ADA Compliance: A Web Designer’s Essential Checklist

Visual Accessibility

• Use of Alt-Text for Images : Ensure all images, charts, and graphs have descriptive alternative text (alt-text) so screen reader users can understand the conveyed message.
• High Contrast Colors : Choose high-contrast color palettes that make text stand out against the background, facilitating readability for those with visual impairments.
• Clear and Readable Fonts :  Employ fonts that are easy to read across various devices and screen sizes. Avoid stylized typography that can be difficult to decode.

Navigation and Structure

• Logical Page Hierarchy : Organize content in a logical manner using proper heading tags (H1-H6) to structure your pages effectively.
• Keyboard Navigation : Ensure that all navigational elements can be accessed using a keyboard alone. This includes drop-down menus, forms, and interactive content.
• Skip Navigation Links : Provide "skip to main content” links at the top of pages to allow users to bypass repetitive menu links.

Multimedia Accessibility

• Captions for Videos : All video content should come with synchronized captions to assist users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Transcripts for Audio Content : Offer transcripts for all audio content for users who prefer or require written communication.
• Descriptive Text for Visual Media : Alongside alt-text for images, consider longer descriptions for complex graphics, such as infographics.

Forms and Interactivity

• Clear and Concise Form Labels : Every form element should have a label that clearly describes its function.
• Error Handling and Validation : Provide helpful error messages when forms are filled out incorrectly and ensure that error identification doesn't rely solely on color.
• Accessible Form Controls : Make sure that all form controls are accessible by screen readers and can be navigated using a keyboard.

Mobile Responsiveness

• Responsive Design Principles : Adapt your website’s layout to different screen sizes and orientations, ensuring accessibility on all devices.
• Easy Touch Targets : Make interactive elements large enough to be easily tapped without precision.
• Screen Reader Compatibility : Ensure that mobile content is also compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies.

Testing and Compliance

• Regular Accessibility Audits : Conduct regular audits using both automatic tools and manual testing to identify and fix accessibility issues.
• User Testing With Assistive Technologies : Incorporate feedback from real users who use assistive technology to ensure practical accessibility.
• Staying Up to Date With Accessibility Standards : Stay informed about evolving accessibility standards and legal requirements to remain compliant.

Conclusion