# 4 Ways to Access the Web for People with Disabilities


These days, most of us use the internet for many things in our daily lives. This includes work, shopping, and even keeping in touch with friends and family. In fact, a study in 2021 by the Pew Research Center found that almost 93% of American adults use the web, with a large portion (75%) being seniors. This also includes the one in four American adults who live with a disability.

The internet has become a major part of how we handle our day-to-day tasks. But, not everyone uses websites in the same way. Many people with disabilities might not use a mouse and instead rely on special tools like screen readers to navigate the web. Because so many people rely on the internet these days, it's important to consider how different people use it. This includes understanding how accessible websites can make a real difference in people's lives. In this article, we'll explore some of the ways people with disabilities access the internet.

## 4 Ways to Use the Web for People with Disabilities
There are many assistive technologies available to help people with disabilities use the web. These [technologies can be low-tech](https://techstrong.ai/articles/how-ai-is-revolutionizing-assistive-technology-for-the-visually-impaired/), such as a screen magnifier, or high-tech, such as speech recognition software. Knowing the difference between low-tech vs high-tech assistive technology can help you make the right choice. Beyond these assistive tools, let's explore some other options that make the web more accessible for people with disabilities.

### 1. Keyboard Navigation
Some people use keyboards instead of a mouse or touchpad to navigate websites. This could be for many reasons. People who are blind or have trouble seeing might not be able to follow the cursor on the screen. For others, using the keyboard might be easier than using a mouse.

When someone uses only the keyboard, they usually press the "Tab" key to move between different parts of the website, like links, buttons, and forms. To make websites easier for everyone to use, these parts should be arranged in a logical order. This means that when someone presses "Tab," they should move to the next link, button, or form field in a sensible way.

The good news is that web developers don't necessarily need to write special instructions for this order. They just need to write clear and well-structured code. If this order isn't planned, people using only the keyboard might not be able to do what they need to do on the website. For instance, imagine filling out a form. If pressing "Tab" after entering your name takes you somewhere else entirely instead of to the next field, it would be frustrating and interrupt your progress. Another issue can be buttons that can't be easily selected with the keyboard. These can also make it hard for some people to use the website.

###### Here's a tip: Always test how radio buttons and checkboxes work with the keyboard, especially if they have fancy animations.

### 2. Screen Readers
Imagine browsing the web without seeing the screen. That's the reality for many people who are blind or have low vision. They rely on screen readers, a special software that converts text and information on a website into speech or Braille format.

Instead of looking at the screen, screen reader users navigate using keyboard commands on computers or touch gestures on mobile devices. Accessible websites make this process smooth – users can easily find different parts of the page, like headings, buttons, and forms. These elements also have clear descriptions of their purpose, so users understand what they do (like a submit button or a link to learn more).

However, poorly designed websites can create problems for screen reader users. For example, if forms lack clear labels, users might enter information in the wrong field and get confusing error messages without any explanation on how to fix them.

Hence, it's important for developers to clearly label all interactive elements on the website, especially forms and buttons. This makes the web a more accessible and friendly place for everyone.

### 3. Magnification Software
People with low vision sometimes use software that makes things on the web appear larger. This is called magnification software. Ideally, websites should be easy to navigate when zoomed in with these tools.

However, if website elements are spaced poorly or too far apart, people using magnification software might find themselves lost in empty space, wasting time and getting frustrated. Another challenge can be low color contrast between the text and the background, which can make the information hard to read.

Hence, using colors that meet the guidelines set out in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) can make a big difference.

### 4. Dictation
Instead of clicking around a website with a mouse or using the keyboard, people with certain disabilities, like quadriplegia, might use dictation software. These programs let people control computers with their voice. Many people who use dictation say things like "tab" to move around websites. This means that even for people who don't use a physical keyboard, it's still important to make websites easy to navigate with the keyboard.

To make websites easier for people who use dictation, all the buttons on a page need to have clear descriptions that can be read aloud by a screen reader. These descriptions should exactly match what's written on the button itself. For example, if a button says "Yes" but the description a screen reader reads is "Accept," then someone using dictation software wouldn't be able to easily click it. The same goes for other things on websites that you can choose from, like radio buttons. These should also be programmed to work with dictation software so people can make selections quickly.

### Closing Thoughts
As we've explored, the internet offers a vast world of information and opportunities for everyone. By understanding the different ways people with disabilities access the web, we can ensure [websites are inclusive and accessible](https://synergytop.com/blog/the-importance-of-website-accessibility/). Following accessibility best practices benefits everyone – it creates a smoother user experience, improves SEO ranking, and strengthens the brand's reputation for social responsibility. Incorporating these practices is an investment in a more accessible and user-friendly web for all.

#### Author Bio:

Emilie Brown works with the Content Marketing team at Continual Engine, a leading AI-based accessibility solutions provider, which enables organizations to create digitally accessible content in compliance with universal accessibility laws. Her approach and methodology are simple, concise, and to the point and connect with readers seeking solution-driven content on topics related to accessibility and remediation. Apart from working, she loves to spend time with her dog, volunteer, and play her guitar.