5 tips to get started on accessibility 

Simple steps to make your website accessible for everyone.

Around 1 billion people in the world have a disability of some sort which impacts the way they access the online world and websites. Unfortunately, according to Ability Net, 1% or less of websites are accessible for this huge population of people with disabilities.

The open source community has the opportunity to make a difference by creating accessible websites. But with accessibility being so vast and complex, where should you start? 

Here are 5 quick and easy tips to apply accessibility in your daily work:

1) Describing visuals for accessibility

Provide alternative text so screen reader users don’t miss out: Alt text (short for “alternative text”) is a written description of what’s shown in an image. 

It’s primarily used by people who are blind or have low vision and rely on screen readers. The goal is to communicate and describe the same information the image provides, such as what’s happening, what’s shown, or why it matters. Alt text should only be visible to screen readers, and it should clearly describe the image’s purpose or meaning within the content.

In other words, ask yourself: Why is the picture used on your page? It should be 100-250 characters and usually in the image meta data. To edit it, you need to click on a box or three dots appearing on the image. If the image is only decorative, it doesn’t need alt text.

Read more: A practical writing guide for staring down a blank screen

2) Avoid low-contrast color combinations

Make sure your website follows contrast ratio guidelines by using tools like the WebAim Contrast Checker.

Some users, especially those with visual impairments, can’t easily distinguish between certain colors or color combinations. To keep your site accessible, avoid low-contrast colors like light green or light gray, and make sure there’s enough contrast between background and foreground elements.

Color contrast checkers help ensure your design choices are accessible to all sighted users. According to WCAG 2.1 (a widely used set of accessibility guidelines), the recommended minimum contrast ratio is 3:1 for larger text and 4.5:1 for smaller text. And remember: Don’t rely on color alone to communicate important information.

3) Link text should describe the destination

If you add links to your page, don’t just paste the raw URL or use vague phrases like “click here” or “read more.” According to WCAG 2.0 guidelines, links should be placed within text that clearly describes their purpose and destination.

This helps screen reader users understand where the link will take them, without having to listen to the entire URL read out loud. If you’ve ever had to listen to a very long URL from a screen reader, it’s not pleasant. Descriptive link text makes for a more accessible and user-friendly experience.

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4) Use clear and properly structured headings

Headings help organize your content and make it easier for screen readers to navigate your page. Ideally, headings should follow a logical order: Start with an H1 for the main title, followed by H2s for subheadings, and continue sequentially (H3, H4, etc.) as needed.

Keep headings short, clear, and visible. Always use the proper heading tags rather than just bold or enlarged text. This ensures your headings show up correctly in screen reader navigation, making your content more accessible for everyone.

5) Write in plain, simple language

It’s easy to fall into using technical jargon, especially when writing for your industry. But accessibility means making sure everyone, regardless of ability or background, can understand your content.

Use clear, straightforward language. Stick to short sentences and paragraphs. If you use acronyms or complex terms, be sure to define them. When possible, avoid overly technical or obscure words, or explain them clearly if they’re essential. Simple writing helps all users, including those with cognitive disabilities or those reading in a second language.

Start small, start now

Accessibility doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to start. These five tips are simple ways to make a big impact for millions who depend on accessible and inclusive websites. As open source creators, we can lead the way by building with everyone in mind. Make progress, not perfection, your goal.

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