Definition
Accessibility basics are the core practices that make your website usable for people with disabilities, including keyboard navigation, readable contrast, and assistive technology support.
Key Takeaways
- Accessible sites are easier for everyone to use, including stressed families on mobile.
- Many accessibility improvements also improve conversion and usability.
- Start with basics: headings, form labels, contrast, and keyboard support.
Why It Matters for Treatment and Behavioral Health
Visitors may be in crisis, on older devices, or using assistive tech. Accessibility reduces friction and supports trust, especially on forms and phone buttons.
Treatment Lens: High-Impact Areas
Focus on contact flows: click-to-call buttons, forms, and navigation. Ensure form fields have labels, error messages are clear, and the page can be used without a mouse.
A Simple Starter Checklist
Use one H1, logical headings, descriptive link text, alt text for meaningful images, and sufficient color contrast. Test with keyboard only and a basic screen reader check.
Common Mistakes
- Using placeholder text instead of labels in forms.
- Relying on color alone to convey meaning.
- Creating buttons that are not reachable by keyboard.
Related Terms
Alt Attributes, User Experience (UX), HIPAA-Friendly Forms, Page Speed
FAQ
Is accessibility only a legal issue?
It is also a usability issue. Accessible design often improves conversion and user satisfaction.
Do we need a full audit right away?
Start with basics, then consider a more complete audit if your site is large or complex.
Will accessibility changes hurt design?
No. Most changes improve clarity and polish.
If you want a site that converts better and works for more people, we can implement accessibility basics on your highest-converting pages first.