Overview
Is your WordPress website usable by everyone – including people with disabilities? If you haven’t thought about accessibility yet, you’re missing out on visitors and risking compliance issues. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make your site accessible, with real steps you can take today. Whether you’re a developer or a business owner, this is your roadmap to a site that’s inclusive, user-friendly, and future-proof. And if you ever feel lost or need hands-on help, I’m here to assist you one-on-one.
1. Understand What Web Accessibility Means
Web accessibility means designing your site so everyone can navigate and understand it, regardless of disability. It involves visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive considerations. The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is the gold standard for accessibility practices.
2. Choose an Accessibility-Ready Theme
Start with a theme that supports accessibility out of the box. Search for “accessibility-ready” in the WordPress theme repository. Popular options include Astra, Neve, and Twenty Twenty-One. These themes follow semantic HTML and support keyboard navigation, proper contrast, and screen reader compatibility.
3. Use Semantic HTML and Headings
Structure your content with clear heading hierarchies (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to guide both users and screen readers. Avoid using headings for styling. Use HTML tags correctly to create lists, buttons, and links.
4. Provide Alt Text for Images
Alt text describes what’s in an image for screen reader users. Add it to every image uploaded via the media library. Don’t use “image of” or “photo of”—just describe the important part succinctly.
5. Test Keyboard Navigation
Your site should be fully navigable using only a keyboard (tab, enter, space). Make sure dropdown menus, popups, and forms work without a mouse. Plugins like WP Accessibility can help detect issues.
6. Use Sufficient Color Contrast
Text should be easily readable against background colors. Use tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker to meet WCAG AA (or AAA) guidelines. Avoid relying solely on color to convey meaning.
7. Make Forms Accessible
All form fields should have visible labels, error messages, and logical tab order. Contact Form 7 and Gravity Forms are both accessible-friendly when configured properly.
8. Use Accessibility Plugins for Assistance
Install plugins like WP Accessibility, One Click Accessibility, and Accessibility Checker to help you identify and fix issues. These tools can highlight errors, automate small fixes, and suggest improvements.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to follow WCAG 2.1 exactly?
While not always legally required, following WCAG 2.1 improves usability for all users and protects you from accessibility lawsuits.
Q2: Are accessibility-ready themes fully compliant?
No theme guarantees full compliance, but accessibility-ready themes give you a better foundation to build on.
Q3: Can I test accessibility on my own?
Yes. Use tools like WAVE, Lighthouse, or Axe. Also, navigate your site with just a keyboard to see how it feels.
Q4: Will accessibility hurt my design?
Not at all. In fact, it usually improves UX by encouraging clarity, consistency, and clean navigation.
Final Thoughts
Making your WordPress site accessible isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for serving all users and avoiding potential legal risks. Start with small changes and build from there. The result? A better experience for everyone who visits your site.
Need expert help making your WordPress website accessible? I offer consultations and implementation support to ensure your site meets accessibility standards.
👉 Schedule a call with me and let’s make your website truly inclusive.