Creating a website that is user-friendly and accessible for people with disabilities is no small feat. With web standards continually changing and the broad range of devices on which users access websites, designing an accessible website in Los Angeles can be tricky. Luckily, there are a few best practices that you can follow to ensure your website is inclusive and welcoming to all users.
First, start by researching and understanding the principles of web accessibility. This is essential, as accessibility relies on website features that are designed in a certain way to meet certain standards.
Second, always use semantic HTML when developing your site. The structure of the page should be conveyed using HTML tags, such as “nav”, “header” and “footer”. Heading tags, such as “h1” and “h2”, should be used to structure the page for easy navigation.
Third, implement basic HTML accessibility features, such as alt text for images, name attributes for form elements and anchor tags for links. When implemented properly, these features improve the reading experience for visually impaired users. Additionally, all images, buttons, and form elements should have descriptive text in order to provide users with context.
Fourth, ask users for feedback. Reaching out to potential users, such as those with disabilities, can help uncover major accessibility issues that you may have overlooked. By obtaining feedback directly from the source, you can create a website that is tailored to the needs of a wide range of users.
Finally, use web and accessibility testing tools to check accessibility issues. These tools, such as aXe, WAVE and Siteimprove, can quickly alert you to any accessibility problems and are invaluable in ensuring that your website meets best practice accessibility guidelines.
By following these best practices, you can ensure that your website is accessible to everyone in Los Angeles. Identifying and fixing any issues that arise early on will make the process easier and ultimately result in a more user-friendly website.