Information checked: 21 July 2026.
Accessible foundations are usually ordinary good web practice: meaningful HTML, readable content, keyboard access, clear labels and visible feedback. Start with the barriers that prevent a task from being completed.
In brief: Use semantic HTML and test complete customer tasks with more than one method.
Core checks
- One logical page title and heading structure.
- Descriptive links that make sense in context.
- Form controls with programmatic labels and clear errors.
- Keyboard access with visible focus and no trap.
- Sufficient contrast without relying on colour alone.
- Useful alternatives for informative images and media.
- Content that remains usable when text is enlarged.
- Responsive layouts without unnecessary two-dimensional scrolling.
Common misconceptions
| Misconception | Better approach |
|---|---|
| An overlay makes the site compliant | Fix the underlying content and interface |
| Automated score equals accessibility | Use several methods and human judgement |
| Every image needs descriptive alt text | Decorative images usually need empty alt; informative images need purpose-based text |
| Keyboard testing means pressing Tab once | Complete the whole task and review focus order |
| Accessibility is only for public bodies | Private services also need to consider disabled customers and reasonable adjustments |
Test a complete task
Choose one journey such as submitting an enquiry. Complete it with keyboard only, enlarged text and a screen reader spot check. Review instructions, focus, errors and confirmation.
Acceptance check
A basic page is ready when its content and controls remain understandable without a mouse, without colour alone and without seeing the original visual layout.
Content authors control many barriers
Editors can create inaccessible pages through skipped headings, vague links, images of text, complex tables or unexplained downloads even when the template is sound. Provide short authoring guidance and preview checks in the CMS workflow.
Records to keep
- Author checklist for headings, links and media.
- Approved table and callout patterns.
- Document and caption process.
- Escalation route for unusual content.
Owner test: Ask an editor to publish a sample article and verify that it remains understandable in a linear text and keyboard reading order.
Sources and date checked
This practical guidance was checked against the following primary sources. Legal duties depend on the organisation and service, so obtain qualified advice where the consequences are significant. Date checked: 21 July 2026.
Keep the decision under your control
Retain the relevant accounts, source material, supplier terms and recovery information. Recheck changing prices, interfaces and rules before acting.