When designing websites, many businesses focus on meeting basic accessibility guidelines, such as adding alt text to images and ensuring keyboard navigation works properly. While these are essential, there are several lesser-known accessibility issues that often go unnoticed that can still create barriers for users with disabilities. As we work towards a more inclusive web, it’s crucial to recognize and address these uncommon obstacles. In this post, we’ll explore some of these overlooked accessibility challenges and how to fix them, ensuring your website truly caters to all users.
1. Inaccessible Error Messages
Most websites include forms for user interactions, such as sign-ups, contact forms, or checkout processes. While designers often focus on making forms accessible, they sometimes overlook error messages. For users with disabilities, poorly designed error messages can be confusing or entirely inaccessible.
2. Flashing or Animated Content Without Warnings
While many websites use animations and flashy content to capture attention, these elements can pose serious risks to some users, especially those with conditions like epilepsy or photosensitive disorders.
3. Inaccessible Focus Indicators
When a user navigates a website using a keyboard, the browser shows a “focus indicator,” which highlights the interactive element they’re currently on (like a button or link). However, many websites either remove or inadequately style these indicators, creating challenges for keyboard-only users.
4. Auto-Playing Media Without Controls
Many websites use auto-playing videos or audio clips as part of their design. While this can create an engaging experience for some, it can be a frustrating or even disruptive feature for users with disabilities.
5. Color Contrast in Hover States
While many websites check the color contrast of their static text and design elements, they often forget to consider how interactive elements change when a user hovers over them with a mouse or keyboard.
6. CAPTCHAs That Are Not Accessible
CAPTCHAs are commonly used to prevent spam or bots from submitting forms. However, many CAPTCHA implementations are not accessible to all users, particularly those with visual or cognitive disabilities.
7. Overuse of Icon-Only Buttons
Icons are often used as clickable buttons to perform actions like submitting a form, closing a window, or opening a menu. While these icons can be visually intuitive, they often lack text descriptions, making them inaccessible to users with screen readers or those who cannot easily understand what the icons represent.
8. Text in Images Without Alternative Descriptions
While using images of text can be a quick way to add styled content to your website, it poses a major accessibility issue for users who rely on screen readers or those who need to adjust text size for better readability.
Beyond the Basics of Accessibility
Creating an accessible website means looking beyond the basics. By addressing uncommon accessibility issues, you ensure that your website is usable and welcoming to everyone, including people with disabilities. Not only does this enhance the user experience, but it also demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and can result in increased customer loyalty, broader audience reach, and even better search engine performance.
At Oorly, we’re dedicated to helping businesses build websites that are accessible to all. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you identify and fix uncommon accessibility issues, ensuring your site is truly inclusive for everyone!