Accessibility Matters: Optimising Your Website For Screen Readers
Summary
Something like a divider or a pattern in an image format would be described as “decorative”, but for more detailed guidance, you can refer to WebAIM’s Alt Text Guidelines. ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) landmarks help screen readers understand different sections of your webpage, especially on more complex sites. Ensure that users can tab through links, buttons, and form fields in a logical order, and that they can activate all features without needing a mouse. Break up text with headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs, making it easier for screen readers to navigate and for users to comprehend. Optimising your website for screen readers isn’t just about following best practices—it’s about putting yourself in the shoes of your users and ensuring that your content is accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.