How to Build Accessible Web Sites

Building an accessible website requires planning and an understanding of how viewers interact with websites. A good organizational layout includes areas for navigational links to pages within a site, a header with the website's name, a clearly defined area for content (text, pictures and videos), and a bottom navigation area with links to information about the website.
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Step 1

Organize your pages with clearly defined sections---top, where navigation or header images go and typically where the site navigation is found; a middle section with mainly content, which can be further divided into smaller subsections; and a bottom section with copyright information and links to more information about the site. These are common sections for websites but may differ with the goal and function of your site.
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Step 2

Create easily accessible links that are at the top or side of every page. A navigation bar that is clearly labeled with names of links to the pages of your website is an invaluable way to make your site more accessible. The easier to identify and navigate to with a mouse, the easier it will be for viewers to access pages of your website. Also, ensure that navigation links appear on every page, not just the home page.
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Step 3

Use frames, lists and tables to structure content. If a site is content-heavy with text, pictures, videos, lists or links, it is a good idea to build tables to enclose and separate content for easier viewing. Tables allow for visually pleasing breaks that can be organized according to your design and style. Frames also allow for viewing "two pages at once" within a single Web page, where viewers can access content easily without having to flip between tabs or website windows.
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Step 4

Add titles to every page and descriptions for graphics and links. Good titles allow users to find the page and content they are looking for without having to go to multiple pages. By reading the descriptions of graphics or links underneath or next to the link (or as a hovering pop-up), viewers know whether or not they should click on the link to find what they are looking for.
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Step 5

Provide alternate content for scripts, plug-ins, video and flash requirements on a page, like a "simple text version" for less demanding bandwith. For Internet users not on broadband but who are using dial-up and other slower forms of connecting to the Internet, they may not be able to access sites with heavy video, picture or JavaScript applications. Designing a page that strips out those complex aspects and presents the content of the site in a text-friendly and simplified format can help those viewers access your site.