Creating an accessible website ensures all users, including those with disabilities, can navigate, understand, and interact with your content. WCAG 2.1 compliance, established by the W3C, sets standards based on perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust design principles. A website builder in Australia with built-in accessibility features allows you to implement these standards easily, including semantic HTML, proper colour contrast, keyboard navigation, alt text, and ARIA roles.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that 21% of Australians have disability. This means 21% of users may find it difficult to access web information.

Hence, website accessibility is highly important to support inclusion. Additionally, it ensures your business does not fail to reach out to one-fifth of Australians.

Well, here is the good news! You can use a website builder in Australia to create an accessible website. In this blog, we will explore expert tips for web design standards and how to achieve them with built-in features.

What Is WCAG 2.1 Compliance?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 are those standards set out by the W3C for accessible web design. These guidelines rely on four pillars

  • Perceivable
  • Operable
  • Understandable
  • Robust

If your site meets WCAG 2.1 standards, it means that your website is more accessible, user-friendly, and compliant with the criteria of several laws regarding accessibility.

Tips to Ensure Website Accessibility with Built-in Features

Let’s walk through some effective tips to use built-in features and ensure your website is usable for everyone.

1. Use Semantic HTML and Built-In Accessibility Components

The very basic HTML structure of the web is the main accessibility feature of the site. Semantic HTML tags provide a clear indication of the purpose and structure of your content, aiding assistive devices like screen readers.

In fact, screen readers use semantic tags to understand the page better. Here is a quick example:

  • <nav> gives the information that the content is related to navigation
  • <button> tells the user that the element is interactive

Hence, you must incorporate these tags to help users grasp the layout of your site without any confusion.

Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Launching Your Website

2. Factor in Proper Colour Contrast

Opt for a proper colour contrast between the text and the background for users with visual impairments. Note that the WCAG compliance standards recommend

  • Contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text
  • Contrast ratio of 3:1 for large text
Pro Tip: Use CSS variables in your design system to keep your colour schemes uniform.

3. Enable Keyboard Navigation and Focus Indicators

Ensuring that all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard navigation. Users should be able to reach every part of your website using the Tab key. It should have clear focus indicators highlighting where they are on the page.

Pro Tip: Make sure all focusable elements have a logical tab order. Also, style focus outlines explicitly using CSS.

4. Use Descriptive and Accessible Forms

When it comes to designing accessible forms, focus on

  • Clear Labels
  • Instructions
  • Error Messages

Use <label> elements linked via the for attribute to input IDs. This ensures labels are explicitly associated with their inputs.

5. Add Alt Text for Images

Alt text is a brief textual description of images for screen readers. Additionally, it enables users to understand the content of the visuals even when images fail to load.

Hence, you must create concise, descriptive alt text that conveys the purpose of the image.

Pro Tip: Use empty alt attributes (alt=””) to tell screen readers to ignore decorative images. This prevents cluttering the listening experience with irrelevant descriptions.

6. Opt for Built-In ARIA Roles and Properties

Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) attributes allow users to access complex UI components, which are an aid for assistive technologists. When standard HTML elements are not enough, ARIA roles are the solution.

Pro Tip: Use the HTML native semantics first, then add ARIA if it is necessary.

7. Ensure Readable and Resizable Text

Users with visual impairments or those who prefer larger text should be able to zoom in or adjust font sizes without impacting your layout.

Use relative units for font sizes instead of fixed pixels. This allows the text to adapt when users change their browser settings. Also, avoid fixed layouts that cause overflow or clipping when zooming.

8. Add Transcripts and Audio Descriptions

Transcripts provide a text alternative to audio content. It enables users to read the content. Additionally, audio descriptions describe visual elements to help understand the videos on your website.

You must use the `<track>` element for captions and ensure your media players support caption toggling.

9. Test + Reiteriate

Maintaining website accessibility compliance is important in the long run. Hence, focus on regular testing even after achieving initial compliance.

For instance, automated audits can catch common issues early. You can also opt for manual testing to ensure your site is functioning as expected,

Do not forget to test with actual assistive technologies like screen readers to experience your site as users do.

Ensure WCAG Compliance with Crazy Domains

If you are building a website in Australia, ensuring WCAG compliance should be your priority. This is because it helps you reach all your customers and avoid legal pitfalls.

The whole procedure of setting up an accessible website is way easier if you pick a website builder that is already equipped with accessibility features.

Do not leave accessibility to chance! Design a compliant, accessible website with Crazy Domains. Our AI website builder can craft impressive, hyper-personalised websites at your fingertips.

Check out our free trial today to explore our customisable features for your online store!