Making Your Website Inclusive: Simple Fixes That Make a Big Impact

Have you ever visited a website that was hard to read, confusing to use, or impossible to understand without watching a video? Now imagine that every day, if you’re someone with a disability.

That’s why website accessibility matters. Making your site more inclusive helps people with disabilities use your services and understand your content—and it’s easier to fix than you might think.

You don’t have to be a developer. You just need to know what to look out for and how to ask your team (or website builder) to make some changes.

Here are some simple, non-technical tips that can make a big impact.

1. Use Text That’s Easy to Read

Fancy fonts or light gray text might look stylish, but they’re hard to read for many people.

What you can do:

• Use clear, simple fonts (like Arial or Verdana)
• Avoid light gray text on a white background
• Use dark text on light backgrounds for better visibility

2. Check That Your Images Have Descriptions

People who are blind or have low vision use screen readers to “read” what’s on a webpage. But screen readers can’t see images unless you describe them.

What you can do:

• Add a short description to every image
• If your website builder has an “alt text” or “image description” box, use it
• For decorative images, you can leave it blank
  
  

Example: Instead of uploading a photo and moving on, add:
Alt text: “A smiling customer using a laptop and headphones.”

3. Don’t Rely Only on Color

Some people can’t see red and green, or other color combinations. If your buttons or instructions rely only on color, they might miss it.

What you can do:

• Add words or icons, not just color
• Example: Instead of saying “Click the green button,” say “Click the green ‘Submit’ button”

4. Add Captions to Videos

People who are deaf or hard of hearing may not be able to follow your videos without captions.

What you can do:

• Add subtitles or captions to every video
• If you’re uploading to YouTube, it offers free captioning tools
• Include a short summary of the video below it

5. Make It Easy to Navigate Without a Mouse

Some people use a keyboard or voice commands to move through a website. If your site only works with a mouse, that’s a problem.

What you can do:

• Test your site: Use the Tab key to move through links and buttons
• Ask your developer or site builder if your website is “keyboard accessible”

6. Keep Your Layout Simple

Busy, crowded pages can confuse people with ADHD, autism, or reading difficulties.

What you can do:

• Use headings to break up content
• Keep one main idea per section
• Use bullet points (like this!) to organize information
  
  

7. Add Text Labels to Buttons and Forms

If you have forms like contact pages or newsletter sign-ups, make sure each field clearly says what to type.

What you can do:

• Don’t rely on placeholder text only (like faded words inside the box)
• Add labels like “First Name,” “Email Address,” or “Your Message”
  
  

8. Ask for Feedback from Real Users

The best way to know if your site is inclusive? Ask people.

What you can do:

• Invite someone who uses assistive technology to test your site
• Add a contact form or email that says: “Notice something hard to use? Let us know!”

Why This Matters (Even If You’re Not a Tech Expert)

You don’t have to code to care about accessibility. A few simple changes can:

• Help more people use your website
• Improve your site’s search engine ranking
• Protect your business from legal risk under the ADA
• Show customers that you value inclusion
  
  

Final Thought: Start Small, Think Big

You don’t need to overhaul your website overnight. But you can start making it better for everyone—today. Accessibility is about people, not just checklists. The more inclusive your site is, the more people you’ll reach and serve.

Need help reviewing your website for accessibility?

We offer support, feedback, and practical advice without the tech overwhelm. Contact us.