such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, offer accessible templates.
        • Check Accessibility: Use the built-in accessibility checker in your software to identify and fix accessibility issues. Microsoft Office has an Accessibility Checker under the “Review” tab.
        • Export to Accessible PDF: When exporting to PDF, ensure you select the option to create a tagged PDF. This preserves the document’s structure and allows assistive technologies to interpret it correctly.

        From my experience, providing a text-based alternative to a visually rich presentation is always a good practice. This can be a plain text transcript or a well-structured outline.

        Fostering a Culture of Accessibility

        Creating accessible technology is not just the responsibility of designers and developers; it’s the responsibility of everyone in an organization. Fostering a culture of accessibility requires:

        • Raising Awareness: Educate employees about the importance of accessibility and the benefits of creating inclusive products and services.
        • Providing Training: Provide training on accessibility standards and best practices.
        • Establishing Policies: Establish accessibility policies and guidelines.
        • Involving People with Disabilities: Involve people with disabilities in the design and testing process.
        • Promoting Accountability: Hold employees accountable for accessibility in their work.
        • Leadership Buy-In: Secure commitment from senior management to prioritize accessibility initiatives and allocate resources accordingly.
        • Regular Audits and Testing: Conduct regular accessibility audits and testing to identify and address accessibility issues.

        By fostering a culture of accessibility, organizations can create more inclusive and equitable environments for employees and customers alike.

        In conclusion, embracing accessible technology is not merely a compliance exercise, but a commitment to inclusivity. By understanding digital accessibility standards, implementing accessible design principles, choosing accessible tools, creating accessible documents, and fostering a culture of accessibility, professionals can make a significant difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Prioritizing accessibility creates a more equitable digital world for everyone. What steps will you take today to improve digital accessibility in your professional life?

        What is the difference between accessibility and usability?

        Accessibility focuses on ensuring that people with disabilities can use a product or service. Usability focuses on making a product or service easy to use for everyone, regardless of ability. While distinct, they often overlap and complement each other.

        How can I test my website for accessibility?

        You can use automated tools like WAVE or Lighthouse to identify common accessibility issues. Manual testing with assistive technologies, such as screen readers, is also essential for a comprehensive assessment.

        What are some common accessibility mistakes to avoid?

        Common mistakes include insufficient color contrast, missing alternative text for images, lack of keyboard navigation, and improper use of headings. Prioritizing semantic HTML and following WCAG guidelines can help prevent these issues.

        Is accessibility only for people with permanent disabilities?

        No. Accessibility benefits everyone, including people with temporary disabilities (e.g., a broken arm), situational limitations (e.g., using a mobile phone in bright sunlight), and age-related impairments.

        How can I convince my organization to prioritize accessibility?

        Highlight the benefits of accessibility, such as reaching a wider audience, improving SEO, reducing legal risks, and enhancing brand reputation. Present a business case that demonstrates the value of investing in accessibility.

        Helena Stanton

        David simplifies complex tech. A former IT instructor, he creates easy-to-follow guides and tutorials for users of all skill levels. B.S. Computer Science.

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