In our latest webinar, Accessibility by Design: Maximising digital reach for everyone, Richard Dixon, Chief Digital Officer at Black Sun Global, explored why accessibility has become a critical part of modern digital communications - and how organisations can embed accessibility into design, build, and ongoing governance to ensure all users can effectively engage with their online content.
Almost 95% of website homepages still fail WCAG requirements, often due to issues such as low‑contrast text, missing alt tags or incomplete form labels. Improving accessibility not only supports users with diverse needs, it strengthens engagement, reach and overall digital performance.
Accessibility also matters because different users require different ways of accessing content. Disabilities vary widely — and each group interacts with websites differently. Key needs include:
Visual impairments (low vision, colour blindness, blindness): requiring strong colour contrast, alt text, logical structure and compatibility with screen readers.
Auditory impairments: requiring captions, transcripts and non‑audio alternatives for multimedia.
Motor / mobility impairments: requiring keyboard navigation, larger interactive targets and alternatives to drag‑and‑drop actions.
Cognitive / learning differences: supported by clear page structure, predictable navigation, plain language and error‑friendly forms.
Designing for this range ensures that all users can effectively engage with content.
Alongside performance benefits, organisations must now meet the requirements of the European Accessibility Act, covering websites, apps and digital documents. The Act aligns to WCAG 2.1 AA, with additional updates now introduced under WCAG 2.2.
WCAG guidance centres around four key principles:
Perceivable: Ensuring all users can read and interpret content, including through colour contrast, transcripts and alt text.
Operable: Enabling easy navigation through keyboard controls, clear menus and avoidance of disruptive elements.
Understandable: Providing clear structure, readable content and support for form inputs.
Robust: Ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies and future-proof coding practices.
WCAG 2.2 strengthens these requirements with updates such as clearer focus indicators, larger touch targets, simpler authentication methods and consistent access to help options.
1. Audit & Test Early
Accessibility should be embedded from the first stages of UX design. Automated scans and manual reviews help ensure layout, navigation and content structure align to best practice, with manual testing crucial for identifying issues automated tools may miss.
2. Build with Best Practice Requirements
Key elements include:
Accessibility touches every feature of a website, from menus to form fields to interactive widgets, and must be validated page by page.
3. Use the CMS to Support Accessible Publishing
A CMS can reinforce accessibility by enforcing alt text, structured templates, consistent tagging and accessible video settings. This is essential as content changes daily.
4. Maintain Continuous Governance
Ongoing monitoring ensures accessibility remains consistent over time. Tools such as SiteImprove, Level Access or UserWay can flag issues triggered by new content. User‑facing accessibility widgets (e.g., text resizing or contrast options) can also enhance usability.
Recommended actions include:
Black Sun can support by reviewing your website’s current accessibility performance and providing clear guidance on priority improvements. We can also demonstrate the accessibility tools available, from continuous scanning technologies to user‑facing features, to help you understand how they can enhance your digital experience.
For support or to request the webinar recording, please contact:
Abbie Dixon, Relationship Marketing Executive
adixon@blacksun-global.com
About Black Sun
Black Sun Global is a stakeholder advisory and engagement agency that's been driving transformation and positive change for ambitious brands for more than 20 years. With deep expertise in disclosure and reporting, ESG, sustainability, and digital engagement, we reshape how organisations connect with customers, investors, employees, and the wider world.
We are trusted partners to some of the most influential global organisations, sparking innovation and sustainable performance through our strategic insights, partnerships, and proprietary technologies.
As founders of the Positive Change Group, we are on a mission to create a new kind of stakeholder relations partner. Our world-class specialists work closely with executive leadership teams to protect reputations, inspire trust, and promote responsible business practices - building resilience and long-term value in a rapidly changing world.
For more information, please visit: www.blacksun-global.com
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