508 Help Desk

What Makes a Website Truly Accessible?

Now that we’ve talked about why accessibility matters and what happens when you ignore it, let’s talk about something more important—how to get it right.

Most business owners assume accessibility means adding alt text and calling it a day. But a truly accessible website goes far deeper. It’s about creating a seamless, frustration-free experience for every user, regardless of ability.

The Four Principles of Accessibility

At 508 Help Desk, we follow the WCAG standards—the gold standard for digital accessibility. These guidelines are built on four key principles:

  1. Perceivable – Everyone must be able to perceive your content. That means text alternatives for images, captions for videos, and good color contrast.
  2. Operable – Every element should be usable with a keyboard, not just a mouse. Menus, buttons, and forms should all be easy to navigate.
  3. Understandable – Your site should make sense. Clear instructions, readable text, and consistent navigation help users stay on track.
  4. Robust – Your site must work well with assistive technologies like screen readers and Braille displays—today and in the future.

Real-World Accessibility in Action

An accessible site:
✅ Describes visuals with alt text.
✅ Has logical tab order and visible focus states.
✅ Avoids flashing animations that trigger seizures.
✅ Provides transcripts for podcasts and captions for videos.
✅ Uses semantic HTML (real headings, buttons, links—not fake ones).

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about compassion through design.

Why This Matters for Business

When your website is truly accessible, you’re not just meeting legal requirements—you’re giving all customers a better experience. Accessible sites are:

  • Easier to use on mobile devices.
  • Faster to load.
  • Better optimized for search engines.
  • More likely to earn trust and loyalty.

Let’s Build Accessibility Into Your Brand

If you’re not sure where your website stands, we can help. Our accessibility audit pinpoints exactly what needs fixing and how to fix it—so you can stay compliant, inclusive, and proud of your online presence.

👉 Request Your Free Accessibility Evaluation

Stay accessible and stay blessed.
— Norm Alexander, Jr.
Founder, 508 Help Desk (A Division of PCB Media Group)