The DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) is in place to ensure that all websites are accessible to disabled users. Many people are unaware of the regulations which can result in accessibility issues for people as they navigate a website which creates a poor user experience. The following points include a few easy checks that can be completed to ensure that your website is DDA compliant.

Alternative Text

Alt text isn’t put in place purely for SEO purposes, it is also required by those with visual impairments. Its main purpose is to provide a detailed description of an image which can be accessed when the user cannot view the image. Make sure that all images displayed on your website have the correct alt text with a descriptive definition of each as these are what some users may see (or hear).

Sitemap

Your website is required to have a sitemap to help with accessibility issues. The site map link is usually displayed in the footer of a website to allow users to access content quickly that they may otherwise have trouble finding. These are easy to create by using this sitemap generator.

Text Resizing

Users should have the ability to resize text on a website to make it easier for them to view. On your website’s accessibility statement you should provide clear instructions as to how users are able to adjust the text sizing.

Using your website without a mouse

Your website should still be accessible without the use of a mouse. Using the tab key and the spacebar or return key, you should be able to select items and move throughout the site with ease. Keyboard friendly websites make interaction much more easy for those that do not have the ability to use a mouse.

Colour Contrast

There are a few good tools available such as the Colour Contrast Analyser, which helps regulate the legibility of the text and visual elements of your website. It will quickly check that there is enough contrast between both the foreground text and the background colour so that users with visual difficulties are still able to read the text.

Mobile Responsive

Regardless of the device your website is being viewed from, it should adjust itself to fit the screen and still be usable. The type of device should not prevent the user from being able to easily navigate their way around the website.

These simple checks provide you with a quick overview of any accessibility issues your website may have. It is a good idea to regularly check this to ensure that you are following the guidelines and are not preventing any users from viewing the content on your website.

Tela deliver website, online marketing, lead generation and conversion optimisation campaigns to some of the UK’s leading law firms.

If you are interested in finding out how Tela could help improve your law firm’s website and digital marketing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Contact Tim Sheed: 01799 524 464  |  tim@tela.co.uk

Banner image credit to Writix.

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