Accessibility Issues: How to Understand & Fix Them

Can everyone use your website, regardless of their ability?

If you're unsure, you're not alone. Many websites today unintentionally create barriers for users with disabilities. Whether it’s small text, missing alt text, or confusing navigation, these accessibility issues can drive users away, and could even put your site at legal risk due to ADA non-compliance.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common web accessibility issues, explain how to fix accessibility issues step by step, and help you make your website ADA-compliant. By the end, you’ll understand not just what needs fixing, but why it matters for your users and your business.

What Are Web Accessibility Issues?

Web accessibility issues refer to obstacles that prevent users with disabilities, visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive, from accessing digital content effectively. These issues impact user experience, limit reach, and may violate legal accessibility standards like the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

Examples of Accessibility Barriers:

• Missing or incorrect alt text for images
• Poor color contrast between text and background
• Inaccessible forms and buttons
• No keyboard navigation support
• Videos without captions or transcripts
• Flashing content that triggers seizures

Why Fixing Accessibility Issues Matters

1. Legal Compliance

The ADA and Section 508 in the U.S., and similar laws worldwide, mandate digital accessibility. Non-compliance could result in lawsuits and fines.

2. Improved User Experience

Fixing accessibility issues ensures your website is usable by all people, leading to higher engagement, lower bounce rates, and better conversion.

3. Better SEO

Search engines favor accessible websites. Practices like using alt text and semantic HTML improve crawlability and ranking.

4. Wider Reach

An accessible website opens doors to a broader audience, including the 1 billion people worldwide with some form of disability.

Common Web Accessibility Issues (and How to Fix Them)

Here’s a practical guide to identifying and fixing key accessibility problems:

Issue	Why It Matters	How to Fix It
Missing Alt Text	Screen readers can’t describe images	Add descriptive alt attributes to all images
Poor Color Contrast	Users with visual impairments can’t read text	Use contrast checker tools like WebAIM
No Keyboard Navigation	Motor-impaired users can’t navigate	Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard-accessible
Missing Form Labels	Screen readers can’t identify fields	Use <label> tags properly linked to inputs
Inaccessible PDFs	Content in images/text can’t be read	Use tagged PDFs or convert to accessible HTML
Video Without Captions	Deaf or hard-of-hearing users miss content	Provide closed captions and transcripts
Inconsistent Headings	Difficult navigation for screen reader users	Follow proper heading hierarchy (H1 > H2 > H3…)
Focus Indicators Removed	Users can't see what they're interacting with	Keep visible focus outlines for interactive elements

How to Fix Accessibility Issues: A Step-by-Step Approach

Step 1: Run an Accessibility Audit

Use tools like:

• Accesstive
• WAVE
• Google Lighthouse (DevTools)
• axe DevTools

These tools can identify common violations and provide suggestions.

Step 2: Fix Low-Hanging Issues

Start with:

• Alt text for images
• Color contrast improvements
• Form label associations

Step 3: Implement ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications)

ARIA roles help assistive technologies interpret dynamic content. Use only when native HTML doesn't suffice.

Step 4: Optimize for Keyboard Users

Ensure all menus, buttons, and forms can be navigated with Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys. Avoid hover-only interactions.

Step 5: Test With Real Users

Nothing beats real-world feedback. Work with users with disabilities or professional testers who use screen readers and other assistive technologies.

Real-World Example: Domino’s Pizza Accessibility Lawsuit

Domino’s was sued because its website and app were inaccessible to blind users. Despite arguing that the ADA didn’t apply to websites, the court ruled in favor of accessibility. The case highlights the legal risks and reputational damage that come with ignoring accessibility.

Pro Tips for Long-Term Accessibility

• Make accessibility part of your development process—not an afterthought. Use accessible design principles from the start of any web project.
• Train your content and marketing teams on accessibility best practices (e.g., alt text, heading levels, link text).

Final Thoughts

Fixing web accessibility issues isn’t just a technical task, it’s about building inclusive digital experiences that work for everyone.

Whether you're aiming to fix ADA compliance issues or just starting your accessibility journey, taking action now protects your business and empowers your users.