How to set up a digital publication for accessibility compliance

Accessibility compliance: it’s not just a box to tick; it’s your golden ticket to inclusivity, better SEO, and a larger audience. For magazine and news website publishers, making your site accessible isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also smart business. Ready to make your digital publication readable for everyone, from screen reader users to keyboard navigators? Let’s dive in, with a side of wit to keep things lively.

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Accessibility

Before you jump into coding changes, make sure you know what accessibility compliance actually means:

• WCAG Guidelines: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are your go-to manual. Aim for AA compliance—it’s the sweet spot between doable and impactful.
• Four Principles: Your website should be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (or POUR, if you’re into catchy acronyms).
• Who Benefits: Accessibility isn’t just for people with disabilities. It helps anyone who’s reading on a dodgy Wi-Fi connection, squinting at their phone in bright sunlight, or trying to navigate your site without a mouse.

Step 2: Audit Your Current Setup

You wouldn’t start a renovation without inspecting the house first. The same goes for your website.

• Run Accessibility Tests: Use tools like Axe, Wave, or Google Lighthouse to identify problem areas. Bonus: most of these tools are free.
• Check the Basics: Is your text legible? Are your buttons big enough to click without precision-level dexterity? Do your images have alt text?
• Get Real Feedback: Ask users with disabilities to navigate your site and share their experience. Nothing beats firsthand insights.

Step 3: Nail the Essentials

Accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with these key elements:

• Alt Text: Every image, chart, and infographic needs descriptive alt text. Remember, “Image1.jpg” isn’t helpful.
• Keyboard Navigation: Make sure every part of your site can be accessed with just a keyboard. Tab, enter, and arrow keys should be your new best friends.
• Text Contrast: High contrast between text and background isn’t optional. Test your colours to make sure they’re not creating a squint-fest.
• Font Size: Tiny fonts might look chic, but they’re a nightmare for readers with low vision. Aim for a minimum of 16px for body text.

Step 4: Tackle Multimedia Content

Multimedia is great for engagement, but it’s also a common accessibility stumbling block. Here’s how to fix that:

• Caption Videos: Every video needs captions—yes, even the “short and sweet” ones. Tools like Rev or Otter.ai can make this process easier.
• Provide Transcripts: For podcasts and audio content, always offer a full transcript. It’s not just for accessibility; it’s also great for SEO.
• Avoid Auto-Play: Nothing says “annoying” like a video or audio clip that starts playing without consent. Let users press play when they’re ready.

Step 5: Make Forms User-Friendly

Online forms are often the bane of accessibility. Here’s how to keep yours frustration-free:

• Label Everything: Every form field needs a clear label. “Name” beats “Field 1” any day.
• Add Instructions: Don’t assume users know what to do. Provide clear instructions, especially for tricky fields like “Password” or “Date of Birth.”
• Error Messages That Help: If a user makes a mistake, your error message should explain exactly what went wrong and how to fix it.

Step 6: Test, Test, and Test Again

Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done deal. Regular testing is key to keeping your site compliant:

• Screen Reader Testing: Use tools like NVDA or VoiceOver to see how your site performs for screen reader users.
• Simulate Disabilities: Tools like Funkify let you experience your site as someone with colour blindness, dyslexia, or motor impairments might.
• Accessibility Audits: Schedule regular audits to catch issues before they snowball.

Step 7: Educate Your Team

Accessibility is a team effort. From editors to developers, everyone needs to be on the same page.

• Hold Training Sessions: Teach your team the basics of accessibility and why it matters.
• Create Guidelines: Develop an accessibility checklist for content creators and designers.
• Encourage Accountability: Make accessibility part of your team’s KPIs. It’s easier to prioritise when it’s tied to performance.

Final Thoughts

Setting up your digital publication for accessibility compliance isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s about creating a website that’s welcoming, inclusive, and easy to navigate for everyone. By following these steps and embracing the principles of good UX, you’ll not only future-proof your site but also build a stronger connection with your audience. So grab that checklist and get started—your readers (all of them) will thank you.