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North Square completes an evaluation of Chelmsford Borough Council. We have worked for over 60 local authorities in the United Kingdom. View major clients, testimonials, and request references in our Client Portfolio.
(December 2011)
24 May 2009
In this article we explain 7 simple accessibility tests to carry out on a website. All 7 are very important in helping users with disabilities to comprehend a website's content. They are easy to check for, but carrying out the work for some tests could be time consuming. The article is aimed at anyone partly responsible for a website with at least some understanding of HTML and Cascading Style Sheets.
At North Square, we provide accessibility audit reports ranging from simple half-days to full, comprehensive reports. To find out more, please arrange a free demonstration.
Blind web users hear information from websites using screen readers, which attempt to read the intended visible content. Screen readers read text in the order that the code appears in the HTML document. Unfortunately, many pages structured in HTML tables are not conducive to screen readers because the order that they are coded means they do not make sense.
The ideal solution is to create pages using one of W3C's (Glossary: W3C) more recent XHTML specifications and Cascading Style Sheets. During development, it is essential to keep checking the template with a screen reader.
Unfortunately converting pages to XHTML and Cascading Style Sheets is a massive undertaking. Many developers convert their pages gradually using W3C's HTML 4 Transitional Specification. However, part transformation using a Transitional specification can be counter productive because at some stage, those pages will need revisiting for complete conversion. For more information, please see XHTML and HTML Doctypes: Which should I use?.
Alternative text must be written for images that communicate a purpose. An example of alternative text is:
<img src="manhattan.jpg" alt="Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn Bridge" />
The key to writing good alternative text is to think of how the image would be best described to someone who cannot see it. Alternative text should be succinct and accurate.
Colours must be sufficiently contrasted to enable those with poor eye sight or those viewing the website in a poorly lit room to use the website efficiently. We are amazed to still see so many developers creating websites giving little regard for colour contrast.
Relative font sizes should be used to allow users to change fonts in their browser settings. You can use your web browser to check if your website uses relative fonts. In Internet Explorer 6 for example, select the 'View' menu at the top, then select 'Text Size' and finally select 'Largest'. Does the text on your website increase in size? If so, what areas increase? The aim is to have all text set to a relative font. Text that remains static has been coded in a fixed point size, e.g. point 12. Examples of relative fonts are:
We highly recommend adding a site map to help users navigate their way around a website. Disabled users often search for a site map before performing any other task.
Writing language that is easy to read helps everyone, but it is particularly helpful for users with learning difficulties, or those who do not use your website's language as their first language. Limit the number of words per sentence to 15 or 20 words if possible and aim to keep paragraphs below 70 to 100 words. Also use terse, positive speech (rather than passive speech) and keep the subject and verb close together.
Screen readers are not intelligent enough to understand abbreviated words and acronyms. For example, they will read UK phonetically, not as the United Kingdom. Therefore, developers must add the following code:
by David Miller
Website Analyst,
North Square Interactive
North Square Interactive is an online consultancy that delivers cost effective, best practice, Website Evaluation reports, Usability Testing, Website Competitor Analysis, Accessibility Audits, Browser Testing, and more. For further information about all of our services, please visit our Online Consultancy Index.
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