*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
For visually impaired individuals, the web is an essential tool for obtaining information and supporting daily life. However, many areas of the current web still require improvement. This article explores what visually impaired users need from the web today and highlights important points for web developers and content creators to consider in order to provide a more accessible web environment.
1. Compatibility with Screen Readers
Many visually impaired users rely on screen readers to access web content, making compatibility with these tools crucial for web accessibility.
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Proper HTML Usage: Elements such as headings, lists, links, and forms must be marked up correctly. Proper markup allows screen readers to accurately interpret the page structure.
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Use of ARIA Landmarks: By using WAI-ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) landmarks, screen reader users can navigate the page more efficiently.
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Optimized Reading Order: The reading order should match the visual flow of information on the page. Care should be taken to ensure that CSS-based visual arrangements do not interfere with the screen reader’s reading order.
2. Detailed Alt Text for Images
Alternative text (alt text) for images is vital for visually impaired users to understand web content.
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Descriptive Alt Text: When an image is part of the content, it is essential to provide alt text that accurately conveys the image’s content or intent. For decorative images, use an empty alt attribute (
alt="") to prevent unnecessary reading. -
Complex Image Descriptions: For complex images such as graphs and charts, detailed textual explanations should be provided. If a lengthy description is necessary, consider adding it in the body text or as a caption.
3. Full Support for Keyboard Navigation
Many visually impaired users navigate websites using a keyboard. Websites designed with a reliance on mouse input can be difficult to use for these individuals.
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Keyboard Navigation: All interactive elements (buttons, links, forms, etc.) must be operable via keyboard. The tab key should allow users to logically navigate through the site.
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Visible Focus Indicator: It is important to clearly display a focus indicator so users can easily identify their current location when navigating with a keyboard.
4. Clarity and Readability of Text Information
For visually impaired users, text is a key source of information, and highly readable content is essential.
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Simple, Clear Language: Avoid complex expressions and technical jargon. Use straightforward language that is easy for everyone to understand.
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Adequate Font Size and Contrast: Ensure that the text can be resized without breaking the layout, and maintain high contrast between text and background to improve readability for users with low vision.
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Clear Link Text: Avoid vague link text such as “Click here.” Instead, use descriptive link text that clearly indicates the destination or purpose.
5. Accessibility of Audio and Multimedia Content
Audio and multimedia content are important sources of information for visually impaired users, and ensuring their accessibility is crucial.
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Transcripts for Audio Content: Provide transcripts for audio content to ensure that users with both hearing and visual impairments can access the information in text form.
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Audio Descriptions for Video: Information that relies on visual elements, such as actions or scene changes, should be supplemented with audio descriptions. This helps visually impaired users understand the content of videos.
6. Consideration for Error Messages and Assistance
When visually impaired users interact with forms, the way error messages are communicated is critical. If errors are indicated solely by visual changes, screen readers may not detect them.
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Clear and Helpful Error Messages: Error messages should clearly explain the problem and how to correct it. Ensure that error messages are displayed as text so they can be read by screen readers.
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Input Assistance and Real-Time Feedback: Providing real-time feedback during form entry can help reduce errors and improve the user experience.
Visually impaired users need a web environment where barriers to accessing information are removed, making the web easier to use and understand. Web content creators must recognize these needs and continually work to improve accessibility. Practicing accessible web design is essential to realizing a society where everyone can access information equally.
We have released the UUU Web Accessibility Widget Tool, designed to make web accessibility easy to implement. This tool helps improve the accessibility of websites quickly and efficiently, even without specialized knowledge.
If you’re interested in enhancing your website’s accessibility, please check out the details. We are here to support you in making your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.