Introduction to web accessibility: A guide for developers

Web accessibility is a topic that has gained significant relevance in recent years, making it essential for web developers to understand its importance.

In this article, we will explore what web accessibility is, why it’s crucial to implement it, the necessary changes to make your site more accessible, and we’ll provide some practical tips.

We will also discuss the levels of accessibility and introduce the concept of Web Accessibility Widgets.

What is web accessibility?

Web accessibility refers to the practice of designing and developing websites that can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities.
This includes people with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities. It also applies to older adults and disabling situations, such as conditions that limit interaction.

The main idea behind accessibility is to eliminate barriers that prevent certain groups from accessing the information and services available online.

The importance of web accessibility

Web accessibility not only benefits people with disabilities but also enhances the overall user experience.
An accessible website can attract a broader audience, leading to increased traffic and potentially more conversions. It also boosts user satisfaction and loyalty.

Search engines value accessible websites and may improve their ranking in search results.

Additionally, many countries have laws requiring websites to be accessible. Compliance with these regulations not only avoids legal issues but also improves a brand’s reputation by demonstrating a commitment to inclusion and sustainability.

In Europe, we have the EAA (European Accessibility Act) that regulates how products and services should be in terms of accessibility. In Spain, this has been transposed into the fully enforced RD1112/2018. It’s the reason the Digital Kit includes an accessibility requirement for websites.

The deadline set by the directive for all websites to be accessible is June 28, 2025. It’s now imperative for websites to be accessible.

Best practices to make a website accessible

To make a website more accessible, here are some key changes you can implement:

Correct use of semantic HTML: Use appropriate semantic HTML (like <header>, <nav>, <main>, <footer>) tags to properly structure your content.

Alt text: Ensure all images have alternative text (alt text). This allows screen readers to describe the images to visually impaired users. For decorative images, the “alt” attribute should be present but empty.

Proper contrast: Use color combinations with sufficient contrast between text and background to facilitate reading. Free tools are available in Developer Tools in any browser, as well as online tools to evaluate contrast.

Clear navigation: Design a logical and coherent navigation structure. Menus should be easy to find and use. Headings (“h”) should not be used for design purposes but for structuring information, like in a book.

Form labels: Ensure all form fields have the correct type and clear, descriptive labels.

Avoid flashing content: Flashing or rapidly moving content can cause issues for people with photosensitive epilepsy or cognitive disorders.

Captions and transcripts: Provide captions in videos and transcripts for multimedia content, which benefits people with hearing disabilities and anyone in noisy environments.

Keyboard navigation: Ensure all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard, not just the mouse. You should be able to navigate using just the “Tab” key.

Clear instructions: Provide clear instructions on how to use specific site features, especially for processes involving multiple linked pages.