TL;DR – Essential steps for creating accessible websites with WordPress
- Web accessibility is for everyone. It addresses diverse disabilities, not just a few, ensuring universal access.
- Our web design course prioritizes accessibility and mobile-first design. Learn to build inclusive sites from the ground up.
- Content clarity is key. Use simple language and proper formatting for all users.
- Diverse design elements matter. From colour contrast to keyboard navigation, every detail counts.
The internet is a vast and incredible resource, but it’s only truly incredible if it’s accessible to everyone. We often think of accessibility in narrow terms, but there are countless ways people interact with the web, and an even wider range of disabilities.
These can include visual impairments (like blindness or low vision), hearing impairments (deafness or hard of hearing), motor disabilities (affecting movement and coordination, like Parkinson’s or conditions requiring switch devices), cognitive disabilities (affecting learning, memory, or problem-solving), and even temporary disabilities (like a broken arm).
Creating accessible websites with WordPress means recognising and catering to this vast spectrum of human experience, ensuring no one is excluded. Our upcoming web design course focuses on an accessibility-first and mobile-first approach, meaning you’ll learn to build websites that are inclusive and function perfectly on any device from the very beginning.
WordPress, the world’s most popular website platform, provides an excellent foundation for building powerful and attractive sites. The great news is that WordPress is also a fantastic tool for creating accessible websites with WordPress. There are many ways to make a WordPress site accessible, through clever code snippets combined with powerful plugins and accessible thinking from the very start. Let’s explore 7 essential steps you can take to make your WordPress site a welcoming and usable space for every single person.
Step 1: Lay an Accessible Foundation (Beyond the Theme)
While choosing an accessibility-ready theme is a great start, know that you can make any WordPress site more accessible with the right approach. Whether you’re building with a flexible tool like Divi or custom coding, the principle remains the same: a strong, accessible foundation is key. This means understanding how elements are structured and interact. You’ll learn to implement accessibility from the ground up, not just as an afterthought. This initial mindset is crucial when creating accessible websites with WordPress.
Step 2: Craft Clear, Concise Content (Words Matter!)
The way you write your content profoundly impacts its accessibility. For individuals with cognitive disabilities, those who use screen readers, or even just someone Browse quickly, clear and concise language is non-negotiable. Avoid jargon, overly long sentences, and abstract concepts. Aim for a Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease score of at least 60 (preferably 80 or higher), which indicates easy readability. Our course will delve into writing techniques that achieve this. Also, be mindful of formatting: avoid the overuse of ALL CAPS, as it can be perceived as shouting and is difficult for screen readers to interpret. This focus on clear communication is central to creating accessible websites with WordPress.
Step 3: Master Image Alt Text and Semantic HTML (Describing the Unseen)
Images can be a major barrier if not handled correctly. For people with visual impairments, alt text (alternative text) provides a descriptive substitute for the image. Screen readers announce this text, allowing users to understand the image’s content. When you upload an image to WordPress, always fill in the “Alt Text” field with a concise yet descriptive explanation (e.g., “A golden retriever puppy playing with a red squeaky toy” instead of just “dog”).
Beyond images, using correct semantic HTML is crucial. This means using the right HTML tags for the right purpose (e.g., <p> for paragraphs, <ul> for unordered lists, <button> for buttons). This structure provides context for assistive technologies, making your site more understandable. These practices, often achieved through thoughtful code and plugin choices, are fundamental to creating accessible websites with WordPress.
Step 4: Ensure Optimal Colour Contrast (Visibility for All)
Colour contrast is incredibly important for readability, particularly for individuals with low vision, colour blindness, or even dyslexia, where poor contrast can make text appear to blend into the background. If your text colour is too similar to its background, it creates a significant barrier. Always aim for a high contrast ratio between your text and background colours. Many online tools can help you check these ratios against WCAG guidelines. Remember, do not rely solely on colour to convey information; use other visual cues like icons or underlines as well. Our course will teach you how to select colour palettes that are both visually appealing and highly accessible.
Step 5: Implement Robust Keyboard Navigation (Beyond the Mouse)
Not everyone uses a mouse. Many individuals, including those with motor disabilities (like Parkinson’s disease), or those who use switch devices (specialised input devices that allow navigation with minimal movement), rely solely on keyboard navigation. This means they use the “Tab” key to move between interactive elements (links, buttons, form fields) and the “Enter” key to activate them.
Your website must be fully navigable without a mouse. Put your mouse away and test your site. Can you access every link, button, and form field using only your keyboard? Is the focus order logical? Implementing keyboard navigation often involves careful consideration of your site’s code and potentially using plugins that enhance this functionality, all crucial when creating accessible websites with WordPress.
Step 6: Provide Captions and Transcripts for Media (Hearing and Beyond)
For videos and audio content, captions and transcripts are vital. Captions benefit individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, allowing them to follow the spoken content. Beyond accessibility, captions also help in noisy environments or for those who prefer to read. When adding captions, consider assigning different styles to distinguish speakers, making it easier for users to follow conversations. Transcripts offer a text-based version of the entire audio or video, benefiting deaf-blind individuals, those who prefer to read, or those who need to quickly scan the content. Including these elements, often facilitated by WordPress’s media handling and specific plugins, is a significant step in creating accessible websites with WordPress.
Step 7: Test Your WordPress Site Regularly (The Journey Continues)
Building an accessible website is not a one-time task; it’s an ongoing commitment. The digital landscape evolves, as do accessibility guidelines and user needs. Regular testing is essential to ensure your site remains accessible. You can utilise various tools:
- Automated Accessibility Checkers: Tools like Lighthouse (built into Chrome), WAVE, or axe DevTools can quickly identify common issues.
- Manual Keyboard Testing: As discussed, try navigating your site without a mouse.
- Screen Reader Testing: If possible, try using a screen reader (e.g., NVDA, JAWS) to truly experience your site from a visually impaired user’s perspective.
- User Feedback: Actively seek feedback from users, especially those with disabilities. Their real-world experiences are invaluable.
Don’t worry if this all seems like a lot to take in! Our comprehensive web design course covers every single one of these aspects in detail. We will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating accessible websites with WordPress from an accessibility-first and mobile-first perspective. You’ll learn how to implement these strategies using a combination of thoughtful design, WordPress’s built-in features, smart plugin choices, and targeted code snippets.
Accessibility in websites will always be an ongoing improvement. As more people use your site, you’ll gain deeper insights into how different individuals experience it. This continuous learning and refinement will allow you to build truly inclusive and universally usable websites. By embracing accessibility, you’re not just complying with standards; you’re building a better, more welcoming internet for everyone.