Accessibility standards help ensure that your website can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. They’re a set of technical guidelines and best practices that web designers and developers follow to make digital content more inclusive. These standards are essential not only for legal compliance but also for creating better user experiences. If someone uses a screen reader, navigates via keyboard, or has color blindness, accessibility standards help them access and use a website just like anyone else.

Let’s break down what these standards include, how they work, and what you can do to make sure your own site meets them.

Why accessibility standards matter for your website

Following accessibility standards isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. They ensure that people with various disabilities can access and interact with digital content without unnecessary barriers. From screen readers to voice commands and keyboard navigation, these tools rely on well-structured websites that follow accessibility guidelines.

Accessibility also supports SEO, improves your site's usability overall, and helps protect your business from legal issues related to discrimination laws, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 508. In short, making your site more accessible benefits everyone—and improves the performance and reach of your digital presence.

Key components of accessibility standards

Accessibility standards are often based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide detailed instructions on how to make websites usable for people with disabilities. These guidelines are built around four core principles: content must be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).

• Perceivable: Information must be presented in ways that users can perceive. For example, providing alt text for images or captions for videos.
• Operable: Users should be able to navigate and use the site with different types of input devices, such as a keyboard or screen reader.
• Understandable: Your site should be easy to read and predictable in its structure and function.
• Robust: Content must work across a wide range of assistive technologies, browsers, and devices.

These principles guide everything from color contrast and text sizing to coding practices and multimedia usage.

How to meet accessibility standards on your site

Making your website accessible can be easier than it sounds, especially when you’re using tools that prioritize inclusive design. Here’s how you can start:

• Use semantic HTML: Proper heading structure (like H1s and H2s), labeled form fields, and clearly marked buttons help assistive technologies understand your site.
• Add alt text to images: This lets screen readers describe visuals to users who can’t see them.
• Ensure color contrast: Make sure text and background combinations are easy to read, especially for users with visual impairments.
• Enable keyboard navigation: All features should be accessible without a mouse.
• Test your site: Use tools like WAVE or Lighthouse to check for common accessibility issues and fix them accordingly.

If you’re using a website builder, look for one like B12 that includes built-in accessibility features or lets you customize your site to meet WCAG standards.

Legal and ethical reasons to prioritize accessibility

Many businesses don’t realize that accessibility isn’t just about user experience—it’s a legal requirement in many regions. The ADA and other laws require businesses to provide equal access to their services, including online. This means that if your website isn’t accessible, you could be open to lawsuits or complaints.

Ethically, it’s also the right thing to do. Creating an inclusive digital space reflects well on your brand and shows that you care about your entire audience. Plus, accessible sites tend to be more user-friendly overall, which can boost engagement and conversions.

FAQs about accessibility standards

What are accessibility standards in web design?

Accessibility standards are a set of guidelines that ensure websites can be accessed and used by people with disabilities. These include visual, hearing, mobility, and cognitive impairments. Standards like the WCAG help web developers structure content in ways that assistive technologies can understand and interact with.

Why is accessibility important for SEO?

Accessibility and SEO go hand-in-hand. Clear structure, descriptive alt text, and semantic HTML not only help people using assistive tech but also improve how search engines read and rank your content. An accessible site is often a well-optimized site.

How can I test my website for accessibility issues?

There are several free tools you can use to audit your website, such as WAVE, Axe, and Lighthouse. These tools highlight common accessibility problems, like missing alt text or poor color contrast. You can also manually test your site using only a keyboard or screen reader to simulate different user experiences.

What’s the difference between WCAG and ADA?

The WCAG is a technical guideline outlining how to make websites accessible. The ADA is a U.S. civil rights law that requires equal access to public spaces—including digital ones. WCAG is often used as the standard for ADA compliance.

Do I need to hire a developer to make my site accessible?

Not necessarily. While complex fixes may require a developer, many basic changes can be made using a good website builder or content management system. Some platforms even include AI tools to check for accessibility issues as you build.

Build a website that meets accessibility standards from the start

If you're not sure where to begin with accessibility, you're not alone. Many business owners want an inclusive site but feel overwhelmed by the technical details. The good news is, B12’s AI website builder helps you create a professional, accessible website quickly—no coding or accessibility expertise required. Sign up today and build a site that works for everyone.