The Magic of Alt Text:
Nina’s Guide to Accessible Websites for the Blind
Nina manages to do both—in life and the digital landscape. Because Mary is blind, navigating websites depends on two technologies: screen readers and keyboard shortcuts. Nina pointed out how the web can be a great tool when it is accessible (those well-labeled links and navigation). However, when websites fail to focus on accessibility issues, frustration can increase exponentially.
For example, Nina likes to visit websites on how the website works with a screen reader and read every word from the top of the page to the drop-down menu. The simpler a site is to navigate, the happier it makes Nina as she searches, investigates, and converses online.
Blindness affects around 39 million people worldwide who rely on screen readers and other assistive technologies to navigate websites. For Nina, the key to a smooth experience is well-labeled elements, great alt text, and strong keyboard navigation.
Key Insight: Blind users like Nina depend on descriptive alt text for images and clearly labeled links and buttons to access your site’s content.
Alt text is missing or ambiguous: Alt tags for images, the content of which makes Nina wonder what they might depict. She uses them to help her make complete sense of visual elements.
Poor keyboard navigation: when a website can not navigate properly using the tab key or has an illogical order of tabs, it leads to serious usability issues with just Nina.
Non-labeled links or buttons: When Nina triggers a link role or button that doesn't have an appropriate label, she's left scratching her chin over where it might take her next and being annoyed for no reason++)
Good alt text: Narrative (not just descriptive) descriptions tell Nina about images even when she cannot see.
Proper keyboard navigation: Sites that frame the UX for Nina, allowing her to easily travel by simply pressing her way (effective tab behavior; ARIA landmarks) make everything work like a charm.
Forms that are accessible: The type of assistive information can come in form labels, field instructions, and focus management, as Nina helps fill out forms herself.
Descriptive link text: Place descriptive text in links and buttons, so Nina knows what they will do, such as "Learn more about web accessibility," not "Click here. " This will make her feel more confident about choosing where to go next.
Nina is all about efficiency! Posting guides on shopping online for groceries or even how to speed through her emails, and every trick in the screen reader book that is a shortcut.
Designing for accessibility from the start ensures that sites like this are built with users like Nina in mind, but it also results in a more straightforward site for all to use. Win, win—good for users and good for you.
Simple layouts, clear navigation
ADHD affects 4.4% of adults