Why Web Accessibility Should Be a Priority, Not an Afterthought

In today’s digital-first world, websites are not just for showcasing businesses—they’re essential touchpoints for communication, education, and commerce. But despite this central role, many websites in India still overlook a critical component: accessibility. Web accessibility ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can fully engage with your content. Making it a priority rather than an afterthought is not just good practice—it’s essential for social inclusion, better SEO, and legal compliance.

What is Web Accessibility?

Web accessibility refers to designing and developing websites, apps, and online tools so they can be used by people with various disabilities—including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments. This includes features like:

• Keyboard navigation for those who can’t use a mouse
• Alt text for images to help screen readers
• Proper color contrast for better readability
• Subtitles or transcripts for audio/video content

Why Accessibility Matters—Especially in India

India has over 26.8 million persons with disabilities (Census 2011), and the actual number is likely higher. With digital services growing rapidly—from banking to e-learning and telemedicine—it’s critical to ensure these platforms are inclusive. When you make a website accessible, you’re opening the door to a significant segment of your audience.

Inclusive Design = Better User Experience

Designing for accessibility doesn't just help users with disabilities—it improves usability for everyone. Features like larger click areas, clear fonts, and intuitive navigation benefit:

• Senior citizens with declining vision or motor skills
• People using low-end smartphones or 2G/3G networks
• Users in noisy environments or bright sunlight

In India, where digital literacy varies and affordable devices are common, accessible design naturally results in a better experience for the average user as well.

Accessibility Improves SEO

Search engines reward websites that are structured well and easy to navigate. Many accessibility best practices—such as semantic HTML, alt tags, and proper heading structures—directly benefit Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Google’s algorithms favour websites that provide a great user experience, which includes accessibility.

Legal Requirements are Increasing

India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates that both public and private sectors provide accessible information and communication services. As digital governance and e-commerce expand, non-compliance could eventually lead to legal repercussions or exclusion from government tenders and partnerships.

Builds Brand Reputation and Trust

Making accessibility a priority shows your business values inclusion and social responsibility. This resonates deeply with today’s conscious consumers. An accessible website also reduces bounce rates and boosts conversion by making it easier for all users to interact with your services or products.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Inaccessibility

Many websites become inaccessible simply because accessibility was not considered during development. Some common issues include:

• Missing alt text for images
• Videos without captions
• Non-semantic HTML (e.g., using divs instead of proper headings)
• Buttons without labels
• Color-only indicators (e.g., red = error) without alternatives

These may seem small but can completely block access for users relying on assistive technology.

How to Prioritise Accessibility From Day One

Instead of patching accessibility features after launch, integrate them into your design and development process. Here's how:

Start with Semantic HTML

Use proper HTML tags— and so on—to give structure to your content. This helps both search engines and screen readers understand your content better.

Follow WCAG Guidelines

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a comprehensive framework. Aim for at least WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance. Some tools like or Google Lighthouse can help identify accessibility issues.

Involve Real Users

Test your website with users who have disabilities. Their feedback is invaluable and often highlights issues automated tools miss.

Train Your Teams

Ensure your developers, designers, and content creators understand accessibility principles. Even basic awareness can prevent many issues from occurring in the first place.

Use Accessible Tools and Frameworks

Many modern web development tools like React, Angular, and WordPress offer accessibility plugins and guidelines. Choose themes and components that support accessibility natively.

Success Stories: Accessibility in Action

Some of India’s top digital platforms are leading the way. For example:

• IRCTC: Offers keyboard navigation and screen reader support for booking tickets.
• UIDAI: Ensures Aadhaar information is accessible in multiple formats.
• Paytm & Google Pay: Are investing in better voice navigation and accessible interfaces for blind users.

These examples prove that accessibility is not a barrier—it’s a bridge to more engagement and trust.

Final Thoughts

Inclusion should not be optional. Web accessibility is about equal opportunity, good design, and business growth. As India moves toward a Digital Bharat, ensuring that no one is left behind must be part of every digital initiative. By making accessibility a priority, not an afterthought, you're building a future-ready brand that’s ethical, inclusive, and scalable.

Don’t just build websites. Build experiences everyone can access and enjoy.