Accessible web design is no longer optional—it’s a pure necessity in today’s digital-driven world.
Yet millions of people with disabilities face unnecessary barriers when browsing websites. That’s why accessible website design ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access the Internet and browse it without issues.
It’s important to note that this goes beyond legal compliances—it’s more about fostering inclusivity, improving UX, and expanding the audience.
Throughout this article, we’ll explore why accessible Chicago web design should be a priority and share some tips that can help designers create a website that is accessible to all users.
Why Accessible Web Design Matters?
Perhaps the strongest point would be to try to understand why web design accessibility matters. Here are a couple of compelling reasons:
Legal Obligation
One of the most important reasons for the existence of accessible web designs is that Governments worldwide are enforcing accessibility standards in the online world.
For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act require all businesses and companies to make their websites accessible to all users. If not done so, this non-compliance can result in lawsuits and fines.
Improved UX for Everyone
Accessible features on a website can significantly boost usability for everyone. For instance, clear navigation on a website can help users who are unfamiliar with the site navigate more effortlessly.
Video captions help individuals in noisy environments or those who prefer reading to listening.
Additionally, using a consistent layout and proper design elements allows all users to predict where they can access the information, significantly reducing frustration and enhancing their internet experience.
For instance, high-contrast text benefits those with visual impairments in brightly lit sections, making content much easier to read.
Audience Expansion
Moreover, somewhere around 1 billion people in the world live with some form of disability—which compensates for around 15% of the entire population.
Embracing accessibility in web design ensures that your website is usable for a significant number of users. For instance, accessibility helps older people who often face vision, hearing, and mobility challenges.
Businesses can boost customer satisfaction and loyalty since they feel included and valued. This commitment to inclusivity can also do wonders for their brand reputation, automatically leading to increased website engagement.
SEO Performance
Although many don’t know this, most accessibility features on your websites contribute to increased SEO. This includes adding alt text to images to improve search rankings and properly using H1 and H2, which helps search engines understand your content structure.
Overall, once web designers prioritize accessibility, they improve their visibility in search results and help the vast majority of people easily navigate the web.
7 Essential Tips For Accessible Websites
Now that we’ve explained the importance of having and maintaining accessible websites, here are 7 essential tips for web designers willing to take on the task.
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Provide Text Alternatives
Text alternatives make sure that non-text elements on your website are accessible to users who rely on assistive technologies.
This includes:
- Alt text
- Captions and transcriptions
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Use Semantic HTML
Moreover, using semantic HTML offers meaning and structure to your content on the website—making it easier for screen readers to interpret the context.
This includes using:
- Proper use of H1 and H2 headings
- Lists, Ordered (OL), or Unordered (UL) to group similar terms
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Readability Design
Readable content on your website helps users—regardless of their disabilities—especially the ones facing limited literacy.
This includes:
- Using simple language and short language and sentences
- Breaking up long paragraphs into smaller chunks with H2 and H3
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Color Contrast
Low contrast between background and text makes content on your website much more difficult to read—especially for those with visual impairments.
Fixing this problem involves:
- Using a minimum contract ratio of 4.5:1 for standard text and 3:1 for large text
- Avoiding colors to convey the meaning but using symbols and labels instead
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Ensuring Keyword Accessibility
Some users with disabilities can only navigate the website using the keyboard. This may be due to visual or mobility impairments.
Fixing this problem includes:
- Tab navigation
- Focus indicators, such as outlines around links, so people know which element they’re interacting with
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Responsive Design
Additionally, responsive design makes your website work well on all devices—from laptops to small screens.
This includes:
- Links and buttons that are large enough to tap easily
- Testing your website on different devices to confirm that this works.
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Reducing Motion Effects
Motion-based effects and even simple animations can sometimes trigger discomfort for users facing vestibular problems and motion sensitivity.
This includes:
- Allowing users to turn off animations through settings
- Avoiding auto-playing or flashing elements on your website
Conclusion
An accessible web design goes beyond meeting legal requirements—it includes a far better internet experience for every user.
By making your website inclusive, you show respect for diversity while at the same time boosting SEO performance.
Designers and developers have the power and responsibility to make this change. In the digitally driven world of 2025, it’s high time to make website accessibility a priority.
