Wheelchairs and Websites: Web Accessibility
A few years ago, my husband and I took a trip to Las Vegas and decided to go on the Hoover Dam tour.
It started off like any other sightseeing adventure — until my knee decided it had other plans. One wrong step, and suddenly I was in a wheelchair for the rest of the tour, with my very patient husband pushing me through the crowds.
I’ll spare you the dramatic details, but what stuck with me wasn’t the pain. It was the perspective.
Being in a wheelchair, even temporarily, completely changed how I interacted with my surroundings. Things that normally seemed simple — moving through a door, reading a sign, or finding a ramp — suddenly required thought and help.
And as a web developer, I couldn’t help but see the connection between physical accessibility and digital accessibility.
What Hoover Dam Taught Me About Websites
When the Hoover Dam was built in the 1930s, accessibility wasn’t a design consideration. Today, efforts have been made to improve it — ramps, elevators, signage — but the infrastructure wasn’t originally designed for everyone.
The same thing happens online.
The internet wasn’t built with accessibility in mind, and many websites are still created without considering how people with disabilities experience them.
From color contrast to keyboard navigation, small details can determine whether someone can use your site independently — or not at all.
That day on the dam reminded me how many barriers exist for people every day, especially online. It also changed the way I approach my work as a developer.
At Graybill Codeworks, we believe accessibility isn’t a “bonus feature.” It’s part of good, human-centered design.
What Is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility means making sure your website can be used by everyone — including people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities.
In the U.S., accessibility isn’t just a courtesy; it’s protected by law. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act both require organizations, including businesses and government entities, to ensure their websites are accessible to all users.
Accessibility also aligns with international standards. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2), published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), outline how to make websites perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
In short: accessibility is not only ethical — it’s essential.
Why Accessibility Matters
In the U.S., more than 61 million adults live with a disability, according to the CDC. That’s about one in four people — and a large portion of your potential audience.
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance; it’s about connection.
Here’s why it matters:
- Accessibility improves SEO. Search engines favor sites with proper structure, labeled images, and fast performance — all accessibility wins.
- It improves user experience for everyone. Captions help people in noisy spaces. Clear headings help people scan. Keyboard navigation helps users with limited mobility and power users who prefer shortcuts.
- It protects your business legally. ADA-related website lawsuits have been rising steadily.
- It reflects your values. An accessible site tells your visitors: You’re welcome here.
8 Ways to Make Your Website More Accessible
You don’t need to rebuild your entire site to start improving accessibility. Many fixes are simple but make a big difference.
1. Enable Keyboard Navigation
Can users navigate your site using only their keyboard?
This is crucial for visitors who can’t use a mouse. Check that all menus, forms, and interactive elements can be accessed using the Tab and Enter keys.
2. Improve Color Contrast
Ensure your text color stands out clearly against your background. The WCAG recommends at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text and 3:1 for large text.
You can test your colors with free tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker.
3. Choose Readable Fonts
Avoid ultra-thin or decorative typefaces that make reading difficult. Use at least a 16px base font size and ensure your line spacing (1.5x or more) provides enough breathing room.
4. Structure Your Headings Properly
Use a logical heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3) so screen readers — and readers in general — can easily follow your content. Avoid skipping levels or using headings purely for visual design.
5. Label Form Fields Clearly
Every input field should have a visible label. Use accessible error messages and instructions that work for screen readers.
Example: Instead of “Error: missing info,” say “Please enter your email address before submitting.”
6. Add Alt Text to Images
All images should include alternative text describing their content or purpose. This helps users with visual impairments understand what’s being displayed — and it supports SEO.
7. Avoid Auto-Play or Auto-Rotate Media
Auto-playing videos, sliders, or pop-ups can be disorienting for users relying on assistive technology. Let users choose when to play, pause, or navigate media.
8. Don’t Open New Tabs Without Warning
Sudden tab or window changes can confuse users with cognitive or visual disabilities. If a link opens in a new window, provide a clear notice (e.g., “opens in new tab”).
Accessibility Is for Everyone
When we think about accessibility, it’s easy to imagine it’s only for a small group of users. But accessibility features often make websites better for everyone.
- Captions help people watching videos in noisy places.
- High-contrast text helps users on mobile screens in bright sunlight.
- Keyboard shortcuts make browsing faster for power users.
Good accessibility is good usability. It’s the web equivalent of building ramps — not just for wheelchairs, but for strollers, luggage, and everything else we all carry through life.
How to Get Started with Accessibility
If you’re not sure where to start, begin with an accessibility audit.
An audit will identify which areas of your website don’t meet WCAG 2.2 standards and provide a roadmap for improvement.
At Graybill Codeworks, we specialize in building and remediating websites that meet ADA and WCAG compliance. Whether you’re developing a new site or improving an existing one, we can help you create a digital space that works for everyone.
🌿 Pro Tip: Accessibility isn’t a one-time project — it’s an ongoing process. As you update your site, recheck your contrast, captions, and code to ensure they stay compliant.
Ready to Make Your Website More Accessible?
Your website should welcome everyone who visits — just like a good building welcomes everyone who walks (or rolls) through its doors.
Schedule a website accessibility audit with Graybill Codeworks today. We’ll help you identify barriers, implement practical solutions, and build a more inclusive web presence for your audience.