Website accessibility features: A comprehensive guide to inclusive web design

Accessibility isn’t only for people with disabilities. It benefits us all. Features created to support users with visual, auditory, motor or cognitive disabilities tend to make digital experiences easier for everyone.

Have you ever switched on captions while watching a video in a noisy café? Zoomed in on your phone to read small fonts? Or used voice commands while driving? That’s accessible design in action.

In this guide, we’ll cover the essential accessibility features that make your website content better, clearer and easier for everyone.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.

Why accessible websites matter

Website accessibility is about creating digital spaces that work for everyone. It’s the thoughtful practice of spotting and removing unnecessary accessibility issues. You want every visitor to be able to navigate, use and benefit from your content. That’s regardless of their abilities.

Accessibility is all about inclusivity. But it brings valuable advantages for all businesses and brands.

1. Reach more people

Over 1.3 billion people live with disabilities worldwide. That’s around 16% of the population. In the UK, there are 16 million people with a disability. That’s 24% of the population. Add to that those with temporary or situational challenges. Things like a broken wrist, glare on a screen, or slow wifi. Website accessibility becomes a must-have rather than a nice-to-have.

An accessible website works for a much wider, more diverse audience. With accessibility solutions in place, it’s easier to connect, engage and grow your audience.

2. Improve user experiences for everyone

Accessible design improves the experience for everyone. Larger text sizes or tap targets on mobile are easier to use. Clear, consistent layouts help users find what they need faster.

A quicker, simpler, more accessible website is better for everyone.

3. Reflect your brand values

Accessible design shows you care about inclusion. Is social responsibility a brand value? Show it rather than simply saying it. Make sure your website is accessible to all.

Accessible design reflects well on your brand. It boosts trust and enhances your reputation. Plus, it positions your business as thoughtful, socially responsible and forward-thinking.

4. Boost your SEO

Good accessibility and good search engine optimisation (SEO) go hand in hand. Add descriptive alt text (alternative text) to images. Use proper heading structures. Ensure clean, semantic HTML. Actions like these help search engines to understand and rank your content.

It also creates a better user experience. What’s good for people is good for search engine algorithms (like Google) too.

Looking to make your own website more accessible? Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Website Design Accessibility.

Key accessibility principles

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is the go-to guide for this. It focuses on four core principles. Content should be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust.

Perceivable content

Everyone should be able to access your content.

• Use alt text for images, icons or buttons. Make it descriptive – “Red leather backpack with gold zip” is more useful than “bag”. This helps people using screen readers or braille displays understand what’s on the web page.
• Add closed captions, transcripts or audio descriptions to video and audio. That helps those with hearing impairments. It’s also good for those watching without sound (on public transport, for example).

Operable interfaces

Websites should be easy to move around and engage with.

• Make sure everything works without a mouse. It should function equally well for users relying on keyboard navigation, screen readers or assistive technologies.
• Avoid short-time limits or flashing content. Don’t use content that may trigger seizures or discomfort. And allow plenty of time to complete a task.

Understandable information

Keep things clear and simple.

Your content should be easy to read. Your navigation should be logical. Functionality needs to be consistent. Help should be available when things go wrong. Provide clear error messages and helpful advice (eg “Enter a valid email address, like name@example.com”).

Robust content

Build for now and the future.

• Use clean code and accessible design frameworks.
• Ensure compatibility with current and future assistive technologies — tools like screen readers, voice recognition software, and others.

Dive deeper into web design accessibility

Implementing accessibility features

Follow these practical steps as part of your accessible web design process:

• Semantic HTML: Use logical headings and lists to provide content structure. Avoid using tables for layouts. They’re harder to read and navigate. A logical content hierarchy helps users navigate via screen readers and those scanning for information.
• ARIA attributes: Support complex elements like sliders or modals when HTML isn’t enough. ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) clearly communicates what each element is and how it behaves.
• Colour contrast: Make sure there’s sufficient colour contrast between text and background. It makes content legible for users with visual impairments. That includes colour blindness or low vision. Check the WCAG contrast ratio for normal and large text. And allow text resizing upwards. Use our accessibility colour contrast checker to test your content. Find detailed information on the government website.
• Responsive design: Make your content work across devices, screen sizes and orientations. It must maintain usability and functionality whether you’re on a large desktop or a mobile phone, and when used with assistive technologies such as screen readers.
• Forms: Help anyone sign up to your newsletter, buy your products or submit a form. Label fields clearly. Provide simple instructions and descriptions. Give useful feedback on errors.

Legal and ethical considerations

Accessibility isn’t just good practice. In many places, it’s the law. It’s important to stay on the right side of your legal requirements.

The UK Equality Act 2010 is there to protect people from discrimination. The recent European Accessibility Act 2025 aims to ensure equal access to key products and services for EU consumers. And in the US, there’s the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

It’s not only about legal compliance, though. Accessibility is about fairness. Inclusive web design removes barriers and gives everyone equal access to information and services.

Not sure where to turn? The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) tell you how to stay compliant. They were developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and its Accessibility Initiative.

WCAG defines three levels of compliance:

• Level A: The minimum level of accessibility
• Level AA: The recommended standard for most organisations
• Level AAA: The highest, most comprehensive level.

WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the usual benchmark for compliance. Level AAA is tricky to achieve. But it’s something to aim for where you can.

Yes, there can be legal consequences if you don’t comply with accessibility standards. But the key driver for designing for digital accessibility is that it’s good for people. And that’s good for your brand too.

Find more information on web design accessibility

A better web for everyone starts here

Accessible websites are better websites for everyone. Start with small changes. Build them in to your processes. Then watch your digital spaces become more welcoming, intuitive and usable.

Importantly, accessibility’s about people. You should deliver a smooth, inclusive experience every time. Using assistive technology, different web browser or accessibility tools shouldn’t impact your experience. A truly inclusive website sends a clear message. Everyone’s welcome here.

At Studio Noel, we’ll support you in making your website fair, open and accessible to all. Together, we can create accessible experiences people trust and enjoy.

Get in touch – let’s build better together.