Web Accessibility: Tools and Best Practices
Web accessibility ensures that websites and online tools can be used by people with various disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological impairments. Beyond being a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, it's a moral imperative and good business practice.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The WCAG outlines four main principles:
- Perceivable: Information must be presentable in ways users can perceive
- Operable: Interface components must be operable by all users
- Understandable: Information and operation must be understandable
- Robust: Content must be robust enough for various user agents
Key Accessibility Features
Essential accessibility considerations:
- Text alternatives: Alt text for images, transcripts for audio
- Keyboard navigation: All functionality available via keyboard
- Color contrast: Sufficient contrast between text and background
- Resizable text: Text can be enlarged without breaking layout
- Clear structure: Proper heading hierarchy and semantic HTML
Accessibility Testing Tools
Resources for evaluating accessibility:
- Screen readers (NVDA, VoiceOver, JAWS)
- Color contrast checkers
- Keyboard navigation testing
- Automated testing tools (WAVE, axe)
- User testing with people with disabilities
Our Commitment to Accessibility
At Cerr Tools, we strive to make all our tools and calculators accessible to everyone. This includes keyboard navigation support, proper contrast ratios, and semantic HTML structure. We continuously work to improve accessibility based on user feedback and evolving standards.
Remember that accessibility benefits all users, not just those with disabilities. Features like clear navigation and readable text improve the experience for everyone.