For small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), digital accessibility is no longer optional, but a necessity.
As more organizations rely on web applications to serve customers, employees, and vendors, ensuring accessibility has become essential to maintain compliance, reputation, and reach a broader market.
Whether you’re building an internal tool or a customer-facing web app, accessibility should be a core part of your development strategy.
What Is Web App Accessibility?
Web app accessibility refers to the practice of making web applications usable by people with disabilities. This includes individuals who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, voice controls, and other assistive technologies.
Accessible web apps ensure everyone, regardless of ability, can navigate, interact with, and benefit from your digital tools.
Why Accessibility Matters for SMBs
1. It’s the Law
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), websites and web applications are considered public accommodations. While the ADA doesn’t specify digital accessibility standards, courts often refer to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) when determining compliance.
Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits, fines, or settlements. In fact, digital accessibility lawsuits have been on the rise, with thousands filed annually in the U.S. alone. SMBs are increasingly targets of these suits—not just large corporations.
2. It Expands Your Market
Roughly 1 in 4 U.S. adults lives with a disability. By creating accessible digital experiences, you’re showing your company values inclusion and usability for all.
3. It Improves User Experience for Everyone
Many accessibility features, such as clear navigation, logical layout, and readable text, benefit all users—not just those with disabilities. Accessible design tends to be cleaner, more intuitive, and more user-friendly.
Legal Guidelines to Follow
To minimize legal risks and improve usability, follow these key standards:
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA: The most widely accepted benchmark for accessibility. It covers four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).
- Section 508 (for government contractors): If you work with federal agencies or receive federal funding, you must comply with Section 508 accessibility requirements.
- ADA Title III: Interpreted to apply to websites and apps, especially those connected to brick-and-mortar businesses.
Practical Tips to Improve Web App Accessibility
Whether you’re designing a new app or improving an existing one, here are some practical ways to improve accessibility:
1. Use Semantic HTML
Proper use of HTML elements (e.g., <header>, <nav>, <main>, <button>, <form>) helps screen readers interpret and relay content correctly.
2. Ensure Keyboard Navigation
Every interactive element—like buttons, dropdowns, and modals—should be accessible using only the keyboard. This is essential for users who cannot use a mouse.
3. Add Descriptive Alt Text
Images should include alt attributes that describe their purpose or content. This helps screen reader users understand visual information.
4. Provide Text Equivalents for Media
Videos and audio clips should include captions, transcripts, or other text alternatives so all users can access the information.
5. Use Sufficient Color Contrast
Ensure foreground text stands out clearly against background colors. Poor contrast can make it difficult for users with visual impairments to read content.
6. Label Form Elements Clearly
All input fields should have associated labels that tell users what information to provide. Consider using ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes where necessary to enhance screen reader compatibility.
7. Avoid Time-Based Actions Without Warnings
If your app includes sessions that expire, auto-refreshes, or pop-ups, be sure to provide warnings or controls for users who need more time to respond.
8. Conduct Regular Accessibility Audits
Use tools like WAVE, Axe, or Lighthouse to scan for common issues. Better yet, bring in accessibility experts (like Delta Systems) for a deeper manual audit.
Common Accessibility Pitfalls to Avoid
Even well-meaning dev teams can overlook accessibility without guidance. Watch out for these common issues:
- Missing form labels or error messages that aren’t conveyed to screen readers.
- Focus traps—where keyboard users can’t move past a modal or element.
- Inaccessible custom components built with divs instead of semantic elements.
- Relying only on color to convey information (e.g., red = error).
Accessibility In Everything We Build
From planning and design to development and testing, we ensure your web app meets WCAG guidelines and supports a wide range of users.
Here’s how we can help:
- Accessibility audits for existing applications
- Custom accessible component development
- Ongoing ADA compliance consulting
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA design implementation
For SMBs, investing in accessibility now can protect your business from legal risk, enhance your brand’s reputation, and improve customer satisfaction.
Contact Delta Systems today to learn more!