Ensuring that a website is accessible and compliant with web accessibility guidelines is essential to provide an inclusive experience for all users, regardless of disabilities or impairments. Here are some best practices to consider:

1. WCAG Compliance: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a set of internationally recognized standards for web accessibility. Aim to meet at least WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance, which covers a wide range of accessibility requirements.
2. Keyboard Accessibility: Ensure that all functionality and interactive elements on the website can be accessed and operated using a keyboard alone. This includes navigation, form inputs, and interactive elements like buttons and menus.
3. Clear and Descriptive Content: Use clear, concise, and descriptive content throughout the website. Provide alternative text for images, transcripts for multimedia content, and captions for videos. This allows assistive technologies to accurately convey information to users with visual or hearing impairments.
4. Proper Heading Structure: Use proper heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to structure your content logically. Headings help users navigate the website and assistive technologies to understand the hierarchy and organization of the content.
5. Colour Contrast: Ensure sufficient colour contrast between text and background elements to improve readability for users with visual impairments. Use tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker to verify colour contrast ratios meet WCAG requirements.
6. Descriptive Links and Buttons: Make sure that links and buttons have clear and descriptive text that accurately conveys their purpose. Avoid using generic phrases like “Click here” or “Read more” and instead use specific and meaningful link text.
7. Form Accessibility: Ensure that form inputs have clear labels and instructions. Provide error messages and suggestions for correcting form input errors. Utilize ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to enhance form accessibility.
8. Responsive Design: Design your website to be responsive and adaptable to different screen sizes and devices. This allows users with varying abilities to access your content on their preferred devices.
9. Testing with Assistive Technologies: Use assistive technologies such as screen readers and keyboard-only navigation to test the accessibility of your website. These tools can help identify any barriers or challenges faced by users with disabilities.
10. Ongoing Accessibility Maintenance: Regularly monitor and maintain accessibility standards on your website. Perform periodic audits and tests to ensure continued compliance as the website evolves and new content is added.

It’s important to note that web accessibility is an ongoing process, and it’s beneficial to involve accessibility experts or consultants who can provide guidance and conduct thorough audits of your website’s accessibility. By implementing these best practices, you can create an inclusive and accessible online experience for all users.

Other questions to ask your WordPress Designer

1. Can you provide examples of websites you have designed using WordPress?
2. What is your process for designing a WordPress website?
3. Will the website be mobile-responsive?
4. How will you ensure the website is optimized for search engines (SEO)?
5. Can you integrate third-party tools or plugins into the WordPress website?
6. Will the website be customizable for future updates and changes?
7. What security measures will be implemented to protect the website?
8. Will the website be optimized for fast loading times?
9. How will the website be tested for compatibility across different browsers and devices?
10. Can you provide training or documentation on how to use the WordPress CMS?
11. Will the website be integrated with social media platforms?
12. Should I migrate content from my old website or just create new content?
13. What are the costs associated with building and maintaining the WordPress website?
14. Will the website be accessible and compliant with web accessibility guidelines?
15. How will the website be backed up and what is the disaster recovery plan?
16. What is the estimated timeline for completing the WordPress website?
17. Can you provide ongoing support and maintenance services for the WordPress website?

Planning to set up a website? Or is it time to redesign your old one? Let us help you take your business to the next level with our affordable, professional web design services! Call us now on (0) 1 960 9023 or click here to book a free consultation!

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