The internet is meant to connect us all—but for many people with disabilities, the web can be a maze of barriers rather than a bridge. Website accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can access, navigate, and interact with online content. Yet, countless websites still fall short of meeting these basic needs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what hinders access to websites for individuals with disabilities and why understanding these obstacles is the first step toward building a more inclusive digital world.
To understand the basics of website accessibility, let’s review a few terms, and maybe learn some new ones:
- webpage: an Internet-based document, usually in HTML format, that can contain a wide variety of information and multimedia content.
- website: a collection of webpages that is hierarchically organized around a homepage.
- web browser: a computer program that downloads webpages. It is the program installed on your computer that you use to access webpages on the Internet.
- HTML: short for “hypertext mark-up language,” a common mark-up language used to present webpages. It tells the web browser how information should be structured and accessed.
- screen reader: a computer program that speaks written text. It allows a person to listen to the written text on a webpage or in a computer program.Screen readers read only text; they cannot describe pictures or other images, even if the images are pictures of text.
- HTML tags: specific instructions understood by a web browser or screen reader. One type of HTML tag, called an “alt” tag (short for “alternative text”), is used to provide brief text descriptions of images that screen readers can understand and speak. Another type of HTML tag, called a “longdesc” tag (short for “long description”), is used to provide long text descriptions that can be spoken by screen readers.
- refreshable Braille display: an electronic device that translates standard text into Braille characters and uses devices such as rounded pins on a refreshable display to create Braille text that can be read by touch.
Common Website Accessibility Barriers:
- Visual Impairments:
This includes low vision, color blindness, and blindness. Examples of barriers include:
- Poor color contrast between text and background. This is text that is difficult to read against its background.
- Missing or inadequate alternative text for images. Screen readers cannot interpret images without alt text, and users with visual impairments are unable to understand the content.
- Lack of captions or transcripts for videos.
- Reliance on color alone to convey information.
- Missing or inadequate visual cues: Lack of visual indicators for navigation, interactive elements, or page structure.
- Complex layouts: Can be difficult for users with visual impairments to navigate and understand.
Auditory Impairments:
This includes deafness and hearing loss. Examples of barriers include:
- Videos without captions or transcripts.
- Audio content that is not accompanied by text alternatives.
- Missing or inadequate video captions: Prevents access for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Audio content without transcripts: Limits access for users with hearing impairments or who prefer to read.
- Reliance on audio cues for navigation: Makes it difficult for users with hearing impairments to navigate or understand the website.
- Mobility Impairments:
This includes physical limitations that affect the ability to use a mouse or keyboard. Examples of barriers include:
- Inability to use a mouse, requiring keyboard navigation.
- Inadequate or missing keyboard navigation.
- Touch target size issues on mobile devices.
- Inaccessible forms: Difficulty using forms with a keyboard or assistive technology.
- Lack of keyboard navigation: Prevents users who cannot use a mouse from navigating the website.
- Time limits that are too short: Can be problematic for users with motor impairments or cognitive disabilities.
- Reliance on specific input methods: Prevents users who rely on alternative input methods (e.g., speech recognition) from interacting with the website.
- Cognitive and Learning Disabilities:
This includes conditions like dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Examples of barriers include:
- Complex website layouts and navigation.
- Lack of clear and concise language.
- Inconsistent or confusing website structure.
- Uncontrollable time-outs that don’t allow enough time to complete tasks.
- Complex language or sentence structure: Can make it difficult for users with cognitive or learning disabilities to understand the content.
- Overly long pages or excessive content: Can be overwhelming and difficult to process.
- Lack of clear and consistent navigation: Can cause confusion and frustration for users with cognitive or learning disabilities.
- Unexpected actions or changes: Can be disorienting and difficult to manage.
- Speech Impairments:
This includes difficulties with verbal communication. Examples of barriers include:
- Reliance on voice-based interactions.
- Voice-activated hotlines or services.
- Inability to use voice recognition for navigation or input.
- Seizure Risks:
This includes risks associated with photosensitive epilepsy. Examples of barriers include:
- Flickering or flashing content.
- Rapidly changing animations.
Accessibility challenges can seem overwhelming, but they aren’t insurmountable. By identifying these barriers—whether visual, auditory, physical, cognitive, or otherwise—we’ve taken the first step toward creating truly inclusive online experiences. The good news? There are clear, actionable ways to improve. Join us next week as we explore how to address these issues head-on, with practical strategies and tools that help make every website welcoming to all users.
