Is your website inclusive from the first click?
Your website’s first impression can either welcome users in or lock them out.
This 12-point guide focuses on WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility standards — the level most organizations aim to meet for a balance of usability and compliance. (For context: touch targets must be at least 24x24 pixels at Level AA, while Level A has no minimum and Level AAA specifies 44x44 pixels).
Use these questions to uncover hidden barriers, such as cookie banners, pop-ups, and login prompts,
and see if your site’s initial interactions are inclusive for all users — including those with disabilities.
SECTION 1
Entry Points
1. Cookie Consent & Privacy Banners
- Can they be dismissed using only a keyboard?
- Is there visible focus when tabbing through buttons (“Accept,” “Reject,” “Learn more”)?
- Are all consent options equal in size, contrast, and hierarchy (no “dark patterns”)?
- Are banner elements announced clearly by screen readers when they appear?
2. Pop-Ups & Modals
- Does focus stay inside the modal until it’s closed?
- Can it be closed via ESC key, X button, or keyboard tabbing?
- Does focus return logically to the page element that triggered it?
- Are modal elements announced clearly by screen readers upon activation?
3. Login & Account Creation
- Are all form fields labeled for screen readers?
- Does tab order follow the visual layout?
- Are error messages specific, announced aloud by assistive tech, easy to find visually, and not indicated by color alone (e.g., red text shouldn’t be the only sign of an error)?
SECTION 2
Visual & Interaction Basics
4. Color Contrast
- Is text-to-background contrast at least 4.5:1 (WCAG AA standard)?
- Are interactive elements (links, buttons, icons) visually distinguishable even without color?
5. Motion & Animation
- Can users reduce or disable animations?
- Do pop-ups or banners auto-dismiss before users with slower navigation can respond?
6. Mobile Accessibility
- Are touch targets at least 24×24 px or have enough padding?
- Do interactive elements respond correctly to screen readers on iOS and Android?
SECTION 3
Navigation & Structure
7. Keyboard Navigation
- Can every page element be accessed using Tab, Enter, and Spacebar only?
- Is there a visible focus indicator at all times?
8. Skip Links & Headings
- Is there a “Skip to Main Content” link for keyboard users?
- Are headings structured logically (H1 → H2 → H3) to convey hierarchy?
9. Screen Reader Compatibility
- Have you tested pages with NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver?
- Are menus, form labels, and buttons announced clearly?
SECTION 4
Legal & Experience Layers
10. CAPTCHA & Authentication
- Do you offer accessible CAPTCHA alternatives (e.g., logic puzzle, SMS code)?
- Is multi-factor authentication screen-reader compatible and time-flexible?
11. Accessibility of Legal Texts & Privacy Flows
- Is your cookie/privacy language written in plain English?
- Are all links in your policy pages keyboard and screen-reader friendly?
12. Performance & Stability
- Does your page load quickly (under 2.5 seconds LCP)?
- Are modals, menus, and forms stable — no layout shifts that break focus order?
Scoring Your Results
Each numbered section counts as 1 point only if all items within it are checked “yes.”Add up your total to see where your site stands:
- 10–12 points: You’re leading in accessibility — but still schedule a full audit to catch edge cases.
- 6–9 points: You’re compliant in parts — real users may still struggle with navigation or interaction.
- 0–5 points: It’s time for a deeper audit — these barriers are likely costing you users (and conversions).
Audit Your Accessibility
Even small fixes can dramatically improve user experience and reduce legal risk.
Concord’s Accessibility Audit identifies your biggest opportunities with clear, prioritized recommendations from quick wins to long-term strategy.
