As the founder of Aubergine and author of the NALC Web Accessibility & Publishing Guidebook, I recently had the privilege of speaking at an event focused on web accessibility and compliance. The session highlighted the upcoming changes to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines  (WCAG) for parish & town councils and practical steps councils can take to ensure their websites are accessible to all. Here, I’d like to share some key insights and advice from the event to help councils navigate the landscape of web accessibility.

The Importance of Web Accessibility

Web accessibility ensures that all individuals, including those with disabilities, can access and interact with online content. It’s not just a regulatory requirement; it’s the right thing to do. One in five members of our communities faces challenges using standard websites due to various disabilities. By making our council websites accessible, we can engage with an additional 20% of our community, providing them with the information they are legally entitled to access.

Common Pitfalls in Web Accessibility

Many councils believe that their websites are compliant simply because they look modern or feature accessibility widgets. However, these widgets often fall short, only addressing surface-level issues like font size and contrast. True accessibility requires building the site correctly from the ground up, ensuring it works seamlessly with assistive technologies like screen readers.But manual checks are also as important - reading the text and information on the page to ensure it makes sense and is written in plain English with few technical terms and jargon.

Practical Tips for Improving Web Accessibility

1. Specify Accessibility from the Start: When commissioning a new website, specify that it must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards, soon to be WCAG 2.2 AA. This ensures the site is built with accessibility in mind from the outset.
2. Use Descriptive Link Text: Avoid vague terms like “click here” or “read more.” Instead, use descriptive text that tells users exactly what to expect, such as “Parish Council Minutes September 2023 PDF.”
3. Adding Alt Text for Images: Every image on your site should have alternative text describing the image. This is crucial for users who rely on screen readers. If images have text embedded in them, such as an event poster, making sure the salient information is also typed out on the web page so the screen reader can audible read it - the software cannot see words if they are images.
4. Consistent Layout: Ensure that common elements, such as navigation buttons, are consistently placed on every page. This helps users with disabilities navigate your site more easily.
5. Avoid Using Tables for Layout: Tables can be confusing for screen readers and should be used sparingly, primarily for presenting data rather than for page layout.
6. Structure Your Content: Use proper heading structures (H1 for titles, H2 for sections, H3 for subsections, etc.) to provide a logical flow that assistive technologies can follow.
7. Check Your Work: Utilise tools like the Wave by WebAIM browser extension to check your pages for accessibility issues regularly.
8. Get an Audit: Consider commissioning an accessibility compliance audit on your website to understand what issues you may have. Set a plan to work towards fixing what you can.

The Upcoming WCAG 2.2 Changes

Starting in October 2024, WCAG 2.2 AA standards will introduce new requirements, such as ensuring consistent placement of navigation elements and improving focus visibility. Councils should begin preparing now to meet these updated standards.

Beyond Compliance: Building Inclusive Communities

Making your website accessible is not just about ticking boxes for compliance. It’s about fostering an inclusive community where everyone can participate fully. By adopting accessible web practices, councils demonstrate a commitment to serving all members of their communities, including those with disabilities.

Final Thoughts

As we move towards the adoption of WCAG 2.2 AA, it's essential for councils to take a proactive approach to web accessibility. Regularly review and update your website, ensure that new content is accessible, and stay informed about the latest guidelines. Doing so not only keeps you compliant but also strengthens community engagement and inclusivity.

For those looking to delve deeper into web accessibility, I recommend exploring resources like the NALC Web Accessibility & Publishing Guidebook and the tutorials available on Aubergine’s website. Remember, accessibility is an ongoing process, and every step taken towards it makes a significant difference in the lives of your community members.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event and participated in the discussions. Let’s continue to work together to make our digital spaces accessible for all.

Useful Links

• Compliant website packages from £499+VAT
• Tutorials & helpful guides
• WAVE by Webaim accessibility page checker
• NALC Website Accessibility & Publishing Guidebook
• PDF accessibility checker

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Webinar on Website and Web Accessiblity Parish and Town Councils

View the 38 minute webinar youtube.

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Mark Tomkins
Founder, Aubergine
Author, NALC Web Accessibility Handbook

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