Common Accessibility Mistakes & How to Fix Them

When building websites or apps, accessibility should be a top priority. But even the most experienced designers and developers can overlook key aspects of digital accessibility. Here are some of the most common accessibility mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Missing Alt Text for Images

Man with headphones sitting by a computer displaying a landscape image. The image is without alternative text. — Illustration of a person using headphones, sitting next to a computer displaying an image with placeholder symbols, highlighting the issue of missing alt text for accessibility.

Images without alt text are a major barrier for screen reader users. Alt text provides a description of the image’s content or function, ensuring that all users can understand the context.

Fix: Always provide descriptive alt text for images. Be concise but clear about what the image conveys, especially when it’s a functional element like a button or link.

2. Non-Descriptive Links

Text promoting descriptive links reads: "Instead of using vague links like: Click here. Try more descriptive ones: Learn more about our accessibility services." — Enhance web accessibility by using descriptive links, such as "Learn more about our accessibility services," instead of vague terms like "Click here."

Links like "click here" or "read more" don’t provide context for users who rely on screen readers to navigate. This can make it difficult for users to understand where the link will take them.

Fix: Use descriptive link text. For example, "Learn more about our accessibility services" provides context for what the link leads to.

3. Poor Color Contrast

Text on light background displaying poor color contrast. Contains two buttons labeled "Low contrast" and "High contrast" in differing shades. — Understanding the importance of color contrast for accessibility: a comparison of low contrast and high contrast text for improved readability.

Low contrast between text and background makes reading difficult for users with visual impairments. Colors should be chosen carefully to meet accessibility standards.

Fix: Ensure a high contrast ratio between text and background. Aim for a ratio of at least 4.5:1 for regular text and 3:1 for larger text.

4. Unlabeled Forms

Form illustration with an exclamation mark, showing text fields. Text: "Fix: Label all form elements clearly using the <label> tag in HTML." — Ensure form accessibility by applying clear labels: Utilize the tag in HTML to associate each input field appropriately and provide a better user experience.

Forms are essential for many websites, but without proper labels, they can be confusing or inaccessible for users who rely on assistive technologies.

Fix: Label all form elements clearly. Use the <label> tag in HTML and make sure it is correctly associated with the form input.

5. Keyboard Accessibility Issues

A worried woman at a laptop with a crossed-out mouse icon. Text below: "Fix: Test all interactive elements...with a keyboard." — Frustrated by mouse dependency, a user struggles to navigate a laptop. Solution: Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard-accessible.

Many users with disabilities rely on keyboard navigation, yet some websites are designed for mouse interaction only. This is a huge barrier for users who cannot use a mouse.

Fix: Test all interactive elements (like forms, buttons, and links) to ensure they can be accessed and used with a keyboard. Use <tabindex> to control the navigation order and ensure all content is accessible.

6. Lack of Focus Indicators

UI illustration titled "Lack of Focus Indicators" showing a screen with a yellow button, a cursor pointing at it, and minimal design elements. — Illustration highlighting the absence of focus indicators on a webpage, emphasizing a potential accessibility issue with the user interface.

When users navigate a site using the keyboard, they need clear focus indicators to show where they are on the page. Without these, users may become disoriented.

Fix: Ensure that focus indicators are visible. Avoid removing the browser’s default focus outline without replacing it with a more visible design.

7. Autoplaying Media

Man in red shirt interacts with media player on screen. Text: "Fix: Allow users to control playback, pause, play, avoid autoplay." — To improve user experience, avoid autoplaying media

Autoplaying videos or audio can be frustrating for users, especially those with cognitive impairments or those using screen readers. It’s also disruptive to users who may not be prepared for audio or video content.

Fix: Always allow users to control media playback. Provide clear pause, play, and mute options, and avoid autoplay whenever possible.

Final Thoughts: Improving accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By addressing these common mistakes and making small adjustments, you can create a more inclusive experience for everyone. And remember, testing your website with accessibility tools or real users is the best way to ensure it's truly accessible.

Need help making your digital content accessible?

ElevateX Labs helps you design and remediate websites, apps, and PDFs for accessibility compliance—so everyone can use them with ease.

👉 Schedule a Consultation | 🌐 Visit elevatexlabs.com