Accessible website checklist – All the important points at a glance

A barrier-free website is designed in such a way that it can be used by people with various disabilities without assistance. This includes users with visual, hearing, or motor impairments, as well as people with cognitive impairments or limited language skills.

What is a barrier-free website?

The requirements range from technical aspects to design and content to linguistic accessibility—such as the use of “easy language.”

Checklist for accessible websites: An overview

A checklist is no substitute for a complete overhaul—but it is a very good start. It provides clear guidance and highlights the most important opportunities and risks. The article on accessibility examples offers a proven structure with practical examples.

10 points on the checklist for accessible websites

These ten points cover the most common and relevant topics:

Texts with sufficient contrast: Colors must be easily distinguishable—especially for texts against image backgrounds.
Flexible font sizes: Content should be able to be enlarged without losing layout.
Structured headings and semantic HTML: Clear structure facilitates orientation and readability.
Keyboard navigation: All functions must be accessible without a mouse.
Alternative texts for images and media content: Visual content requires descriptive alt texts.
Accessible forms: Input fields should be clearly labeled and error-resistant – more on this under Accessible Forms.
Clear language and comprehensibility: Content must be formulated in a comprehensible manner – short sentences, clear statements.
Usability with screen readers: The website must be usable with assistive technologies.
Multimedia content with subtitles or transcripts: Videos should be accompanied by supplementary information.
Avoid barriers such as captchas or animated content without controls.

These points form the basis for an accessible website – and can be implemented step by step.

What needs to be considered when designing a barrier-free website?

In addition to technical implementation, editorial and visual design also play an important role. Content should not only function properly, but also be understandable and usable—for as many people as possible.

It is important to view the website holistically: clear navigation, consistent interactions, and understandable language are just as much a part of accessibility as the technical infrastructure.

Criteria of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2)

The international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) form the foundation for accessible web content. They are based on four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. These principles encompass a variety of specific success criteria, which vary in complexity depending on the level of conformity (A, AA, AAA).

Content must not only be technically accessible, but also presented in a way that is understandable in terms of content and visually. This includes, for example, ensuring that forms are labeled correctly, multimedia content is provided with alternatives, and control elements are also accessible via keyboard. The WCAGs serve both as a legal benchmark and as a practical guide for anyone developing accessible websites.

A thorough understanding of these criteria is essential – a structured review is recommended for practical implementation.

What aspects does the checklist cover?

The checklist covers not only technical requirements, but also design and editorial aspects. These include clear navigation structures, meaningful layouts, understandable language, and the correct use of forms and multimedia content. Organizational issues—such as internal responsibilities, regular reviews, and training—also play a role in ensuring that accessibility is firmly established in the long term.

Consistent application of the checklist helps to identify weaknesses in the website’s structure at an early stage and implement targeted improvements.

Why does the checklist not replace audits or tests?

As helpful as an accessible website checklist is, it remains a tool for guidance. It can provide indications of potential weaknesses, but does not cover the technical depth or individual characteristics of a website.

To reliably identify actual barriers, structured testing procedures such as a professional accessibility audit or a standardized WCAG test are required. These methods analyze the website comprehensively—both automatically and manually—and provide specific recommendations for action. This is the only way to ensure that legal requirements are met and genuine usability is guaranteed.

After a successful audit, the website can also be awarded an accessibility certification—as visible proof of the accessibility achieved. A checklist is a valuable starting point – but professional testing and targeted consulting offer real security. The Accessperts team is ready to support you in implementing accessible web offerings – with expertise, experience, and a clear eye for practical solutions. Whether initial assessment, strategic consulting, or ongoing support: accessibility begins with a strong partner at your side.