Unlocking Web Design Accessibility

• New lesson editor
• ICT
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Unlocking Web Design Accessibility

What do you already know about making websites accessible?

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand the importance of accessibility in web design, recognise common barriers, and identify practical ways to create more accessible websites.

What is Accessibility?

Accessibility means designing websites usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. This covers visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological differences.

Why Accessibility Matters

Inclusive Experience

Legal & Ethical

Accessible websites reach a wider audience, improve usability, and enhance reputation.

Laws like the Equality Act 2010 require accessible web design. Ethically, it's about equal access for all users.

Common Barriers to Access

Barriers include poor colour contrast, missing alt text, keyboard traps, and unclear structures. These make websites hard to use for some people.

Principles of Accessibility

Focus on perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (POUR) web design. Each element ensures a site is accessible from multiple perspectives.

Simple Ways to Improve Accessibility

Use descriptive link text, provide image alt attributes, ensure sufficient contrast, and allow keyboard navigation.

Assistive Technologies

Tools like screen readers, voice input, and braille displays help people access websites. Good design supports these technologies.

Reflection

How can you make your own digital work more accessible? Consider one change you could implement right away.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.