--- title: Web Accessibility Guidelines description: These web accessibility guidelines help you rapidly understand what needs to be done, how compliant you are, and how to mitigate legal repercussions... image: https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1361250617.jpg --- - [skip to menu](https://blog.usablenet.com/web-accessibility-guidelines#nav) - [skip to content](https://blog.usablenet.com/web-accessibility-guidelines#main-content) - [skip to footer](https://blog.usablenet.com/web-accessibility-guidelines#footer) Test the accessibility of your website for free! Try UsableNet AQA. [Test now!](https://usablenet.com/automated-accessibility-testing-tool) Close [![UsableNet home](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/logo.png?width=429&height=62&name=logo.png)](https://usablenet.com/) - [Solutions](https://usablenet.com) ## Solutions [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) A managed service combining experts, technology and legal support to make your website accessible [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) Accessibility management and testing software for designers, developers, and testers [Accessibility Audits & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) Expert guidance and training to empower your team to create accessible digital experiences Explore which of our digital accessibility solutions is right for you [Watch a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/choose-a-demo?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1737658630173.1737669055746.199&__hssc=181257784.7.1737669055746&__hsfp=3011104808) - [Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Resources - [E-books & Guides](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) - [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) - [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) - [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) - [Tools](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Tools) - [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Essential Resources ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-1.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-1.png) [ADA accessibility lawsuit tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-2.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-2.png) [Checklist: how to achieve and maintain digital accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-website-accessibility-checklist) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-3.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-3.png) [Which remediation approach is right for me?](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ADA%20Primer.png?width=100&height=100&name=ADA%20Primer.png) [A Primer on ADA and Digital Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/a-primer-on-ada-and-digital-accessibility) The EAA is in Effect — Is Your Website Compliant? [Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) - [Who We Serve](https://usablenet.com/strategic-relationships) ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/e-commerce-accessibility-solutions) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) Close Open Menu - Solutions ## Solutions [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) A managed service combining experts, technology and legal support to make your website accessible [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) Accessibility management and testing software for designers, developers, and testers [Accessibility Audits & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) Expert guidance and training to empower your team to create accessible digital experiences Which accessibility remediation approach is right for me? [Take our Quiz](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz) - Resources ## Resources [E-books & Guides](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) [Tools](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Tools) [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Essential Resources [ADA accessibility lawsuit tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Checklist: how to achieve and maintain digital accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-website-accessibility-checklist?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Which remediation approach is right for me?](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [A Primer on ADA and Digital Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/a-primer-on-ada-and-digital-accessibility?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) The EAA is in Effect — Is Your Website Compliant? [Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) - Who We Serve ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-e-commerce-consumer-goods) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-europe) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) # Web Accessibility Guidelines **By** [UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1) on Jun 4, 2021 **Topics:** [Web Accessibility](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility) 0 Comments - - - ![image of web accessibility guidelines being referenced on a laptop by two brand managers](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1361250617.jpg) Unless your company has an accessibility advocate who is familiar with the WCAG 2.1 *before* you build your website, you may suffer that struck-over-the-head moment where you realize that your beautiful, carefully-planned website is inaccessible to people with disabilities. First, know you are not alone, and help is available. We've published an easy-to-follow roadmap to get you from point A to B on your [web accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/web-accessibility-your-roadmap) journey. You can get started right away by identifying your most prominent and quick-fix accessibility issues. These web accessibility guidelines will reduce your risk of lawsuits and immediately make a difference to your customers with disabilities. This is, of course, only the first step in the process. Think of it as accessibility triage. Let’s take a look at what's involved in this first stage, including: best practices, relevant supporting documentation, and common challenges to help you prepare. ## 1. Take Stock of All Digital Experiences  The first thing you need to do is take a close look at your entire digital profile, just as you’d take inventory of your store. Take time and carefully comb through all websites (including content behind gateways), mobile apps, videos (on all platforms), and PDFs available for download.  