Web Accessibility: Making Your Wix Site Compliant in Australia

KBwebs
Mar 7
3 min read

In an increasingly digital world, web accessibility is not just a legal requirement, but a moral obligation. Ensuring that your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, can significantly enhance your audience reach and improve user experience.

This blog post will guide you through the essential steps to make your Wix site compliant with Australian web accessibility standards, focusing on practical strategies and tools.

Understanding Web Accessibility

Web accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of designing websites that can be used by people of all abilities and disabilities. In Australia, web accessibility is governed by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, which mandates that public websites must be accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. By making your site accessible, you not only comply with the law but also broaden your audience and improve your site's overall usability.

Better user experience for all visitors
Increased audience reach
Compliance with legal standards

"Accessibility is not a feature, it's a social trend." — Anonymous

Key Accessibility Standards to Follow

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a detailed framework for building accessible websites. In Australia, following these guidelines is essential for compliance. The WCAG 2.1 outlines four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR

). Understanding these principles will help you implement necessary changes to your Wix site.

Perceivable: Information must be presented in ways users can perceive.
Operable: Users must be able to navigate and interact with the content.
Understandable: Content should be clear and easy to understand.
Robust: The site should work across various devices and platforms.

Steps to Make Your Wix Site Accessible

To ensure your Wix site meets accessibility standards, follow these actionable steps. Start by evaluating your current site against the WCAG guidelines. Use accessibility tools to identify issues, and implement changes accordingly. Focus on key elements such as alt text for images, proper heading structures, and keyboard navigation support.

Add descriptive alt text to all images.
Use headings to create a logical document structure.
Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard accessible.

"Accessibility is a journey, not a destination." — Debbie Dyer

Utilizing Wix Accessibility Tools

Wix offers a variety of tools to help you enhance your site's accessibility. The Wix Accessibility Wizard is an invaluable feature that guides you through making your site compliant. Additionally, using third-party apps and plugins can further improve your site's accessibility, providing options for text resizing, color contrast adjustments, and more.

Wix Accessibility Wizard: Step-by-step guidance.
Accessibility plugins: Enhance user experience.
Regular updates: Stay compliant with new standards.

Testing Your Site for Accessibility

After implementing changes, it's crucial to test your site for accessibility. Use automated tools like WAVE or Lighthouse to identify remaining issues. Furthermore, consider user testing with individuals who have disabilities to gather real feedback

. This step ensures your site is truly accessible and meets the needs of all users.

Run accessibility audits using automated tools.
Conduct user testing for real-world feedback.
Continuously update based on user experiences.

Key Takeaways

Web accessibility is essential for compliance and user experience.
Follow WCAG guidelines to meet accessibility standards.
Utilize tools and testing to ensure ongoing compliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making your Wix site accessible is essential for compliance with Australian laws and for reaching a broader audience. By understanding key standards and utilizing available tools, you can create an inclusive online experience.

Start your accessibility journey today! Evaluate your Wix site and implement the necessary changes to ensure everyone can access your content.