Web accessibility explained (and why it matters legally)
Web accessibility means building sites that everyone can use, including people with disabilities — those who can't see well, can't use a mouse, or rely on assistive technology. It's often treated as a technical afterthought, but it's three things at once: the right thing to do, a legal duty, and good business. Here's what it means in practice and why it matters.
What accessibility actually means
Around one in five people has some form of disability. Accessibility is about making sure your site works for them too — readable by screen readers, navigable by keyboard, legible for low vision, and usable by people who can't hear audio or distinguish certain colours. The widely used standard is WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), usually to "AA" level.
Why it's good business
- A bigger audience — you stop turning away a fifth of potential customers.
- Better for everyone — accessible sites are usually clearer and easier for all users.
- Better SEO — many accessibility practices (clear structure, alt text) also help Google.
- Reputation — inclusivity reflects well on your business.
The legal side (UK)
In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 requires businesses not to discriminate against disabled people, and that extends to websites — you're expected to make reasonable adjustments. Public sector sites have specific, stricter accessibility regulations. For private businesses, the risk is both legal and reputational: inaccessible sites have led to complaints and claims. It's not just good practice; it's a duty.
The practical basics
- Sufficient colour contrast so text is easy to read.
- Alt text on images so screen readers can describe them.
- Everything usable by keyboard, not just a mouse.
- Clear, properly structured headings and labels.
- Captions or transcripts for video and audio.
How to check yours
Free tools like WAVE or the accessibility checks in browser dev tools catch many issues quickly, and they're a good starting point. But automated tools only find part of the picture — a proper review involves actually using the site by keyboard and with a screen reader. If accessibility has never been considered, an audit will show where you stand and what to prioritise.
Common questions
What is web accessibility?
It's the practice of building websites so everyone can use them, including people with disabilities — those using screen readers, navigating by keyboard, or needing good contrast and captions. The common standard is WCAG, usually at AA level. In short, it's making sure your site doesn't exclude the roughly one in five people with a disability.
Is web accessibility a legal requirement in the UK?
For businesses, the Equality Act 2010 requires you not to discriminate against disabled people and to make reasonable adjustments, which is understood to include your website. Public sector sites face specific, stricter accessibility regulations. So while enforcement varies, accessibility is a legal duty and a real reputational risk, not just good practice.
Why does accessibility matter for my business?
It widens your audience (you stop excluding around a fifth of potential customers), tends to make the site clearer for everyone, helps SEO, protects you legally, and reflects well on your business. Accessible design is simply better design — it removes barriers that quietly cost you customers and expose you to complaints.
How do I make my website accessible?
Start with the basics: strong colour contrast, alt text on images, full keyboard usability, clear heading structure and labels, and captions for media. Free tools like WAVE catch many issues, but a proper review also involves testing with a keyboard and screen reader. Building accessibility in from the start is far cheaper than retrofitting it.
Let's talk
Let's talk about your project.
Whether you've got a clear brief or just an idea, tell us what you have in mind and we'll give you an honest recommendation — even if that's a smaller project than you expected.