How can you make your web app more accessible for users with sensory processing disorders or autism?

1 Use simple and clear design

One of the key principles of web accessibility is to use simple and clear design that reduces cognitive load and sensory overload. To achieve this, you should create a consistent and intuitive navigation system, a minimal and harmonious color palette, a readable font size and style that follows the web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG), a moderate and relevant use of images, icons, and graphics, as well as a responsive and flexible layout that adapts to different screen sizes and devices. This will help users find what they need quickly and easily without being overwhelmed by clutter, noise, or complexity.

2 Provide options and control

It is essential to provide users with options and control to customize their web experience according to their preferences and needs. This involves allowing users to adjust the volume, speed, and frequency of audio and video content, or mute them altogether. They should also be able to pause, stop, or hide animations, transitions, or auto-playing media that may cause distraction or discomfort. Additionally, they should be able to change the color scheme, contrast, brightness, or font size of your web app to suit their visual needs. Furthermore, they should be able to enable or disable keyboard shortcuts, mouse gestures, or touch interactions that may affect their motor skills. Lastly, they should be able to access alternative formats such as captions, transcripts, or text-to-speech for your web content.

3 Follow the accessibility standards

Adhering to web accessibility standards and best practices is an essential element of making your web app compatible with different browsers, devices, and assistive technologies. This involves following the web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) and accessible rich internet applications (ARIA) specifications. To make your web app more accessible, use semantic and valid HTML markup that describes the structure and meaning of your web content. Additionally, add descriptive labels, titles, and alt texts to your web elements. Additionally, use headings, lists, tables, and landmarks to organize your content for easier navigation. Furthermore, ensure a logical tab order and keyboard focus for those who may not use a mouse. Finally, test your web app with various browsers, devices, and assistive technologies like screen readers or voice input. By following these tips, you can make your web app more accessible for users with disabilities or other users who may benefit from an inclusive experience. Remember that web accessibility is not only a legal requirement but also a competitive advantage and social responsibility.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?