How can you make your landing page more accessible to people with disabilities?

Use big icons instead of labels. Icons are universally understood and there are no language barriers. Icons should explain the content. The observer should understand intuitively.

According to my experience: We must use clear and simple language and describe the content concisely using titles or bullets. We must ensure that grammar and spelling are adequate to facilitate reading. We must add alternative texts in a descriptive way for the images We must avoid ambiguous wording. We must optimize the font size, style and color contrast or make variants according to needs.

Go beyond plain text: Use alt text: Describe images clearly and concisely. Tools like ImageOptim can help. Focus on readability: Choose easy-to-read fonts and sufficient color contrast. Use WebAIM's Contrast Checker. Structure with headings: Use semantic HTML for clear navigation (e.g., <h1> for main titles, <h2> for subheadings). Keyboard navigation: Ensure users can navigate with a keyboard using the Tab key. Use WAVE tool to check. Screen reader compatibility: Test your page with screen readers like NVDA.

Use contrasting colors which are a color-blind friendly palette. The font should be big enough to read 3 to 4 lines per page (font size 18 to 20 helps here.) The sign language symbols can also be used as subtitles or in gifs

Contrast matters: Use tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker to ensure text is easily readable for everyone. Aim for 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text. Colorblind-friendly palettes: Utilize tools like ColorBrewer to find accessible color combinations. Don't rely solely on color for meaning (use labels/icons too). Font-tastic readability: Choose easy-to-read sans-serif fonts like Arial or Open Sans. Limit font types and sizes for consistency. Aim for at least 16px and allow user-adjustable sizes. Zoom-friendly layout: Ensure content scales properly when zoomed in for users with visual impairments. Use relative units (e.g., %) for sizing.

Adding alt text and captions are simple yet effective ways to make content more accessible and increase engagement. For alt text, use brief, descriptive sentences that include vivid language to relay what's on screen (I find word charts and Thesaurus.com useful for this). Don't overload captions with too many sentences—or too much of one sentence—and use size, color, and font size in alignment with the brand's guidelines and tone.

Beyond alt text and captions: Use transcripts for complex audio: Offer downloadable transcripts for in-depth videos or presentations, aiding comprehension for users with hearing impairments. Consider audio descriptions: For complex visuals, provide audio descriptions that paint a detailed picture for sight-impaired users. Live captions and sign language: Use live captioning tools or partner with sign language interpreters for engaging real-time events. Alternative formats: Provide downloadable documents in accessible formats like PDF with text descriptions and alt tags for images.

Label love: Use clear, descriptive labels for every field and button (don't rely on placeholders!). Speak clearly: Provide informative instructions and error messages (avoid jargon and rely on plain language). Keyboard magic: Ensure smooth tab navigation and easy activation using Enter or Spacebar. Color it inclusive: Choose colours with high contrast for text and buttons for optimal readability. Focus, friend: Provide clear visual focus indicators when fields are active. ARIA attributes: Use them strategically to enhance screen reader interpretation and interaction. Mobile-first mindset: Ensure forms and buttons are responsive and user-friendly on all devices.

Accessibility: Beyond Testing, Embrace Continuous Improvement: Proactive testing: Use various tools like WAVE, Lighthouse, and keyboard navigation early and often in the development process. Don't wait for launch! Go beyond automated tools: Involve users with disabilities in live testing and feedback sessions for a nuanced understanding of their experience. Accessibility overlays: Consider them as temporary aids, not a fix-all. Focus on building accessibility directly into your code from the start. Stay updated: Accessibility standards and user needs evolve. Regularly seek fresh resources and learning opportunities to stay ahead of the curve.

Accessibility goes beyond basics: Think beyond sight: Add audio descriptions, captioning, and keyboard navigation. Simplify for all: Use clear language, headings, and digestible info for cognitive ease. AI can help: Use accessibility tools and simulations to catch early barriers. Partner with experts: Get feedback from the disability community for real-world insights. Mobile matters: Ensure pinch-to-zoom, text size adjustments, and assistive tech compatibility. Always improve: Accessibility is a journey, not a destination. By prioritizing accessibility, you unlock wider reach and a more positive experience for everyone!