Addressing website accessibility is not just a regulatory requirement; it's a social imperative. Nonprofits, in particular, must ensure their digital presence is inclusive to maximize their reach and impact. By tackling accessibility challenges, nonprofits can better engage donors, volunteers, and the communities they serve. In this post, we'll delve into common website accessibility challenges and offer practical solutions to overcome them. We've listed out 8 common accessibility challenges, and guidelines on how to fix them:
Alt text is essential for making images accessible to visually impaired users who rely on screen readers. Without alt text, these users miss out on important visual information. To fix this, ensure that every image on your website includes a descriptive alt text. This text should convey the image's content and purpose succinctly. For example, instead of writing "image of a dog," a more helpful alt text would be "Golden Retriever playing in the park."
Inadequate color contrast can make text difficult to read, especially for users with visual impairments like color blindness. To solve this, use a color contrast checker tool to ensure that the text stands out against its background. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Adjust your website’s color scheme if necessary to improve readability and ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
Unclear navigation can frustrate users and make it difficult for them to find the information they need. Simplify your website’s navigation by using clear, descriptive labels for menus and links. Implement a logical structure where users can easily predict where to find specific information. Additionally, consider adding breadcrumb trails to help users understand their location within the site.
A non-responsive design can alienate users who access your website from mobile devices. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly by using responsive design techniques. This involves using flexible grids, layouts, and images that adjust smoothly to different screen sizes. Test your website on various devices to ensure it provides a consistent and accessible experience for all users.
Forms are crucial for user interactions but can be inaccessible if not designed properly. To make forms accessible, label each field clearly and provide instructions where needed. Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) landmarks to inform screen readers about the form’s structure. Additionally, ensure that all form elements are keyboard-navigable to accommodate users who cannot use a mouse.
Multimedia content like videos and audio files can be inaccessible to users with hearing or visual impairments. Provide captions for videos and transcripts for audio content to make them accessible. Use descriptive audio for videos to convey visual information to users who are blind or have low vision. These steps ensure that all users can engage with your multimedia content.
Text that is too small or poorly formatted can be challenging to read for users with visual impairments. Use a font size of at least 16px for body text and ensure there is sufficient line spacing. Provide options for users to adjust text size and contrast settings according to their needs. These adjustments can significantly improve readability and user experience.
PDFs and other documents can be difficult to navigate for users relying on assistive technologies. Create accessible PDFs by using tags, headings, and descriptive text. Ensure that all interactive elements are keyboard accessible and provide alternative text for images. Use accessibility checkers to validate the document’s accessibility before publishing.
By addressing these common website accessibility challenges, nonprofits can create a more inclusive and engaging online presence. Ensuring accessibility not only helps meet regulatory requirements but also broadens your reach and impact, empowering all users to engage with your mission.
Whether you need a fully custom website built from the ground up, a few strategic updates to your existing site, or a complete digital overhaul, Tapp Network has the experience to bring your vision to life. We specialize in helping organizations of all sizes — nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies — enhance their digital presence with smart, scalable web solutions.
Explore how our website services can support your goals, especially when paired with our digital marketing and technology offerings. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a faster, more impactful, and user-friendly website.
This blog post was inspired by insights shared during one of our recent webinars, hosted in partnership with TechSoup. At Tapp Network, we’re committed to helping mission-driven organizations harness the power of technology — whether through AI, digital marketing, or strategic communications. Stay tuned for more resources, or explore our upcoming events and past webinars to keep learning alongside a community of changemakers.
Tapp Network is a marketing & technology firm serving nonprofits and organizations seeking to accelerate their social impact, capacity building, and revenue growth for good.
