"The one argument for accessibility that doesn't get made nearly often enough is how extraordinarily better it makes some people's lives. How many opportunities do we have to dramatically improve people's lives just by doing our job better?" - Steve Krug
Since accessibility on social media was the last topic, it made sense to carry on the theme and discuss ways to make websites more accessible. There are many tools to ensure websites create a rich and immersive experience for citizens using assistive technology to access the Internet.
How can I make my website more accessible?
1. Familiar and consistent navigation structure
Recently, I updated my website. As I was browsing templates (yes, I used a template but that’s a blog for another day), I found a site where the navigation was on the lower left. Although this departure from the norm was edgy and interesting to me, I realized it would be difficult for those with screen readers to find their way around, since traditionally website navigation is in the upper right.
When building a website or structuring information, using a traditional format creates predictability for users to access content.
2. Spacing
Screen reader users use a control (might be mouse, might be another adapted technology) to point to content and the reader gives voice to the text. If you choose a small font with close spacing, it will be more difficult for the user to hear the information clearly. Use spacing and a reasonable font size (usually over 10pt) will allow assistive technologies the time users need to process information.
Font size is also critical for readers who do not require screen readers but still have reduced vision. Using high contrast colours also helps these individuals.
3. Use captioning
If the future is video, now is the time to normalize and bake-in closed captioning. There are often settings on websites and social media channels which allow for this option. You can also hire a closed captioning service to add the text to your video. Unsung benefit? Usually the spelling is a bit better.
3.5. Alt text (Only 3.5 since this was also a social media tip)

Mentioned in Blog 4 on accessibility in social media, Alt text is your friend and the friend of those using accessibility aids. Alt text provides a description on images used online. It creates a text translation for non-text content. Often you can add Alt text on upload of images to websites, and images already published can be edited also.
Adding Alt text is a small step to take to ensure everyone can understand and appreciate your work.
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