Common WCAG Accessibility Violations and How to Avoid Them
Overview
Web accessibility is an essential element in today's digital era. It is crucial to ensure that everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can access and use your digital content. Unfortunately, violations of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are prevalent. These violations range from missing alt text for images to inaccessible forms, creating an unnecessary burden for users.
This article aims to shed light on some of the most frequently occurring WCAG accessibility violations. You will also gain insights into why they occur and how to fix them. Let's embark on this journey to make our digital content more inclusive and user-friendly.
Top Violations
Missing Alternative Text for Images
A common WCAG violation is the omission of alt text for images. Alt text serves as a descriptive tool for people who may not be able to see them due to visual impairments. A typical violation example can be found on e-commerce sites with no alt text for their product images, leaving visually impaired users in the dark about what is on offer.
Poor Color Contrast
Text and background color contrast is a recurrent issue that often makes content difficult to read. Contrast issues can particularly affect individuals with color blindness. An example of this violation is the use of a light gray font on a white background, which might appear chic to some but unreadable to others.
Inaccessible Forms
Well-labelled and easy-to-navigate forms are essential for web accessibility. Common violations include missing form field labels, focus indicators, or forms that can't be accessed using a keyboard. A job application form with unlabeled input fields is an example of this violation.
Lack of Navigation Options
The inability to access menus or interactive elements using a keyboard is another common WCAG violation. Websites should cater to individuals who cannot use a mouse or touchscreen, and not excluding them.
Why These Violations Occur
Violations occur due to four main reasons:
Oversight: Failure to incorporate accessibility considerations from the onset of the design and development process.
Lack of Training: Developers and designers not fully understanding WCAG requirements and why they are essential.
Prioritization of Aesthetics Over Functionality: Design choices that prioritize aesthetics over accessibility.
No Testing: Launching websites and apps without conducting accessibility audits or testing how individuals with disabilities interact with the content.
How to Fix Them
Alt Text for Images
Ensure all images have concise yet descriptive alt text that summarises their content and purpose. Automate audits using platforms like WAVE and Axe to detect missing or incomplete alt texts.
Color Contrast
Use tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker to ensure your color choices meet the recommended contrast ratio. Avoid relying solely on color to communicate information.
Form Accessibility
Make sure all form inputs have descriptive labels readable by screen readers. Use ARIA attributes to enhance accessibility. Test form labeling and navigation using tools like Adobe Acrobat or browser accessibility plugins like Axe.
Keyboard Navigation
Design your site to be fully navigable using a keyboard only. Use the HTML tabindex attribute to control the navigation flow through key elements.
Video Captions
Include captions for all video content and provide transcripts for audio-only files. Use professional captioning services for polished content.
Regular audits and continuous testing are vital in ensuring ongoing compliance with WCAG standards and catching new issues. Make use of testing tools like WAVE by WebAIM, Lighthouse for Chrome, NVDA, and JAWS.
Conclusion
Making your digital content accessible is about inclusivity and respect for all users. Addressing these common WCAG violations will not only make your content accessible to all users but also provide a better digital experience. Prioritize accessibility by integrating it into your design practices, regularly auditing your site, and educating yourself on WCAG standards.
Let's create a digital world that is inclusive, accessible, and user-friendly for everyone. Start today by auditing your site and design practices.