Website accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought – it’s a key part of the digital experience design.
More and more services are shifting online, and as a result, businesses are expected to make their digital spaces inclusive for everyone, including people with disabilities.
However, while many teams understand the need for accessibility, implementing it can feel overwhelming.
What does a truly accessible website look like in practice?
Which features matter most?
And how can your team replicate them effectively?
Don’t worry – we’re giving you the answers through concrete, real-world examples of accessibility done well. We’ll highlight websites that demonstrate key accessibility principles, from keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility to proper alt text, captions, and readable typography.
Whether you’re a designer, developer, marketer, or product lead, this guide will help you understand what great accessibility looks like – and how to bring it to your own site.
Website accessibility is the practice of designing and developing digital content so it can be used and understood by everyone, including people with permanent, temporary, or situational disabilities.
This includes users who rely on screen readers, navigate with keyboard-only input, or need adjustable text sizes, color contrast, or transcripts for audio content.
Accessible websites make sure that no user is excluded, and support users in low-bandwidth environments, older adults, and those using non-standard devices.
The primary framework used to define and evaluate accessibility is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These internationally recognized standards are built around four key principles: content must be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).
Accessible websites aren’t just more inclusive – they’re also easier to navigate, more SEO-friendly, and often more usable for everyone. That’s why accessibility is now considered a cornerstone of good digital experience design.
Accessibility matters because the web is a critical part of everyday life – and it should be usable by everyone.
Excluding users with disabilities from digital services can create real-world barriers to banking, healthcare, education, and employment.
For many people with disabilities, the internet offers independence and access, but only if digital experiences are built to be inclusive. Whether it’s a lack of alt text, unreadable font sizes, or navigation that doesn’t work with a keyboard, even oversights that seem minor can have a significant impact.
Beyond the human case, accessibility also brings clear business benefits. Inclusive websites offer a better user experience, reduce bounce rates, and improve SEO performance. Accessible code and content often align with search engine best practices, making your site easier to find and navigate.
And then there’s compliance: regulatory frameworks like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the European Accessibility Act (EAA) impose legal obligations – and potential penalties – for inaccessible digital platforms. It’s important to remember that accessibility isn’t a niche concern. It’s a legal, ethical, and strategic priority for any business building digital products today.
Truly accessible websites follow well-established principles that support users with a wide range of needs. Let’s take a look at some of the most critical accessibility features, with practical notes on implementation (of course).
Not all users rely on a mouse – some navigate using a keyboard, switch device, or assistive tech. Ensure that all interactive elements (buttons, forms, links) can be accessed via the Tab key and that focus indicators are clearly visible.
Alt text provides screen reader users with image descriptions. It’s essential for conveying information visually and supporting users with vision loss.
Videos should have closed captions for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, and transcripts should be available for audio content.
Make sure foreground and background colors have sufficient contrast – aim for a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for body text.
Text should scale without breaking the layout. Make sure you’re supporting user-adjustable fonts or offer toggle settings to improve readability.
Use semantic HTML, proper ARIA labels, and structured heading hierarchies so screen readers can interpret the content logically.
Label fields properly, provide clear instructions, and surface error messages that are both visible and announced via assistive tech.
Avoid vague labels like “click here.” Use meaningful, descriptive link text that explains the action or destination.
Understanding accessibility in theory is one thing, but seeing it in action is another. Here are five standout examples of accessible websites, each demonstrating best practices you can adapt to your own projects.
The UK government’s digital services site is a global benchmark for clarity, simplicity, and accessibility.
Here are the highlights:
Simply, it’s designed with a “user-first” mindset, prioritizing legibility and universal access.
Everyone loves the Apple brand – but the Apple site demonstrates how sleek design and accessibility can coexist.
Highlights:
Apple integrates accessibility from the start, rather than treating it as an add-on.
Whatever your thoughts are on the BBC, it’s long been committed to digital inclusion, especially in multimedia content.
Highlights:
The BBC serves a diverse audience and ensures everyone can access its content equally.
The NY Times combines rich media with thoughtful accessibility – in short, it’s hit the nail on the head.
Highlights:
The design is smart, making sure that accessibility is balanced with editorial storytelling.
Target became a poster child for accessibility after settling a landmark ADA lawsuit – and responded with real change.
Highlights:
Target’s proactive redesign proved that accessibility can be scalable in e-commerce.
Knowing what to fix is the first step, but it can feel like the biggest block.
Here’s how to identify accessibility gaps on your website and start addressing them – without needing to be an expert.
You can start with tools like:
These tools highlight common issues like missing alt text, poor contrast, or form labeling errors.
Automated scans catch a lot, but not everything. Supplement with simple manual checks:
Focus on user-impacting areas first: navigation, forms, interactive elements, and key content pages. Remember, you should aim to resolve blockers before refining enhancements.
Build accessibility checks into your design, content, and dev processes. Create reusable components, document standards, and test early and often.
Accessibility isn’t just a best practice; it’s a legal requirement in many parts of the world. Regulatory frameworks are evolving quickly, and failure to comply can result in lawsuits, fines, or reputational damage.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), websites are increasingly considered “places of public accommodation.” This means businesses – especially in retail, hospitality, and services – must make sure that their websites are accessible. Numerous high-profile lawsuits (e.g., against Domino’s, Target) have set strong legal precedents.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) requires many B2C companies to make their digital products and services accessible by June 28, 2025. This includes e-commerce sites, mobile apps, banking platforms, and more.
Most laws reference the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) – specifically Level AA – as the benchmark for compliance. These guidelines provide a clear roadmap for improving accessibility across content, navigation, media, and interaction.
NOTE: Making your site WCAG-compliant minimizes legal risk and strengthens your commitment to inclusive, user-centered design.
Website accessibility isn’t only a checklist; it’s a commitment to creating digital spaces that work for everyone. As the examples above show, inclusive design can be elegant, user-friendly, and scalable, no matter your industry or audience.
By following accessibility principles, learning from real-world models, and using the right testing tools, your team can go beyond compliance and deliver better experiences for all.
You might want to improve an existing site or build something new – whatever you’re starting from, accessibility is a wise investment in usability, trust, and long-term success.