Why Accessible Websites Win: Design, Compliance & Inclusivity That Works for Everyone

Whether you’re a designer, developer, business owner, or just trying to do right by your users, it’s time to treat website accessibility as more than a checklist item. It’s not only the ethical thing to do — it’s a legal requirement in many regions and a smart move for your brand.

In this week’s Geekspeak episode, we dove into the best practices that make websites accessible, not just for compliance, but to actually make the web better for everyone.

What Is Website Accessibility Anyway?

Let’s break it down: website accessibility is about structuring your site — both content and code, so people with disabilities can use it with ease. That includes folks who are:

• Blind or visually impaired (including colour blindness and low vision)
• Hard of hearing
• Living with cognitive challenges
• Navigating the internet using keyboards or assistive tech (not a mouse)

It’s more than a legal box to check. It’s about creating an inclusive digital space, one where your audience, regardless of ability, can connect with your business.

And here’s the kicker: studies suggest you could boost your website traffic by up to 30% by implementing accessibility standards. Not bad for doing the right thing, right?

The Legal Side: Who Needs to Care?

If your business is in British Columbia, Ontario, or California, you already fall under accessibility legislation, especially if you work with public institutions or serve a broad audience.

• Canada: BC and Ontario have their own accessibility acts. Associations and government-linked orgs are expected to comply.
• USA: If you’re serving U.S.-based customers, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies, regardless of where you’re based.
• Europe: Regulations are even stricter. If you’re expanding into international markets, this matters.

Important distinction: Regulatory compliance (e.g., by government bodies) is different from being sued by an individual. But if your site isn’t accessible and you’re operating in a regulated space, it can come back to bite you.

Let’s Talk Design: No More Red on Black

Visual clarity isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s the foundation of accessibility.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Contrast matters: There’s a required contrast ratio between foreground and background (think black on white, not red on black).
• Avoid pastel overload: High contrast beats “pretty” when it comes to functionality.
• Watch your background images: Text over busy or inconsistent photos is a big no. Use overlays, solid-color blocks, or pick simpler backgrounds.
• Responsive testing is non-negotiable: What looks great on desktop might be a mess on mobile.

Text and Typography: Keep It Simple

• Use sans serif fonts for body text. Serif fonts (like Times New Roman) are harder to read on screens.
• Don’t cram your text. Use generous line spacing and avoid “gray blocks” — long, dense paragraphs that intimidate readers.
• Write clearly: Use plain language, short sentences, and minimal jargon. If you’re serving new Canadians or ESL readers, this matters even more.

Pro tip: Break your copy into digestible chunks. One-sentence paragraphs? Totally fine for the web.

ALT Text: It’s Not Just for SEO

Alt text (the descriptive text behind images) is crucial for people using screen readers and also great for branding.

Good alt text isn’t keyword stuffing. It’s about describing what’s in the photo and conveying its emotional tone. If you’re paying for branded photos, make sure they work for all users, not just the visually oriented ones.

Example:

❌ “portrait photo”

✅ “Rina sitting at her desk, laughing with a coffee mug in hand”

Drag-and-Drop Builders: Proceed with Caution

Not all website builders are created equal.

• Avoid bloated platforms like Divi: They use unnecessary “divs on divs on divs,” which confuse screen readers and hurt load speed.
• Use semantic HTML: Structure your content logically. Headings, paragraphs, and navigation should be clearly coded.
• Why we use Cadence: It’s a clean, block-based builder that plays nice with accessibility, speed, and client editing.

Keyboard Navigation: The Unsung Hero

Screen reader users don’t use a mouse. They tab through your site. That means:

• Every clickable element must be reachable via keyboard.
• Visual cues (like outlines) should highlight where the user is.
• Buttons should have clear labels and actions.

If you can’t tab through your own site, neither can they.

Testing & Tools: The Truth About Plugins

Can you make your website instantly accessible with a plugin? Not really.

• Plugins often slow down your site and don’t cover everything.
• Automated checkers (like Lighthouse in Chrome Dev Tools) are helpful for benchmarks, but they won’t catch everything.
• Real accessibility testing requires manual review, especially for complex designs.

The best approach? Use a combination of:

• A well-built, standards-compliant theme (like Cadence)
• Thoughtful design and copy choices
• Manual testing by someone who knows what to look for

TL;DR: Accessibility Is Not Optional

It’s not just about checking a legal box or being “politically correct.” Accessible websites:

• Serve more people
• Perform better
• Represent your brand values
• Future-proof your business

If you want your site to reflect your commitment to equity, professionalism, and usability, this is where you start.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or message us directly.

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