*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
Web accessibility is essential to ensure that everyone can use websites, including users with visual or auditory impairments and those with limited mobility. Content Management Systems (CMS), which allow non-technical users to manage and update websites easily, play a crucial role in making web content accessible. This article explores the relationship between CMS and web accessibility, and provides insights into how to create websites that are friendly to a broader range of users.
The Relationship Between CMS and Accessibility
A CMS helps manage and edit content, and many popular platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla offer accessibility-friendly features. However, even these systems may not fully ensure accessibility. The accessibility of a CMS is influenced by the following factors:
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Template Quality: CMS uses templates, and if they are not designed with accessibility in mind, issues such as improper heading structure or low contrast can make websites difficult to navigate.
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Plugins and Widgets: Many CMSs rely on plugins or widgets, which may not be accessible. This can result in issues with screen readers or difficulties with keyboard navigation.
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Content Creation Settings: It’s important that the CMS editor allows the creation of accessible content, such as providing alt text for images and clear descriptions for links.
Steps to Improve Accessibility Using CMS
To enhance web accessibility, it’s essential to focus on CMS settings and daily operations by considering the following points:
1. Choose an Accessible Theme or Template
Ensure that the theme or template you use is compliant with web accessibility guidelines like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Accessible themes are designed with proper contrast, readable fonts, and support for assistive technologies. Always check if the theme developer has considered accessibility in their design.
2. Use Accessibility Plugins
Most CMS platforms offer plugins that improve accessibility. For example, WordPress has plugins like “WP Accessibility” and “Accessibility Checker” that automatically identify and help fix accessibility issues. Regularly running accessibility checks will help you identify and address problems early.
3. Follow Accessibility Guidelines When Creating Content
Ensure that the content you create follows accessibility best practices, such as:
- Always adding alt text to images.
- Making links descriptive, so users know what they lead to.
- Using correct heading hierarchy.
- Properly marking up tables and lists.
Accessibility Considerations When Implementing a CMS
When choosing and implementing a CMS, it’s crucial to pay attention to the following accessibility-related considerations:
1. Customization Flexibility
The CMS should offer the ability to customize themes and plugins, as not all pre-built features will meet every user’s needs. Ensure that customization is easy and allows you to enhance accessibility when needed.
2. Multidevice Support
Accessibility isn’t limited to desktop users. A CMS should support responsive design to ensure accessibility across different devices, including smartphones and tablets. Make sure that the CMS’s design doesn’t compromise accessibility on mobile devices.
3. Regular Updates and Support
CMS platforms and plugins are regularly updated. These updates may fix accessibility bugs or introduce new issues, so it’s important to choose a CMS with frequent updates and strong support to maintain accessibility over time.
4. Education and Training
Implementing a CMS alone won’t improve accessibility. Site managers and content creators need knowledge of accessibility best practices to fully utilize the CMS’s features. Regular training on accessibility and the proper use of CMS tools is essential.
Accessibility Support in Major CMS Platforms
WordPress
WordPress is one of the most widely used CMS platforms globally, and it has a dedicated accessibility team working to improve theme and plugin accessibility. The Gutenberg block editor is designed with accessibility in mind, making it easier to use with keyboard navigation and screen readers.
Drupal
Drupal is known for its enterprise-level capabilities and strong support for accessibility. It includes built-in accessibility modules, making it easier to create WCAG 2.1-compliant websites. Drupal also offers many themes and features tailored to users with visual or motor impairments.
Joomla
Joomla is another CMS that allows for relatively easy creation of accessible websites. It offers extensions and tools for checking the accessibility of templates, and its simple HTML structure makes it easier for screen readers to interpret.
The Need for Continuous Accessibility Maintenance
Even after building an accessible website using a CMS, ongoing maintenance and improvement are crucial. Here’s how to ensure long-term accessibility:
1. Regular Accessibility Testing
Use automated tools to regularly check the entire site for accessibility issues. Combine these tests with manual checks for a more thorough evaluation.
2. Gather User Feedback
Collect feedback from actual users, especially those with disabilities, to understand their experience and identify areas for improvement.
3. Educate and Raise Awareness
Train your team on accessibility practices to ensure that accessibility is considered in day-to-day operations. This will help prevent accessibility issues from arising unintentionally.
Key Considerations When Choosing a CMS
When selecting a CMS for web accessibility, ensure it meets the following criteria:
- Availability of accessibility-focused themes and plugins
- Compliance with WCAG or other accessibility guidelines
- Developer and community commitment to improving accessibility
- Customizability and scalability to meet specific accessibility needs
Choosing a CMS that satisfies these requirements will enable you to build a website that offers a seamless experience for all users.
Conclusion
Choosing and managing a CMS with a focus on web accessibility is key to building websites that everyone can use. By selecting the right themes and plugins, following content creation guidelines, and regularly monitoring accessibility, you can significantly enhance the user experience. Popular CMS platforms like WordPress and Drupal offer extensive features to support accessibility, helping you build more inclusive websites. Ultimately, ensuring that all users can access your website is not just an added feature but a critical aspect of modern web management.
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.