5 Essential Principles of Accessible Web Design for Non-Profits

As a web designer focused on creating digital experiences for non-profit organizations, I've found that accessibility isn't just a technical requirement—it's a fundamental value that aligns perfectly with the mission-driven nature of these organizations. When non-profits embrace accessible design, they extend their reach and impact to everyone, including people with disabilities.

Here are five essential principles I follow when creating accessible websites for non-profit clients:

1. Perceivable Information and User Interface

All users must be able to perceive the information being presented. This means providing text alternatives for non-text content, creating content that can be presented in different ways without losing meaning, and making it easier for users to see and hear content.

Practical implementation:

• Add descriptive alt text to all images
• Provide captions and transcripts for video content
• Ensure sufficient color contrast (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text)
• Never use color alone to convey meaning

2. Operable User Interface and Navigation

Users must be able to operate the interface. This means making all functionality available from a keyboard, giving users enough time to read and use content, and helping users navigate and find content.

Practical implementation:

• Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard accessible
• Avoid time limits on content whenever possible
• Provide clear navigation mechanisms
• Make link text descriptive (avoid "click here" or "read more")

3. Understandable Information and User Interface

Users must be able to understand the information and the operation of the user interface. This means making text readable and understandable, making content appear and operate in predictable ways, and helping users avoid and correct mistakes.

Practical implementation:

• Use clear, simple language appropriate for your audience
• Maintain consistent navigation and layout across pages
• Provide clear instructions and error messages
• Label form fields clearly and provide helpful validation

4. Robust Content and Reliable Interpretation

Content must be robust enough to be reliably interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies. This means maximizing compatibility with current and future tools.

Practical implementation:

• Use proper HTML semantics (headings, lists, etc.)
• Ensure proper ARIA attributes when needed
• Test with screen readers and other assistive technologies
• Validate your HTML code

5. Focus on User Experience for All

Beyond technical compliance, truly accessible websites focus on creating an equivalent user experience for everyone. This means thinking about the journey of all users through your site.

Practical implementation:

• Include people with disabilities in user testing
• Consider the entire user journey, not just individual pages
• Provide multiple ways to accomplish tasks when possible
• Regularly audit your site for accessibility issues

Why This Matters for Non-Profits

For non-profit organizations, accessible websites aren't just about compliance—they're about living your values. When your mission is to create positive social change, excluding 15-20% of the population through inaccessible design directly contradicts that goal.

Additionally, accessible websites often provide these benefits:

• Broader reach for your message and services
• Better SEO performance
• Improved usability for everyone
• Protection from legal issues
• Demonstration of organizational values

At Potloodgum, I work with non-profits to create websites that are not only beautiful and functional but also truly accessible to all users. If you're interested in learning more about how to make your non-profit's digital presence more accessible, feel free to reach out to me.

This article is part of our ongoing series on human-centered web design for social impact organizations.