5 Common Web Accessibility Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Introduction

Web accessibility ensures that websites and applications are usable by people with a variety of disabilities. It’s an important aspect of modern web design, but there are still common mistakes that can hinder users from accessing your site. In this guide, we’ll cover five common web accessibility mistakes and how to avoid them to improve your site’s usability for all users.

1. Failing to Use Alt Text for Images

Mistake:

Images without alt text (alternative text) leave users with visual impairments unable to understand the content of the image.

How to Avoid It:

• Always add descriptive alt text to every image.
• For decorative images, use empty alt text (alt=””) so screen readers can skip them.
• Make sure your alt text provides meaningful information about the image’s content and context.

2. Lack of Keyboard Navigation

Mistake:

Many websites rely on mouse interactions, which can be problematic for users who can’t use a mouse or trackpad due to motor disabilities.

How to Avoid It:

• Ensure that all interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) can be accessed using the keyboard alone.
• Test navigation using the Tab key and ensure focus is clearly visible as users navigate.
• Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) landmarks for easier navigation.

3. Inadequate Color Contrast

Mistake:

Poor color contrast between text and background makes it difficult for users with low vision or color blindness to read the content.

How to Avoid It:

• Follow WCAG 2.2 AA guidelines, which recommend a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for text and background.
• Use online tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker to verify contrast ratios.
• Consider users with different types of color blindness (e.g., red-green, blue-yellow) when choosing colors.

4. Missing or Incorrect Form Labels

Mistake:

Forms without clear labels or with incorrect labeling prevent screen readers from accurately identifying form fields, making it difficult for users to fill them out.

How to Avoid It:

• Use <label> elements with proper for attributes linked to the form controls.
• Ensure that each form field has a clear, concise label and that the label describes the purpose of the field.
• Use ARIA attributes like aria-labelledby or aria-describedby for additional context.

5. Not Providing Text Alternatives for Multimedia

Mistake:

Videos or audio content without captions or transcripts exclude users who are deaf or hard of hearing and may also be inaccessible for users in noisy environments.

How to Avoid It:

• Always provide captions for videos, especially for important content like tutorials or presentations.
• Include transcripts for audio content.
• Ensure that media players are accessible and that users can control playback speed, volume, and captions.

Conclusion

Web accessibility isn’t just about compliance; it’s about creating an inclusive experience for all users. By avoiding these common mistakes, developers and businesses can create websites that are more user-friendly, meet legal requirements, and foster a better online experience for everyone. Take the time to test your site regularly for accessibility issues and continually improve its usability for people with disabilities.

At LadderWP, we specialize in helping businesses achieve WCAG-compliant, accessible websites. Whether you need an audit, ongoing support, or a full accessibility overhaul, our team is here to make your site more inclusive—because better access means better experiences for everyone.