VITSOLS
2025-09-13
Step 1: Audit Your Current Website
The first step toward accessibility is understanding where you stand today.
- Automated Tools – Start with free tools such as WAVE, axe DevTools, or Lighthouse to quickly flag missing alt text, poor contrast, or heading-structure issues.
- Manual Checks – Navigate your site using only a keyboard (Tab, Enter, Shift + Tab). Can you reach every link and button without a mouse?
- Screen Reader Review – Test key pages using screen readers like NVDA or VoiceOver to verify logical reading order.
Keyword Focus: web accessibility audit, accessibility testing tools, WCAG compliance
Step 2: Set Clear Accessibility Goals
After identifying gaps, define measurable objectives:
- Achieve at least WCAG 2.1 AA conformance.
- Ensure all images have descriptive alt text.
- Maintain a color contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for body text.
Document these goals so designers, developers, and content editors have a shared roadmap.
Step 3: Establish a Design System with Accessibility in Mind
A consistent, reusable design system helps you scale accessibility:
- Semantic HTML – Use proper heading levels (
<h1>–<h6>), lists, and landmark roles. - Color Palette – Select accessible color pairs from the start to reduce later fixes.
- Component Library – Create accessible UI components (buttons, forms, modals) that meet ARIA guidelines.
Keyword Focus: semantic HTML, accessible design system, ARIA roles
Step 4: Educate Your Team
Accessibility is a shared responsibility. Conduct short training sessions so:
- Designers understand color contrast and focus indicators.
- Developers know how to implement ARIA attributes.
- Content creators write meaningful link text and captions.
SEO & Business Benefits
- Higher Search Visibility – Clean semantic markup improves crawling and indexing.
- Lower Bounce Rates – Fast, well-structured pages keep users engaged.
- Positive Brand Image – Demonstrating commitment to inclusivity builds trust with customers and partners.