Common Accessibility Issues

Explore the top 10 accessibility issues that our AI-powered tool checks for. Understanding these issues is crucial for creating inclusive web experiences.

Issue Overview
A quick look at the accessibility issues we check for
IssueImpactWCAG Criterion
Missing alt text on images
serious
1.1.1 Non-text Content (A)
Insufficient color contrast
serious
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (AA)
Lack of keyboard accessibility
critical
2.1.1 Keyboard (A)
Missing form labels
serious
3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (A)
Improper heading structure
moderate
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (A)
Ambiguous link text
moderate
2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (A)
Incorrect use of ARIA attributes
serious
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (A)
Lack of focus indication
serious
2.4.7 Focus Visible (AA)
Missing or inadequate page title
serious
2.4.2 Page Titled (A)
Missing language declaration
serious
3.1.1 Language of Page (A)
Missing alt text on images
Images without alternative text are not accessible to screen reader users.
Impact:
serious
WCAG Success Criterion: 1.1.1 Non-text Content (A)
How to Fix:

Add descriptive alt text to all images that convey meaning. Use empty alt text for decorative images.

Insufficient color contrast
Text with low contrast against its background is difficult to read for many users.
Impact:
serious
WCAG Success Criterion: 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (AA)
How to Fix:

Ensure text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.

Lack of keyboard accessibility
Interactive elements that can't be accessed or operated with a keyboard exclude many users.
Impact:
critical
WCAG Success Criterion: 2.1.1 Keyboard (A)
How to Fix:

Ensure all interactive elements can be reached and operated using only a keyboard.

Missing form labels
Form inputs without associated labels are not properly described to screen reader users.
Impact:
serious
WCAG Success Criterion: 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (A)
How to Fix:

Add descriptive labels to all form inputs, either using the label element or aria-label attribute.

Improper heading structure
Incorrectly structured headings make it difficult for screen reader users to navigate content.
Impact:
moderate
WCAG Success Criterion: 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (A)
How to Fix:

Use heading levels (h1-h6) in a logical, hierarchical order. Don't skip levels.

Ambiguous link text
Links with vague text like 'click here' don't provide enough context for all users.
Impact:
moderate
WCAG Success Criterion: 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (A)
How to Fix:

Use descriptive link text that makes sense out of context. Avoid generic phrases like 'click here'.

Incorrect use of ARIA attributes
Misused ARIA attributes can create confusion and accessibility barriers.
Impact:
serious
WCAG Success Criterion: 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (A)
How to Fix:

Ensure ARIA attributes are used correctly and only when necessary. Test with assistive technologies.

Lack of focus indication
Without visible focus indicators, keyboard users can't tell where they are on the page.
Impact:
serious
WCAG Success Criterion: 2.4.7 Focus Visible (AA)
How to Fix:

Ensure all interactive elements have a clear visual indicator when they receive keyboard focus.

Missing or inadequate page title
Page titles are crucial for orientation and should describe the page's purpose.
Impact:
serious
WCAG Success Criterion: 2.4.2 Page Titled (A)
How to Fix:

Provide a unique, descriptive title for each page that accurately reflects its content and purpose.

Missing language declaration
Without a declared language, screen readers may use the wrong pronunciation rules.
Impact:
serious
WCAG Success Criterion: 3.1.1 Language of Page (A)
How to Fix:

Specify the primary language of the page using the lang attribute on the html element.

Need a Comprehensive Audit?
Our AI-powered tool checks for these common issues, but a full accessibility audit can uncover more.

For a detailed evaluation of your website's accessibility, including expert insights and custom solutions, reach out to our team for a comprehensive audit.

Request a Detailed Audit

Learn more about web accessibility standards:

WCAG Guidelines