Web accessibility is the practice of designing and building websites so that everyone can use them — regardless of ability, device, or context. It’s about ensuring your website works for people with disability, older users, people using assistive technology, those with poor internet connections, or anyone who needs a bit more clarity and structure to get things done.
At its heart, accessibility is about people. And it’s not niche. It’s everyday.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 5.5 million Australians identify as having a disability (around 21.4% of the population). Add to that people with temporary injuries, ageing populations, neurodivergent users, and people using devices in challenging environments (like a noisy train or with cracked screens), and the number grows quickly.
And yet, too many websites are still built in a way that excludes people.
“The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.”
– Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web
Why web accessibility matters
Accessibility is usability
If your website is accessible, it means it’s more usable for everyone. Accessible websites load faster, are easier to navigate, and work better across different devices, screen sizes, and input methods.
Making your site more accessible often improves:
- User experience (UX)
- Search engine performance (SEO)
- Conversion rates
- Brand trust and credibility
It’s the law
In Australia, the Disability Discrimination Act requires equal access to information and services. If your website isn’t accessible, you could be discriminating, even if unintentionally.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has released guidelines on equal access to digital goods and services, and references the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the standard. WCAG is an internationally recognised set of recommendations to make web content more accessible to people with disability.
It’s the right thing to do
Accessibility is about dignity, autonomy, and equal participation. When we build accessible websites, we’re saying: “You’re welcome here.”
A note on accessibility widgets
Accessibility widgets that float in the corner of a page offering text resizing, colour contrast toggles, and screen reader modes often promise quick fixes and rarely deliver. In fact, they often create more problems than they solve:
- They don’t fix inaccessible code or structure
- They can interfere with assistive technology
- They offer inconsistent experiences across browsers and devices
In many of the accessiblity audits we perform, things like missing alt text, improper heading structures, and contrast issues are almost always present. Accessiblity widgets do not address critical elements such as heading structure or missing alt text, and the contrast adjustments they provide are often unnecessary or excessive.
If you’re relying on a widget to make your website accessible, it probably isn’t. Accessibility should be built into your design and development from the start, not tacked on later with a plugin.
Who accessibility supports
Accessibility impacts more scenarios than you might think. Here are a few examples:
- Low vision — Needs sufficient contrast and text resizing
- Blind users — Rely on screen readers to interpret content and structure
- Mobility impairments — Use keyboard navigation or voice commands
- Cognitive differences — Benefit from consistent layouts and plain English
- Deaf and hard of hearing — Need captions and transcripts for audio/video
- Situational impairments — Like browsing on a cracked screen, low light, or with one hand while holding a baby
We all move in and out of different states of ability. Accessibility helps everyone.
Real-world examples
- A parent on a mobile at school pick-up can RSVP to an event because the button is large, clearly labelled, and works without zooming — even on a small screen with one hand.
- A person with ADHD can complete a funding application form because it’s structured well, avoids unnecessary distractions, and uses consistent, predictable layouts.
- A new migrant with English as a second language can understand content more easily because the website uses plain language, avoids jargon, and provides visual cues like icons or illustrations.
- An older person using a tablet with large text enabled can browse comfortably because the site supports responsive design and doesn’t break when zoomed in.
Accessibility and SEO
Search engines and screen readers both rely on structure. A page that’s well structured with:
- Proper use of headings (H1, H2, H3…)
- Meaningful link text (e.g. “Download eligibility guide” instead of “Click here”)
- Alt-text for images
- Descriptive page titles and meta descriptions
…is easier to index and easier to use. In fact, Google’s own SEO starter guide echoes many of the same principles as WCAG.
Improving accessibility can:
- Lower bounce rates
- Increase time on page
- Help your pages appear in more relevant searches
Accessibility and inclusive design
Accessibility is one part of a broader approach called inclusive design. Inclusive design is exactlry what it says on the tin – designing for the full range of human diversity.
Inclusive design means considering:
- Culture and language
- Age and life stage
- Gender and identity
- Digital literacy
- Location and connectivity
It’s not just about compliance, it’s about connection.
Getting started
If you’re just starting out, don’t stress about trying to fix everything at once. Accessibility is an ongoing journey. Start with the basics and build from there.
Check out our Website Accessibility Course for Content Creators – a non-technical, practical introduction to inclusive websites.
Final thought
Accessibility isn’t about checking a box. It’s about making space.
When you make your website more accessible, you:
- Invite more people to engage
- Reflect your values in your digital presence
- Improve your user experience for everyone
It’s good for your users. It’s good for your business. And it’s the right thing to do.
Now a digital veteran, Sam Hemphill initially trained as a drummer and high school teacher and spent 10 years as a touring musician and tour manager.
During that time, he...