Compile a list of every digital access point your brand has for both internal employees and external customers.  ## 2. Establish a Representative Sample  To quickly assess the current state of your site accessibility and to flag major issues that your customers are most likely to run into, you want to start by choosing strategic samples of what to test and focus on. This should include your most-trafficked and most valuable pages, including the following:  - Your homepage  - Your page header and footer - Your navigation menus (and general navigation) on both desktop and mobile  - Top user tasks  - Forms and templates often used  - Core functions of your business that customers may need  The idea here is to test these high-value pages quickly so you can triage and address high-risk issues quickly. Jeff Adams, Director of Accessibility Operations at UsableNet explains at the 9-minute mark in this video and why the representative sample is an effective way to get started. ![](https://play.vidyard.com/DAYYstrj7nAtnMnWemhhBx.jpg) Alt-text: Screenshot from Webinar presented on March 10, 2021, titled, "Your Digital Accessibility Roadmap." (We've included the on-demand webinar in full, and you can [download the slides on this page](https://info.usablenet.com/on-demand-webinar-your-digital-accessibility-roadmap)).  ## 3. Perform 3 Types of Initial Accessibility Tests After establishing your sample, you'll want to run it through these three tests.  Have a [screenreader user](https://blog.usablenet.com/how-blind-people-use-websites) go through each page. Ask them to try to complete essential tasks like logging in, navigating to different features, and filling out forms.  Test using only keyboard navigation.[Hiring someone from within the disability community](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-increased-demand-for-user-testing-from-the-disability-community) to run both the screen reader test and test keyboard navigation is ideal for this purpose.  Use an [automated testing tool](https://usablenet.com/automated-accessibility-testing-tool). Automated testing for easy-to-flag issues that lawyers and plaintiffs may use to find low-hanging fruit for easy lawsuits. However, this is just to get started. It’s important to still run manual tests because [automated tests help, but they don’t catch all issues](https://blog.usablenet.com/do-ada-web-testing-tools-help-or-hurt-accessibility). [![→ Read how to build a complete Accessibility Testing Program in our free guide. ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3280432/6922792a-d0e2-49cc-8b05-64deb9a47db0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3280432/6922792a-d0e2-49cc-8b05-64deb9a47db0) Ideally, an integrated testing approach can be ideal, which is why we can facilitate automated testing and testing with users from the disability community. You can [read more here.](https://usablenet.com/services) ## 4. Train Your Teams  At this stage, you’ll have a clear report on what needs to be changed. It’s important to make changes quickly, [training your team](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-accessibility-support-services/website-accessibility-training) in the process.  If your UI isn’t keyboard-navigation-friendly, for example, your UI & UX team will need to make those adjustments. If your blog posts are all missing alt text, that’s something for your content team to address quickly.  You’ll want to resolve the big concerns immediately, and [train your teams on an ongoing basis](https://blog.usablenet.com/how-to-conduct-wcag-training-across-your-organization) moving forward. Web accessibility efforts will likely touch [most (if not all) members of your team](https://blog.usablenet.com/web-accessibility-what-issues-are-most-common-who-addresses-them), so be prepared to offer detailed training as needed. ## 5. Create Access to a Subject Matter Expert  As you’re rectifying issues and working to train your team, it’s natural that questions will pop up along the way. In order to speed up the process and ensure you’re maintaining accessibility on a continual basis, creating access to an expert in the field can help. [We've got you covered there](https://usablenet.com/services).  ## 6. Create Alt-Image Text & Video Captions  This is one easy-to-implement and easy-to-miss step towards accessibility that you don’t want to overlook. If your images lack alt-image text and your [videos lack either transcripts or closed captions](https://blog.usablenet.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-ada-video-lawsuits-in-2021) (or both), you’ve put yourself at high risk for an accessibility lawsuit. These are incredibly easy for automated software to find, and it also prevents major accessibility issues.  As you do this, double check your PDFs with Acrobat Pro to make sure that they can be read with screen readers, too.  ## 7. Document the Process  As you’re working through web accessibility guidelines, it’s important to document everything carefully. This not only keeps your team focused but also helps establish that you are working to increasing accessibility should a lawsuit arise. Here’s what you should consider documenting:  - Your [accessibility statement and policy](https://blog.usablenet.com/when-and-how-to-write-an-accessibility-statement-and-policy-blog) - An executive summary that states where your website and mobile apps stand in terms of budgeting and resource allocation - The items that need to be fixed, sorted by unique issues and components  - A compilation of initial feedback from user testers on major barriers and accessibility issues, along with initial audit results  - Where your team is in the training process  ## 8. Challenges FOR Web Accessibility GUIDELINES  It is common to run into challenges even just as you are taking these first steps. A few of the common challenges we often hear when brands start out on their own with accessibility include:  - Synthesizing issues from multiple tests can be overwhelming  - Integrating blind user testing feedback can require needed code fixes, which may require structural changes to the site; take this into consideration - Teams need to be able to recreate the issues to see how to fix them, which can be difficult; clear reporting from testing can help with this  - Determining which issues will be addressed by which team can be challenging; have