Make Web Accessibility Accessible

Accessibility

Back to table of contents

"Make accessible websites for everyone!" some people say. But few advocate, "Make web accessibility accessible for everyone!" I do not know why. Probably ignorance generates lots of profits.

If you do not know about web accessibility, you will be surprised—especially if you are a self-taught web developer—because to know the best way to write HTML means to learn about web accessibility. Otherwise, you will know valid HTML syntax only—or get fooled by its simple syntax.

Here, I give you the best resources to learn web accessibility in no particular order:

  • First, Solid Start gives four accessibility improvements for your website in plain language. You can start from there.
  • Then, Inclusive Design Principles gives seven design principles to help you design an accessible website. As a side note, the term "design" is not limited to making user interfaces. Designing, in this case, means you structure the webpage so that your users can access your website quickly, easily, and fluently.
  • Another one is Understanding Accessibility. It gives five points about web accessibility in designing a website. As a side note, the look of the website is incredible.
  • One of the greatest accessibility resources is The A11Y Project. It provides lots of excellent articles in plain language. Its checklist can help you check your website accessibility.
  • The main source of web accessibility is Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2—the look is not friendly and feels formal. WCAG 2.2 Understanding Documents helps you to understand all guidelines. This one is a lot and takes a while to learn. Once you finish understanding them, you can spot many mistakes on many websites as you browse the internet.
  • Accessibility Not-Checklist is another great checklist. Take a look at it.

There are many great resources about web accessibility. But do not spend too much time on them. Never aim to make your website accessible to all people. Do not be perfect. If you want to be free, choose your users and accept that you will exclude some people.

Next lesson Design Your Personal Website