Common WCAG Compliance Issues and Solutions

Zenyth

February 6, 2025

Over 90% of websites fail to meet WCAG standards, leaving millions of users excluded. Addressing common issues like low contrast, missing alt text, and poor navigation can boost engagement by up to 40%. Let's explore key accessibility problems and how to fix them.

5 Major WCAG Issues and Fixes

1. Fix Missing Alt Text (W3C Guidelines)

Alt text helps screen readers describe images to visually impaired users. Many websites neglect this crucial step, impacting accessibility. How to fix it:

  • Conduct regular audits to ensure all images have descriptive alt text.
  • Use concise but meaningful descriptions that convey the image’s purpose.
  • Avoid phrases like “image of” or “picture of” in alt text.

Related Zenyth Service: Accessible UX & Design

2. Improve Color Contrast (WCAG Contrast Checker)

Low color contrast makes content difficult to read, particularly for users with visual impairments. WCAG requires:

  • 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text.
  • 3:1 for large text and UI components.
  • Use contrast checkers to ensure compliance.

Recommended Product: Contrast Testing Toolkit

3. Enable Full Keyboard Navigation (WebAIM Keyboard Accessibility)

Interactive elements must be fully operable without a mouse. How to ensure keyboard accessibility:

  • Use tab and shift+tab to navigate through all elements.
  • Ensure focus states are visible and not hidden.
  • Avoid requiring a mouse for essential interactions.

Related Zenyth Service: Keyboard Accessibility Testing

4. Build Accessible Forms (WAI Forms Guide)

Forms should be clear, logical, and easy to navigate. Key improvements include:

  • Labeling inputs properly with <label for> attributes.
  • Grouping related fields using <fieldset> and <legend>.
  • Providing clear error messages and instructions.

Related Zenyth Product: Form Optimization Toolkit

5. Fix Heading Structure (Heading Best Practices)

A well-structured heading hierarchy improves navigation and comprehension. Follow these tips:

  • Use H1 only once per page.
  • Maintain logical heading order (e.g., H2 → H3 → H4).
  • Avoid skipping heading levels for stylistic reasons.

Related Zenyth Service: Design Accessibility Audits

WCAG Testing Methods: How to Maintain Compliance

After addressing common WCAG issues, the next step is ongoing testing. A mix of automated and manual testing is the best approach.

Automated Testing (Top WCAG Testing Tools)

Automated tools help detect technical violations in real time. Some of the best tools include:

  • BrowserStack: Runs accessibility tests across multiple browsers.

However, automated tools catch only 30% of accessibility issues. This is why manual testing is crucial.

Related Zenyth Product: Automated WCAG Checker

Manual Testing (W3C Manual Testing Guide)

Manual testing identifies usability issues that automation misses, such as:

  • Unclear navigation structures.
  • Poorly described images.
  • Keyboard navigation problems.

Related Zenyth Service: Manual WCAG Testing

Best Practices for Ongoing WCAG Compliance

Maintaining accessibility requires ongoing effort. Here’s how to integrate it into your workflow:

1. Build Accessibility Into Development

  • Define WCAG requirements early in planning.
  • Validate color contrast and navigation at the design stage.
  • Conduct code reviews focusing on semantic HTML and ARIA.

2. Schedule Regular Audits

Microsoft achieved 98% compliance by implementing structured accessibility evaluations (source). Regular assessments prevent issues from creeping in.

3. Train Your Development Team (W3C Accessibility Training)

Ongoing training significantly reduces accessibility issues. Key focus areas include:

  • Semantic HTML usage.
  • ARIA implementation.
  • Assistive technology testing.

Related Zenyth Service: Accessibility Training & Workshops

Conclusion: The Business Case for WCAG Compliance

Organizations that follow WCAG standards see measurable benefits:

  • 40% increase in user engagement.
  • 85% improvement in navigation and readability.
  • 92% reduction in legal risk.

To get started, conduct a comprehensive WCAG audit using both automated tools and manual testing. Microsoft, for example, achieved 98% compliance across its platforms using this dual approach.

Next Steps

  1. Identify and address critical accessibility issues.
  2. Implement accessibility best practices throughout development.
  3. Commit to regular evaluations and updates.

Need Help? Check out:

‍

Share this post