The Ultimate Web Accessibility (ADA) Checklist by QSeed Solution

Why Accessibility Matters

• About 1.3 billion people globally live with some form of disability.
  
  
• Poor accessibility can make your site frustrating or even unusable for some users.
  
  
• An accessible website builds trust, improves SEO, and demonstrates social responsibility.
  
  
• Investing in accessibility now helps you avoid legal and reputational risk later.
  
  

QSeed’s Web Accessibility Checklist: What to Do

Here are the key items you should address to make your website more accessible:

1. Use Clear, Structured Headings
   
   
   
   • Organize content with proper heading tags (H1, H2, H3...).
     
     
   • Headings should reflect the content hierarchy and help all users navigate easily.
     
     
2. Provide Alternative Text for Images
   
   
   
   • Add meaningful alt text for every non-decorative image.
     
     
   • If an image is purely decorative, you can use an empty alt (alt="") so screen readers skip it.
     
     
3. Caption and Transcribe Multimedia
   
   
   
   • Provide captions for all video content, including live streams.
     
     
   • Include transcripts for audio content so that users who are deaf or hard of hearing can understand.
     
     
4. Enable Large Text and Zoom
   
   
   
   • Make sure your website allows resizing of text up to 200% without breaking layout or losing functionality.
     
     
   • Check that content remains readable and usable at larger font sizes.
     
     
5. Ensure Keyboard Navigation
   
   
   
   • All functionalities (like menus, forms, links) should work via keyboard alone.
     
     
   • Avoid requiring gestures (like pinches or swipes) for essential actions.
     
     
6. Label Form Elements Properly
   
   
   
   • Ensure every form field (input, checkbox, dropdown) has a descriptive label.
     
     
   • Labels improve navigation for users of assistive technologies.
     
     
7. Use Descriptive Page Titles
   
   
   
   • Give each page a clear, meaningful title.
     
     
   • This helps both users and search engines understand the purpose of each page.
     
     
8. Add Skip Navigation Links
   
   
   
   • Provide “Skip to main content” links so keyboard and screen-reader users can bypass repeated navigation.
     
     
   • This makes it faster to access the core content.
     
     
9. Maintain High Color Contrast
   
   
   
   • Use a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 between text and background for normal text.
     
     
   • For large text (18pt or more), a contrast ratio of 3:1 is acceptable.
     
     
   • Avoid relying on color alone to convey important information.
     
     
10. Avoid Flashing or Seizure-Triggering Content
    
    
    
    • Do not use content that flashes more than three times per second, this can trigger seizures.
      
      
    • If you must use animations, offer a way to pause, stop, or hide them.
      
      
11. Clear, Predictable Interactions
    
    
    
    • Elements (like forms or buttons) should behave predictably. Avoid surprises: don’t auto‐submit forms or change focus without warning.
      
      
    • Provide feedback when users make mistakes (for example, form errors), and be explicit about how to fix them.
      
      
12. Support for Language Changes
    
    
    
    • Use correct language tags (lang attribute) in your HTML when content switches languages.
      
      
    • This helps screen readers and other tools interpret content correctly.
      
      
13. Explain Abbreviations and Jargon
    
    
    
    • Define acronyms, abbreviations, or technical terms the first time you use them.
      
      
    • Use simple, straightforward language wherever possible.
      
      
14. Give Users Enough Time
    
    
    
    • Avoid strict time limits on user interactions (e.g., filling out a form). Some users need more time to read and make selections.
      
      
    • If time limits are necessary, allow users to extend them.
      
      
15. Consistent Identification of Elements
    
    
    
    • Keep buttons, icons, and navigation elements consistent in appearance and labeling across your site.
      
      
    • Predictability helps all users, but especially those relying on assistive tech.
      
      

Next Steps: How QSeed Solution Can Help

• Conduct an Accessibility Audit: We can run a manual and automated assessment of your site to spot accessibility barriers.
  
  
• Remediation Plan: Based on the audit, we’ll prepare a prioritized action list covering the points above.
  
  
• Build-in Accessibility: We’ll help you embed accessible design and development practices into your workflow, so you don’t just “fix once” you avoid future issues.
  
  
• Training & Support: QSeed can train your team, designers, developers, content creators, on accessibility best practices, making sure accessibility stays part of your culture.
  
  

The Impact of Being Accessible

• Better User Experience: Accessible sites are easier to use for everyone, not just people with disabilities.
  
  
• SEO Benefits: Many accessibility best practices (like good headings, descriptive alt text, proper semantic markup) align with SEO.
  
  
• Brand Reputation: Making your site inclusive sends a strong message: you care about all your customers.
  
  
• Risk Reduction: Following these standards helps you align with global accessibility guidelines and reduces legal exposure.