Have you ever considered how many potential customers might be leaving your website due to accessibility barriers? This isn’t speculation—according to the UK Click-Away Pound survey, 69% of disabled users leave websites that fail to meet accessibility standards. For Small/Medium Businesses in Orange County, CA, this can mean a significant loss of customers and revenue.
Here at Newport Solutions, we believe that accessibility is not just a compliance requirement—it’s a direct opportunity to serve more people and grow your business.
So, how do you ensure your website and documents are genuinely accessible? This guide breaks down simple, practical steps that make your digital presence more inclusive for everyone.
A website that feels intuitive to you may not work the same way for others. Some visitors rely entirely on keyboard navigation, while others use screen readers or voice-controlled tools. Observing how individuals with disabilities interact with your website can reveal usability issues you may never have noticed.
The best insights come directly from lived experiences. Ask users who rely on assistive technology to review your site. Watch how they move through pages, where they hit obstacles, and how they interpret your content. Often, small adjustments deliver big improvements in accessibility and overall user experience.
Visual accessibility is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of digital design. Millions of people experience visual impairments, color blindness, or low vision, and they depend on clear visual contrast and readable content.
Text should always be easy to distinguish from the background. Aim for a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal body text. Free tools—such as the WebAIM Contrast Checker—make it simple to verify whether your design meets accessibility standards.
Many organizations share information through downloadable files, yet PDFs and other documents are often inaccessible by default.
When exporting a PDF, ensure it includes proper tagging. Tags define structure—headings, paragraphs, lists, tables—which allows screen readers to understand and present content in the correct order. Always include alt text for images and review the reading order to make sure the document flows logically for assistive devices. A quick accessibility check before sharing ensures your content can be read and understood by everyone.
Not all users process information the same way. Some have cognitive disabilities, while others simply prefer concise and straightforward content.
Use clear, plain language. Replace jargon or lengthy sentences with simple explanations. Divide content into short sections with descriptive subheadings so readers can quickly locate what they need.
Your font choice matters too. Readable fonts such as Arial, Verdana, or other sans-serif styles improve clarity on screens. Choose a minimum of 14-point size for body text, and avoid styling choices like all caps or italics, which make words harder to interpret.
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Digital accessibility includes more than visual and cognitive considerations. Many users also have hearing or mobility-related challenges that impact how they interact with your website.
Always provide captions or transcripts for videos and audio content—both to support deaf or hard-of-hearing users and to help viewers who watch content on mute. Transcripts also help search engines index your material, giving your SEO a boost.
For users with mobility limitations, ensure your website can be fully navigated using only a keyboard. Buttons, forms, and links should be reachable with the Tab key. Avoid interface elements that require precision, such as drag-and-drop features or tiny clickable icons.
Accessibility is ongoing—not a one-time checklist. Each time you update your site, run accessibility tests to ensure all elements continue to meet standards. Include a feedback option so visitors can tell you when something isn’t working, and consider adding an accessibility statement to show your commitment and offer support contact information.
Analytics are also useful. If you notice sudden drop-offs on forms or high exit rates on certain pages, it may indicate usability or accessibility obstacles worth investigating.
For SMBs, accessibility may feel like one more item to tackle—but it’s actually a strong differentiator. Creating an inclusive digital experience shows you value all customers while also reducing legal risks, especially as standards such as the ADA increasingly apply to websites.
Accessibility and great design can absolutely coexist. A polished, modern website can still be fully accessible by choosing the right colors, layouts, and language that welcome every user.
Accessibility is ultimately about people—not just technology. It means ensuring that anyone, regardless of ability, can read your content, complete your forms, and engage with your business. For business owners, that’s the foundation of excellent customer service.
By making your websites and documents accessible, you reduce barriers and open new opportunities. Whether you’re checking contrast, adding alt text, structuring PDFs, or testing keyboard navigation, every step moves you closer to a more inclusive digital presence.
If you’re ready to create an accessible, user-friendly website that welcomes all visitors, we can help. Contact us today for expert guidance and let us help you build a modern, accessible website that works for everyone.
Further related reading found on our blog here https://newport-solutions.com/blog/project-chaos-to-clarity-how-microsoft-planner-transforms-small-businesses as well as how to manage your data here https://newport-solutions.com/blog/building-a-smart-data-retention-policy-what-your-small-business-needs-to-keep-and-delete
About Newport Solutions
Newport Solutions has been helping small businesses in Orange County, CA for almost 20 years. Our dedicated team provides comprehensive IT services, ensuring your business operates smoothly and efficiently. From IT support to cybersecurity, we've got you covered. Discover how we can become your business's IT department today.
We proudly serve the following areas: Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, and the greater Orange County region.