Introduction to Accessibility Audits

Welcome to the Latest Edition of AccessAbility Bites!

This biweekly newsletter delivers quick, actionable tips to make your digital content accessible and inclusive. Subscribe to ensure you don't miss out on valuable accessibility tips.

In this edition, we’ll explore “How Accessibility Audits Streamline Compliance Efforts”. But first, check out the Tip of the Week below.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Include Captions and Transcripts for All Video Content

Captions and transcripts are crucial for ensuring that all multimedia content is accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing.

They also provide context for everyone, making your content more inclusive and improving user experience.

Ensure every video you publish includes these features to enhance accessibility and compliance.

THIS WEEK'S BITE SIZED TRAINING

Introduction to Accessibility Audits

What is an Accessibility Audit?

An accessibility audit is a comprehensive review of your website or digital content to identify barriers that prevent users with disabilities from accessing your content, products, or services.

It evaluates your digital assets against established accessibility standards, such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

Why It Matters:

An accessibility audit helps you uncover hidden issues that could affect users with disabilities and ensures your digital presence is compliant with legal requirements.

It also helps enhance the overall user experience by making your content more inclusive.

Benefits of Accessibility Audits:

• Identify Issues Early: Uncover potential accessibility problems before they escalate. This proactive approach helps you address barriers efficiently and prevent future complications.
• Provide Actionable Steps: Receive or create a detailed, prioritized action plan to resolve identified issues. This step-by-step review ensures you can implement necessary changes effectively and systematically.
• Enhance User Experience for EVERYONE: By improving accessibility, you make your website or digital products more user-friendly for everyone, including those with disabilities. This leads to a more inclusive experience and greater user satisfaction.

Understanding and applying the insights from an accessibility audit will enhance your digital presence and ensure inclusivity for all users.

How To Conduct A Simple Accessibility Audit

You don’t need to be an expert to start making your digital content more accessible. Here’s a quick guide to conducting a simple accessibility audit:

1. Check for Keyboard Navigation: Ensure all interactive elements on your site can be accessed and operated using a keyboard.
2. Review Color Contrast: Make sure that text and background colors have sufficient contrast to be readable by users with visual impairments.
3. Test Screen Reader Compatibility: Use screen readers to check that all content, including images and multimedia, is properly described and navigable.
4. Ensure Descriptive Alt Text: Verify that all images and multimedia have descriptive alt text that conveys their purpose or content.

Download the FREE Website Accessibility Rapid Assessment for Business and get a comprehensive checklist and start improving your site’s accessibility today!

Download Your Free Checklist

NEXT STEPS

I hope you learned something new in this edition of AccessAbility Bites. If you’d like to quickly and easily improve your website’s accessibility, book a FREE mini accessibility audit with me.

Until next time,

Dominique Dunlop Digital Accessibility Consultant