a neutral third-party team member delegate - A lack of knowledge within teams about remediation and verification can prevent ongoing improvement, so having training and access to a subject matter can help   While identifying and addressing these issues can be challenging, it’s easier when you have [the right technology](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) in place and are working with a [partner with expertise](https://usablenet.com/services) and [years of experience](https://usablenet.com/about-us) that you've carefully [selected as your web accessibility expert.](https://blog.usablenet.com/how-to-find-a-web-accessibility-partner-and-skip-the-widgets) If you're ready to get started and would like to[ask a question](https://usablenet.com/contact) on best practices, please feel free to [contact us](https://usablenet.com/contact). For additional reading to guide you on your web accessibility journey, check out our e-book, [*"Web Accessibility: Your Roadmap to Building Inclusive Digital Experiences. *](https://info.usablenet.com/web-accessibility-your-roadmap) [![Cover - Web Accessibility Your Roadmap to Building Inclusive Digital Experiences](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cover%20-%20Web%20Accessibility%20Your%20Roadmap%20to%20Building%20Inclusive%20Digital%20Experiences.png?width=233&name=Cover%20-%20Web%20Accessibility%20Your%20Roadmap%20to%20Building%20Inclusive%20Digital%20Experiences.png)](https://info.usablenet.com/web-accessibility-your-roadmap) ![UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo%20150%20x%20150.png) ### [UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1) Founded in 2000, UsableNet created some of the first tools and platforms to make websites accessible and usable for all people. Starting out, we worked with government agencies as well as universities and corporations. Today, accessibility has become important to almost all companies. We provide accessibility solutions to Fortune 1000 companies, small and medium enterprises, government, and education organizations across industries including retail, travel, hospitality, food services, automotive, financial services, and healthcare. - - - - ### Related posts ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ![The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/The%20Low-Cost%20Moves%20That%20Strengthen%20an%20ADA%20Website%20Defense.png) [The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-low-cost-moves-that-strengthen-an-ada-website-defense) Jun 16, 2026 ### Sign Up for the UsableNet Blog ### Recent Posts ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ### Posts by Topic - [Web Accessibility (311)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility) - [User Experience (113)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/user-experience) - [ADA Lawsuits (45)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-lawsuits) - [ADA Website Compliance (38)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-website-compliance) - [European Accessibility Act (34)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/european-accessibility-act) - [Mobile Web (30)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-web) - [Mobile Apps (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-apps) - [Retail (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/retail) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Consultation%20Icon.svg) Need to improve digital usability, accessibility or performance? We can help. [Partner with us. Get in touch..](https://usablenet.com/getintouch?hsCtaTracking=34f54ed4-8696-43c9-b740-a3982b4b5d91%7Cf4246c48-bf25-487f-9058-34abb838058e) ## Page Footer ### Have a question? **Contact Us** [Book a Consultation](https://calendly.com/usablenet-accessibility/introduction?month=2025-02) [Watch a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/choose-a-demo) ### Solutions - [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) - [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) - [Accessibility Audit & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) - [Pricing and Plans](https://usablenet.com/pricing) ### Resource Library - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [E-Books](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) - [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) - [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) - [Test your website for accessibility](https://usablenet.com/automated-accessibility-testing-tool) - [ADA Monthly Lawsuit Tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker) - [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) - [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources?all=true) ### Who We Serve - [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) - [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) - [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-e-commerce-consumer-goods) - [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) - [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) - [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) ### Compliance - [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-europe) - [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) ### Company - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) - [LLM Resources](https://usablenet.com/for-ai-assistants) [Accessibility Support](https://blog.usablenet.com/support)| [Privacy Policy](https://blog.usablenet.com/privacy)| [Accessibility Statement](https://blog.usablenet.com/accessibility-statement)| [Diversity and Inclusion Statement](https://blog.usablenet.com/diversity-and-inclusion)| Accessibility Status | [Technology Patents](https://blog.usablenet.com/technology/patent) ## **Sign Up** for the **UsableNet Blog** Join our mailing list to receive email notifications when we publish a new blog, infographic, whitepaper or newsletter. Stay up-to-date on our insights, the latest tech news and digital trends. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "UsableNet", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1" }, "dateModified" : "2023-08-01T03:46:52.342Z", "datePublished" : "2021-06-04T15:10:43.000Z", "headline" : "Web Accessibility Guidelines", "image" : [ "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1361250617.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/web-accessibility-guidelines", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo_Black.png" }, "name" : "UsableNet Inc." } } ```