How to Ensure WCAG Compliance: Alt Text, Buttons, and Menu Accessibility

Ensuring your website aligns with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is crucial for creating an inclusive online experience. Addressing specific challenges, such as screen reader behavior, setting alt text for buttons, and configuring menu settings, is essential. Let’s tackle each issue step by step.

1. Screen Reader Reading Image Titles Instead of Alt Text:

When a screen reader reads the title of an image instead of the alt text, it might be due to improper alt text implementation. Ensure you’re using the correct HTML syntax for images:

html code

<img src="your-image-source.jpg" alt="Your descriptive alt text here">

Make sure to replace “your-image-source.jpg” with the actual image source and provide meaningful alt text that conveys the image’s content or function.

2. Setting Alt Text for Social Media or Other Buttons in Header/Footer:

To set alt text for buttons, including social media buttons in the header or footer, locate the HTML code for each button. Use the “alt” attribute within the respective HTML tag:

html code

<button type="button" alt="Your descriptive alt text here">Social Media Button</button>

Replace “Your descriptive alt text here” with concise, informative text describing the button’s purpose. Repeat this process for each relevant button on your website.

3. Configuring Menu for Tabbing Accessibility:

If your menu doesn’t display submenus when navigating with the Tab key, it might be necessary to adjust your website’s CSS or JavaScript. Ensure that submenus are accessible via keyboard navigation. An example of modifying CSS for submenu visibility:

css code

/* Ensure submenus are initially hidden */
.submenu {
  display: none;
}

/* Display submenus on focus or hover */
.menu-item:focus .submenu,
.menu-item:hover .submenu {
  display: block;
}

Modify the CSS according to your website’s structure. Additionally, you may need to incorporate JavaScript to manage dynamic behavior.

By systematically addressing these issues, you enhance your website’s accessibility, making it more user-friendly for individuals with diverse needs.