Design Accessibility Isn’t Optional Building Sites for Everyone
Accessibility in web design isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. Discover why inclusive design matters and how Indian businesses can build websites that work for everyone.
In today’s digital-first India, your website is often the first—and sometimes only—touchpoint for your audience. But what happens when a potential customer cannot access your site due to a visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor disability? You’ve not only lost a customer—you’ve excluded a human being. Web accessibility isn’t a trend or a “nice-to-have” feature. It’s a fundamental requirement.
This blog explores why accessibility is essential, its benefits for Indian businesses, and practical ways to implement accessible design.
Why Web Accessibility Matters
India has over 26.8 million people with disabilities, according to the latest Census. Many rely on assistive technologies like screen readers, keyboard navigation, voice input, or high-contrast displays to use the web. If your site isn’t accessible, you’re locking out a significant segment of your potential audience.
Legal Perspective
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 in India mandates accessibility in both physical and digital spaces. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has also adopted WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), aligning with international standards. Not following these can expose your brand to legal action or public backlash.
Accessibility Is Good for Business
Wider Reach: An accessible website can be used by more people—including the elderly, individuals with temporary impairments (like a broken arm), or even someone accessing your site on a slow mobile connection.
Improved SEO: Google’s algorithms reward websites with clean code, descriptive alt text, and logical navigation—all key accessibility features.
Better User Experience: Accessible websites are simpler, faster, and more intuitive.
Positive Brand Image: Being inclusive demonstrates empathy and Social Media Marketing Services
responsibility, which Indian consumers increasingly value.
Common Accessibility Barriers
No alternative text on images
Poor colour contrast
Non-responsive or cluttered design
Buttons without labels
Forms that don’t support keyboard use
Missing captions or transcripts for videos
No skip navigation for screen readers
10 Practical Ways to Make Your Website Accessible
Follow WCAG 2.1 Guidelines: Focus on the POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.
Use Semantic HTML: Use proper HTML elements like ,
Add Alt Text for All Images: Describe the image for screen readers using the attribute.
Ensure Colour Contrast: Use a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text.
Enable Keyboard Navigation: All interactive elements should be reachable and usable via the keyboard.
Responsive and Flexible Layouts: Design for all devices using fluid grids and media queries.
Provide Text Alternatives for Media: Use captions, transcripts, and descriptions.
Label Forms Clearly: Associate labels properly with input fields.
Avoid Auto-Playing Content: Allow users to control audio and video playback.
Test with Real Users and Tools: Use NVDA, Google Lighthouse, or WAVE to test accessibility.
Accessibility in Indian Context: Local Language & Culture
Support Indian Languages
Website Designers
your content with clear translations and Unicode fonts to support Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and more.
Avoid Text in Images
Don’t embed text inside images. Use HTML text layers for readability and accessibility.
Account for Bandwidth Issues
Optimise files for users with slower mobile connections. Keep your website light and fast.
Tools and Resources for Indian Developers
Google Lighthouse – Accessibility audits
axe DevTools – Browser plugin for accessibility testing
NVDA – Free screen reader for Windows
WAVE – Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool
Color Oracle – Simulate colour blindness
Future of Accessibility in India
India’s Digital Marketing Services
revolution must be inclusive. Initiatives like Digital India, PMGDISHA, and BharatNet are connecting rural populations—but digital equality demands accessibility too.
Accessibility is not a design extra; it is a human right.
Final Thoughts
Designing accessible websites is not about adding features—it’s about removing barriers. In India’s diverse digital landscape, inclusive design ensures equal access, better usability, and stronger business performance.
So the next time you launch or redesign a website, ask yourself: Is this site truly usable for everyone, or just for the few?
If the answer isn’t “everyone,” then it’s time to rethink—because design accessibility isn’t optional anymore.