How to Make Your Website More Accessible Without a Redesign

Making a website more accessible is essential, but it doesn't have to mean starting from scratch. While a full redesign can undoubtedly improve accessibility, there are many simple changes you can make that can have a big impact. These small adjustments can create a more inclusive experience for your users, particularly those with disabilities, without the need for a complete overhaul.

In this blog, we'll explore practical steps you can take to enhance your website’s accessibility, ensuring that it remains welcoming to all visitors.

Focus on Clear, Simple Content

One of the most immediate ways to improve the accessibility of your website is by focusing on the content itself. Many people assume that accessibility is all about technical changes, but the way information is presented plays a huge role in how users engage with your site.

For example, ensure your language is clear and simple. Avoid jargon or overly complex words. Imagine a user who has dyslexia or someone for whom English isn’t their first language. If your website contains long, complicated sentences, it can make navigating the content a real challenge. A good rule of thumb is to write content as though you're explaining it to someone who is completely unfamiliar with the topic. For instance, a local council’s website offering information on recycling might explain the process in very technical terms. But simplifying it with plain language — "Place your recyclable items in the blue bin by 7 am on collection day" — makes the content accessible to a wider audience.

In addition to simplifying the language, breaking up large chunks of text with subheadings, paragraphs, or images can make reading more manageable. This benefits not only people with visual or cognitive impairments but all visitors, especially those using mobile devices.

Use Descriptive Headings

Headings help users navigate through content more efficiently, especially for those using screen readers. Ensure that your headings are descriptive and logical. Each page should follow a clear structure where headings progress in a natural order, such as from H1 to H2 and H3.

Imagine visiting a restaurant’s website to check their menu. If the headings are simply labelled "Menu", "Drinks", and "Specials" without any descriptive information, someone using a screen reader may have to spend unnecessary time figuring out what each section contains. A more accessible approach would be to label them as "Lunch Menu – Starters", "Hot and Cold Beverages", or "Daily Specials", giving a clear indication of what follows each heading. Ensuring a logical heading order would also allow them to skip directly to the sections they require, for example, "Desserts".

Add Alt Text to Images

Alt text, or alternative text, is a simple feature that allows you to describe an image to users who cannot see it. For example, someone using a screen reader will have the alt text read aloud to them in place of the image. Adding accurate, meaningful alt text helps ensure that no one misses out on important information.

If, for instance, your website is showcasing a new product, a simple alt text like "Red cotton T-shirt with round neck and short sleeves" allows those with visual impairments to understand what the image depicts. It's important not to overlook images that might seem purely decorative, like a background photo of a city skyline. If the image contributes to the overall experience, it should have alt text. However, if it’s purely decorative and doesn’t add any useful information, the alt text can be left empty to avoid distracting the user with unnecessary details.

Ensure Colour Contrast is Sufficient

Another way to boost accessibility is to ensure that your website’s colour contrast is adequate. Some users have visual impairments that make it difficult to distinguish between colours, particularly those who are colour-blind.

To address this, you don’t need to change your entire colour scheme. Instead, you can adjust the contrast between text and its background. For example, light grey text on a white background can be very difficult to read, particularly for older users or those with low vision. By switching to a darker shade of grey or even black, you can immediately make the text more readable without altering the overall design.

Similarly, links or buttons that rely solely on colour to convey their purpose can be problematic. A green "Submit" button might be intuitive for some, but for a user who cannot differentiate colours well, the meaning may be lost. Adding an underline to links or bold text on buttons provides an additional cue to guide users.

Test with Online Tools

There are various online tools that can help you check your website’s colour contrast and accessibility features. These tools are easy to use and can point out areas for improvement. For example, a contrast checker tool allows you to input your text and background colours, providing a clear pass or fail result based on accessibility guidelines.

Optimise for Keyboard Navigation

Many people with physical disabilities use keyboards rather than a mouse to navigate websites. Therefore, your site should have all functionality available via keyboard alone.

A simple test can help you understand how accessible your website is for keyboard-only users. Try navigating your site using the "Tab" key to move from one link or button to the next. Can you reach all parts of the page, including interactive elements like forms and drop-down menus?

For example, an online shopping site should allow users to add items to their cart, view product details, and proceed through the checkout process without using a mouse. If there are areas where this isn't possible, they should be addressed to make the site fully navigable by keyboard.

Use Accessible Forms

Forms are a common feature on websites, but they can often be a source of frustration for users with disabilities. You can make your forms more accessible without redesigning them by ensuring each field is clearly labelled.

For instance, instead of simply using placeholder text that disappears when the user starts typing, use labels that stay visible. Someone using a screen reader or a person with cognitive impairments may not remember what a blank field is for once the placeholder text has disappeared. Clear, permanent labels for fields like "First Name", "Email Address", and "Phone Number" improve the overall accessibility of your forms.