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Website accessibility checklist, 10 checks any business owner can do

A practical checklist of ten accessibility checks you can do yourself, from contrast and alternative text to keyboard navigation and an accessibility statement. An excellent starting point for any site.

06/10/20262 min read

You do not have to be an expert to spot the conspicuous problems on a site. With a simple checklist and fifteen minutes, any business owner can get a first picture of their accessibility state. The list below covers the ten highest-impact checks, the ones that are also the most common in lawsuits.

1. Accessibility statement

Is there a link to an accessibility statement in the site footer? This is the most common failure. If there is not, this is the first point to handle.

2. Color contrast

Is the text clearly readable against the background? Light gray text on white, or text over an image, are common contrast problems. The standard requires a ratio of at least 4.5:1.

3. Alternative text for images

Does every informative image have alternative text (alt) that describes it? A screen reader relies on this text. Images without alt are a conspicuous accessibility gap.

4. Keyboard navigation

Try to browse the site using the Tab key alone, without a mouse. Can you reach every link and button? Can you see where the focus is? Broken keyboard navigation excludes many people.

5. Form labels

Does every form field have a clear label? A "Name" field with no associated label is not accessible to a screen reader, even if it has placeholder text.

6. Heading structure

Are the headings on the site ordered hierarchically (H1, H2, H3)? A correct heading structure helps screen readers navigate the content quickly.

7. Names for buttons and links

Do the buttons and links say where they lead? A link that reads "click here" or a button with no name confuses users of assistive technology.

8. Language and direction

Are language (lang) and direction (dir) set correctly? A correct setting ensures a screen reader pronounces the content in the right language.

9. Text enlargement

Try enlarging the site's text to 200%. Does the content remain readable and usable, or does it break and hide information?

10. Animation and motion

Is there content that moves, flashes, or changes automatically? Uncontrollable motion harms some users and should be stoppable.

What to do with the results

Every check that failed is an item in your work plan. Start with the high-impact checks, statement, contrast, and alternative text, and move on from there. An automated accessibility check will complete the picture and show what else is hidden in the code.

Frequently asked questions

Can I check website accessibility myself?
Yes, partly. You can spot common failures yourself with a basic checklist and a keyboard test. However, a full audit requires both automated tools and a professional manual review.
Which check on the list matters most?
The existence of an accessibility statement, correct color contrast, and alternative text for images are among the highest-impact checks, because they address the most common failures.
Does the checklist replace a professional audit?
No. The checklist is an excellent starting point that spots the conspicuous issues, but it does not cover every requirement of the standard. Full conformance requires a comprehensive audit.

Sources

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