While accessibility plugins can help identify and fix issues quickly, you don’t need them to create a more inclusive WordPress site. By focusing on fundamental best practices—like logical structure, descriptive content, and proper color contrast—you can ensure users of all abilities can navigate and understand your content. Investing time in these areas enhances user satisfaction, improves your site’s search performance, and helps you reach a broader audience.
with just 1-click
- Instant accessibility for your Wordpress website
- Enhances user experience for all visitors
- Easy integration and ongoing support
- Complies with legal accessibility requirements
1. Choose an Accessibility-Ready Theme
Action: Start with a theme designed with accessibility in mind. Why: Accessibility-ready themes often include proper heading hierarchies, keyboard-friendly menus, and good contrast from the start. Tip: Test the theme’s demo with an accessibility checker like WAVE or AXE before activating it on your site.
2. Use Proper Heading Hierarchies
Action: Structure your content using headings logically: one H1 per page, followed by H2 for main sections, and H3/H4 for subsections. Why: Screen readers and assistive technologies use headings to help users navigate your content efficiently. Tip: Avoid skipping heading levels, as consistent hierarchy improves both comprehension and findability.
3. Add Descriptive Alt Text to Images
Action: Write meaningful alt text for all images, focusing on what’s relevant to your content. Why: Users who rely on screen readers need alt text to understand the purpose of images. Tip: If an image is decorative, leave the alt attribute empty (alt=””) so assistive technologies know to skip it.
4. Ensure Keyboard Navigability
Action: Test your entire site using only a keyboard (Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter) to ensure that menus, links, and forms are all accessible without a mouse. Why: Some users navigate solely via keyboard due to motor or visual impairments. Tip: Make sure focus indicators are visible, so users know which element is currently selected.
5. Improve Color Contrast
Action: Select text and background colors that meet WCAG contrast guidelines (at least 4.5:1 for body text). Why: Good contrast helps users with low vision or color blindness read your content more easily. Tool: Use the WebAIM Contrast Checker to verify your choices.
6. Write Descriptive Link Text
Action: Replace vague terms like “click here” with text describing the link’s destination. Why: Screen reader users often scan links out of context. Descriptive link text helps them understand where each link leads. Example: “Learn more about our accessibility guidelines” instead of “Click here for details.”
with just 1-click
- Instant accessibility for your Wordpress website
- Enhances user experience for all visitors
- Easy integration and ongoing support
- Complies with legal accessibility requirements
7. Label Forms Clearly
Action: Assign <label> tags to every form field so users understand what information to enter. Why: Proper labeling ensures users with assistive technologies can easily interact with forms. Tip: Provide helpful instructions and clear error messages to guide users through the form submission process.
8. Provide Transcripts and Captions
Action: Add captions to videos and transcripts for audio content. Why: Users who are deaf, hard of hearing, or simply prefer reading over listening can access the information equally. Tip: Review auto-generated captions to ensure accuracy, especially for technical terms or names.
9. Use Semantic HTML
Action: Employ semantic elements like <header>, <main>, <footer>, <nav>, and <article> to structure your pages. Why: Semantic HTML helps assistive technologies interpret content correctly, improving navigation for all users. Tip: Avoid using generic <div> elements when a semantic element can convey meaning more clearly.
10. Disable Autoplay and Intrusive Animations
Action: Turn off autoplaying carousels, videos, or background music. Keep animations subtle or optional. Why: Autoplay and excessive motion can disorient users with cognitive or vestibular impairments. Tip: Provide controls to pause or stop animations, allowing users to engage at their own pace.
11. Test and Iterate Regularly
Action: Periodically run manual checks and consider keyboard-only navigation and screen reader testing. Why: Accessibility is ongoing. Regular testing ensures new content or design changes don’t introduce barriers. Tip: Ask users with disabilities for feedback to gain real-world insights into usability.
12. Keep Learning
Action: Stay updated on guidelines from W3C and follow accessibility experts online. Why: Standards and expectations evolve. Keeping informed helps you maintain and improve accessibility over time. Tip: Subscribe to newsletters or blogs focused on inclusive design to stay current with best practices.
