The challenges of making websites accessible

An illustration of a screen with a wheelchair symbol. A man with dark glasses holds a tablet in from of smaller screens marked with no sound and no visual symbols. A child on the right in a wheelchair has a chat bubble with a heart symbol.

When designing a website, it's important to consider the needs of all users, including those with disabilities. Screen readers are one of the most common tools used by people with visual impairments, but they rely heavily on semantic structure and proper headings to navigate content. Without this structure, users may have difficulty understanding the information presented on a website. Proper use of ARIA attributes can also help provide additional information to users who rely on assistive technologies.

Keyboard traps can be particularly frustrating for users who rely on keyboard navigation, and it's important to ensure that all content can be accessed with the keyboard alone. Many website generators can create accessibility issues that may be difficult to fix, so it's important to choose a platform that prioritizes accessibility.

Embedded audio players can also present unique accessibility challenges. It's important to ensure that controls are accessible and can be operated with a keyboard, as well as provide transcripts or captions for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. There are many different players available, each with their own strengths and weaknesses in terms of accessibility.

In summary, web accessibility is crucial for creating inclusive online experiences. By prioritizing semantic structure, keyboard navigation, and accessible embedded players, we can ensure that all users are able to access and enjoy our content.