Accessibility issues can significantly affect how people with disabilities navigate and interact with your website. Accessibility isn’t just about compliance, it’s about inclusion. Fixing common accessibility problems improves the user experience for everyone, increases engagement, reduces legal risks, and helps you reach a broader audience.
Whether you’re a developer, content creator, or business owner, knowing and fixing these issues can make your digital content more usable, impactful, and legally compliant.
What Are Accessibility Issues?
Accessibility issues are design, content, or code-related barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully accessing or using a website or digital platform. These issues may impact people who are blind, deaf, have mobility challenges, cognitive disabilities, or use assistive technologies such as screen readers or keyboard-only navigation.
Failing to address accessibility issues can result in missed business opportunities, reputational damage, and even legal action under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 508 in the U.S. Proactively identifying and resolving these challenges is the smart, inclusive move.
Consider conducting a regular accessibility audit to stay on top of potential issues and compliance requirements. This will help maintain a high level of accessibility and avoid costly updates in the future.
The Most Common Accessibility Issues
1. Missing or Inaccurate Text Alternatives for Images
Alt text is a short description of an image used by screen readers. Without it, users with visual impairments miss out on key content. Every meaningful image should include concise, descriptive alt text. Decorative images should include alt=”” so screen readers skip them.
2. Insufficient Color Contrast
Low color contrast makes content unreadable for users with low vision or color blindness. For AAA compliance, aim for a contrast ratio of at least 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text. Use tools like WebAIM Contrast Checker to test your content.
3. Inaccurate HTML Heading Structure
Headings organize content for screen readers. Use proper <h1> to <h6> tags in order, and don’t skip levels (like jumping from H2 to H4). This improves both usability and navigation.
4. Missing WAI-ARIA Attributes
WAI-ARIA helps assistive technologies interpret web elements. For instance, using aria-label on a button with just an icon tells screen reader users what the button does. These attributes enhance HTML, not replace it.
5. Links Without Text Alternatives
Avoid vague links like “click here” or “read more.” Use links that describe where they lead:
Example: “View our accessibility services” instead of “More info”
6. Non-Accessible Forms
Common form issues include missing labels, inaccessible error messages, and unclear instructions. Every field needs a clear, programmatically linked label.
For AAA compliance, include:
- Error suggestions
- Confirmation pages before final submissions
- Ability to edit info before submitting
7. Overlays
Accessibility overlays claim to make sites accessible with a line of code – but they often cause more harm than good. They can conflict with screen readers and hide real issues.
Tip: They may help with minor fixes, but should never replace true accessibility development.
8. Lack of Keyboard Accessibility
Not all users use a mouse. Ensure every interactive feature – menus, popups, modals, forms – can be accessed and operated using only a keyboard (Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, etc.).
9. Missing or Ambiguous Link Text
Even when links are visible, unclear link names can confuse users.
Bad: “More”
Better: “Learn more about our accessibility audit process”
How to Start Fixing Your Accessibility Issues
Accessibility is an ongoing process. Here’s how to take action:
- Run an accessibility audit (use tools like Axe, WAVE, Lighthouse)
- Fix high-impact issues first: alt text, form fields, contrast
- Use plain language and keep navigation layouts consistent
- Add captions, transcripts & audio descriptions to all multimedia
- Train your team and build accessibility into every design/dev workflow
- Partner with accessibility consultants for long-term success
Final Thoughts
Accessibility isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. Fixing even a few key issues can open the door to a more inclusive, effective, and legally compliant digital experience.
Need help getting started?
Contact Accessibility Innovations for a consultation or full accessibility audit.
