When it comes to digital accessibility, most organizations have good intentions. They want their websites to be usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. But despite these good intentions, many websites fall short of compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and laws like Section 508.

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about inclusivity, usability, and providing an equitable experience for all users. To help you get started on improving your website’s accessibility, we’ve compiled a list of the ten most common accessibility issues we see and how to fix them.

1. Missing or Poorly Written Alt Text for Images

Alternative (alt) text allows screen readers to describe images to users who are blind or have low vision. Unfortunately, missing or vague alt text is one of the most common accessibility failures.

Fix: Ensure every meaningful image has descriptive alt text that conveys the purpose of the image. Decorative images should have empty (null) alt attributes (alt=””).

2. Insufficient Color Contrast

Low color contrast makes it difficult for users with visual impairments to read content. WCAG requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.

Fix: Use tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker to ensure your text and background colors meet WCAG contrast requirements.

3. Lack of Keyboard Navigation Support

Many users rely on keyboards, rather than a mouse, to navigate websites. If interactive elements like menus, buttons, and forms aren’t keyboard accessible, it can create serious usability barriers.

Fix: Ensure all interactive elements can be accessed using the Tab, Enter, and Space keys. Avoid elements that require a mouse hover or click without a keyboard equivalent.

4. Inaccessible Forms

Forms often lack proper labels, error identification, and keyboard accessibility, making them difficult to use for people with disabilities.

Fix: Every input field should have a corresponding <label>. Use ARIA attributes sparingly and ensure errors are clearly communicated with text, not just color.

5. Missing or Improper Use of ARIA

Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) attributes help improve accessibility, but improper implementation can cause more harm than good.

Fix: Only use ARIA when necessary and follow best practices. For example, avoid using aria-hidden="true" on visible content, and don’t overuse ARIA roles where native HTML elements can suffice.

6. Poorly Structured Headings

Headings (H1-H6) provide structure and navigation for screen reader users, but many websites either misuse them or skip heading levels altogether.

Fix: Use headings in a logical order (H1 for the main title, followed by H2s, then H3s, etc.). Avoid using headings just for styling purposes.

7. Lack of Video Captions and Transcripts

Users who are deaf or hard of hearing rely on captions for video content. Many websites neglect to include them, making multimedia content inaccessible.

Fix: Provide accurate closed captions for all videos. For audio-only content, include a full transcript.

8. Auto-Playing Media Without Controls

Auto-playing videos or audio can disorient users, especially those with cognitive disabilities or screen readers.

Fix: Avoid auto-playing media or provide a clear way to pause, stop, or control volume.

9. Inconsistent or Confusing Link Text

Links like “Click here” or “Read more” don’t provide enough context for screen reader users.

Fix: Use descriptive link text that tells users where the link will take them (e.g., “Download the accessibility guide” instead of “Click here”).

10. No Skip Navigation Option

Without a way to skip repetitive navigation, keyboard users must tab through every menu item before reaching the main content.

Fix: Add a “Skip to Main Content” link at the top of the page, allowing users to bypass navigation and jump straight to the main content.

Final Thoughts

Fixing these common accessibility issues will go a long way toward creating an inclusive and compliant website. Accessibility isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process that benefits all users, not just those with disabilities. By prioritizing accessibility, you’re not only avoiding legal risks but also improving user experience and expanding your audience.

Need help auditing or remediating your website’s accessibility? Our team specializes in accessibility audits, training, and strategic consulting. Contact us today to ensure your digital presence is accessible to all!