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Website Accessibility: Make Your Website Inclusive For Everyone

Website accessibility means making sure everyone can use your site, no matter their ability. A website accessibility tester with lived experience can identify barriers others miss. Our approach combines inclusive design with real user feedback to help you create accessible, compliant, and effective digital services. This is not just about ticking boxes — it is about treating people with respect and providing equal access to your content and services.

What Is Website Accessibility?

Website accessibility means your digital content can be accessed and used by everyone, including people with disabilities. Whether someone is using a screen reader, navigating by keyboard, or zooming in to read text, your site must work properly for them. A professional website accessibility tester brings the insight needed to find issues that automated scans miss.

Inclusive design is at the heart of accessibility. It is about creating systems and content that consider a broad range of users from the start, not as an afterthought. Accessibility is not only for people with permanent disabilities — it helps users with temporary impairments, different devices, or language processing challenges.

Why Website Accessibility Matters

One in five people in the UK has a disability. That number rises among older adults and will continue to grow. If your website is not accessible, you are excluding a significant portion of your audience — and potentially breaching the law.

Accessible websites are easier to use, faster to navigate, and perform better across all devices. Accessibility supports SEO, lowers bounce rates, increases time on site, and improves overall satisfaction.

Accessibility also reduces strain on customer service. When users can complete tasks independently, they do not need to call or email for help. That saves time for your team and builds trust with your audience.

Common Barriers With Website Accessibility

  • Images without alt text
  • Poor colour contrast
  • Navigation that requires a mouse
  • Unclear or repetitive link text
  • Videos without captions or transcripts
  • Complicated layouts or confusing language

These may seem minor, but they can stop someone from accessing key services. Booking appointments, applying for jobs, or reading essential information becomes impossible if your site has barriers.

Accessibility is not about perfection. It is about effort, clarity, and a willingness to make changes that support everyone.

Legislation You Need To Know

In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 requires websites and apps to make reasonable adjustments for disabled users. In the EU, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) becomes enforceable on 28 June 2025. In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to digital services too.

Website accessibility is no longer optional. Organisations that ignore it are vulnerable to complaints, reputational damage, and fines. These laws apply to both public and private sector businesses, including ecommerce, financial services, and education.

Learn more about accessibility fundamentals

Inclusive Design And Website Accessibility

Inclusive design means thinking about a wide range of needs and experiences from the beginning. It is closely connected with website accessibility, as both seek to remove unnecessary barriers and support autonomy.

For example, a site with simple language and consistent headings benefits users with dyslexia and those who speak English as a second language. These improvements also help neurodiverse users, older adults, and those browsing on mobile.

Inclusive design is not about extra work — it is about smarter decisions that lead to better results for everyone. Accessible websites perform better, reach more people, and build stronger relationships.

Website Accessibility Testing By Disabled People

Most accessibility issues are missed by automated tools. That is why every audit we provide includes testing by a website accessibility tester with lived experience. This is the only way to uncover how real people interact with your site under real conditions.

We test with users who rely on screen readers, screen magnifiers, voice navigation, and alternative input methods. These testers help uncover usability challenges that no machine can detect.

See how our testing process works

What You Can Do Right Now

Here are some steps you can take today to improve website accessibility:

  • Check colour contrast using online tools
  • Add accurate alt text to all important images
  • Ensure forms are labelled and keyboard-friendly
  • Use semantic HTML with correct heading levels
  • Write clearly and avoid jargon

These changes support inclusive design and help every user. Even small improvements can have a huge impact for someone who is currently excluded.

Visit the Inclusive Design Toolkit

What Not To Do

  • Do not rely on overlays like AccessiBe, Recite Me, or UserWay
  • Do not assume an automated scan means your site is compliant
  • Do not copy someone else’s accessibility statement

These shortcuts can make your website less accessible and create legal exposure. Accessibility must be baked into the design — not added later as a fix.

Accessibility Statements

A valid accessibility statement shows transparency and accountability. It outlines the current level of accessibility, what is being improved, and how users can get in touch.

From 28 June 2025, all businesses operating in the EU will be legally required to publish one. Without it, your site is out of compliance on day one.

We write statements that match your current position and give you a practical roadmap forward. We will also be releasing a free guide soon to help organisations prepare.

PDF Accessibility

PDFs are often overlooked but remain a key part of many websites. Whether it is a brochure, form, or report, that document must be accessible too.

We provide professional PDF remediation services to ensure your documents have proper reading order, alt text, tagging, and structure. Screen reader users deserve the same level of access as everyone else.

Accessible PDFs are a crucial part of an inclusive digital experience — especially in sectors like government, education, and healthcare.

Get Expert Help With Website Accessibility

We have specialised in website accessibility since 2006. Our team includes disabled testers, accessibility specialists, and experienced developers who understand how to fix issues without compromising design or performance.

Learn more about our audit services

Whether you need a full accessibility audit, an accessibility statement, or just a quick consultation with a website accessibility tester, we are here to help. Book your free 15-minute consultation and start your journey to full accessibility today.