Common web barriers DOJ lists, and how to fix them

In brief

DOJ's web guidance lists common barriers on websites. Each links to criteria in WCAG, so the checklist pages show how to fix them.

The barriers and where to fix them

• Poor color contrast: people with limited vision or color blindness cannot read text without enough contrast. See contrast (minimum).
• Color as the only way to convey information: see use of color.
• Missing alternative text for images: see non-text content.
• Videos without captions: see captions (prerecorded).
• Inaccessible forms: unlabeled fields, unclear instructions and missing error alerts. See labels or instructions and error identification.
• Mouse-only navigation: content that cannot be used with a keyboard. See keyboard.

A limit of automated checks

DOJ notes that a "clean" report from an automated tool does not necessarily mean everything is accessible. Combine automated checks with manual testing.

What to do

• Check these six things on your most-used pages first.
• Test with the keyboard alone and with a screen reader.
• Work through the rest of the checklist after that.

Common mistakes

• Fixing only what an automated tool flags.
• Relying on color alone for errors or required fields.
• Adding captions only to new videos.

Sources

• Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA (ADA.gov), opens in a new tab

This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For binding requirements, refer to the official ADA statute and regulations, and ask a lawyer how they apply to you.