As nonprofits strive to reach a broader audience and engage diverse communities, creating an inclusive and accessible digital experience has become more important than ever. A website that is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, not only enhances user experience but also aligns with the mission of many nonprofits to promote equity, inclusion, and social good. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of digital accessibility, discuss simple, practical strategies for implementing it, and highlight the benefits of creating a welcoming online presence for all donors.
Why Accessibility Matters for Nonprofits
For nonprofits, a strong digital presence is essential for engaging supporters, sharing stories, and generating donations. However, when a website or digital platform isn’t accessible, it can unintentionally exclude people with disabilities, such as those with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments. According to the World Health Organization, over a billion people worldwide experience some form of disability, making digital accessibility not just a legal requirement in some regions but a moral imperative for organisations committed to inclusivity.
An accessible website can:
- Broaden Reach by making content accessible to all, nonprofits can reach a wider audience, including individuals who may otherwise face barriers to engagement
- Build Trust and Inclusivity by demonstrating a commitment to accessibility, fostering trust, and showing that an organisation values and respects all individuals
- Improve User Experience since many accessibility improvements, such as clean navigation and clear content, benefit all users, not just those with disabilities
- Support Legal Compliance in regions where accessibility is legally required for organisations that receive public funding or serve the community, helping nonprofits avoid potential legal issues
Key Accessibility Standards for Nonprofit Websites
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the gold standard for digital accessibility, outlining best practices for ensuring that web content is accessible to people with disabilities. WCAG focuses on four core principles:
- Perceivable – Information must be presented in ways that users can perceive, regardless of disabilities. For example, providing text alternatives for images and captions for videos makes content accessible to those with visual or auditory impairments.
- Operable – Website navigation and functionality should be usable by all individuals. This includes ensuring keyboard-only navigation for those who cannot use a mouse and avoiding elements that may cause seizures, like flashing animations.
- Understandable – Content and user interface elements should be clear and easy to understand. Simplified language, consistent navigation, and clearly labelled buttons improve comprehension for all users.
- Robust – Content must be accessible across various devices, browsers, and assistive technologies, ensuring compatibility as technology evolves.
Practical Steps for Creating an Accessible Website
Here are practical, actionable strategies that nonprofits can use to improve accessibility on their websites, making digital experiences more inclusive for all donors:
- Provide Text Alternatives for Visual Content
- Alt Text for Images by including descriptive alt text for all images so that screen readers can convey the content to visually impaired users. Alt text should be concise yet informative, explaining the essential aspects of the image
- Captions and Transcripts for Videos to assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Adding transcripts for audio content also makes information accessible to users with auditory impairments
- Use Clear and Consistent Navigation
- Simplify Menus by limiting the number of menu items and organising them logically to make navigation straightforward. Consistent placement of navigation elements across pages also aids in usability
- Keyboard Accessibility by ensuring that all interactive elements (like buttons, forms, and links) are operable via keyboard, essential for users who cannot operate a mouse
- Ensure Colour Contrast and Readability
- High Contrast Colours by choosing colours that offer strong contrast between text and background, making content easier to read for users with visual impairments or colour blindness. Tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker can help verify contrast levels
- Readable Fonts by selecting easy-to-read fonts and avoiding small font sizes. Sans-serif fonts are generally more accessible, and a minimum font size of 16px is recommended for body text
- Make Forms Accessible
- Label Form Fields Clearly to ensure each form field has a descriptive label. Adding instructions or examples within fields can guide users
- Error Notifications by providing clear feedback when errors occur (e.g., a required field is missed) to help users complete forms successfully
- Provide Flexible Content and Layout Options
- Responsive Design so that a website design adjusts to different screen sizes, making content accessible across devices, from desktops to mobile phones
- llow Text Resizing so users can resize text without loss of functionality or content, benefiting users with visual impairments who may need larger text
- Simplify Language and Structure
- Use Plain Language to write in simple, clear language that is easy to understand. Avoid jargon, and break up text with headings, bullet points, and short paragraph.
- Descriptive Links by using descriptive text for hyperlinks (e.g., “Learn more about our programs” instead of “Click here”) so users understand the link’s purpose
Benefits of an Inclusive and Accessible Digital Experience
Creating an accessible digital experience brings numerous benefits to nonprofits and their audiences:
- Enhanced Engagement when a website is accessible, more people can engage with the content, participate in activities, and support the nonprofit’s mission, leading to increased donations, volunteer participation, and overall impact
- Increased SEO and Web Traffic since accessibility improvements, such as alt text, readable content, and mobile responsiveness, can also boost search engine optimisation (SEO), making the website easier to find in search result.
- Strengthened Reputation and Donor Trust by showing a commitment to accessibility, demonstrating the organisation’s values of inclusion and respect, enhancing its reputation, and building trust with donor.
- Future-Proofing and Legal Compliance by implementing accessibility practices to prepare a website for future updates in technology and legal requirements, helping nonprofits stay ahead and avoid potential issues
Getting Started with Accessibility
For nonprofits that may be new to digital accessibility, starting with small, impactful changes can make a significant difference. Many free resources and tools are available to help, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and browser plugins that check for accessibility issues.
If resources are limited, consider focusing on key pages that see the most traffic, such as donation forms, program pages, and event listings. Regularly updating the website and testing it with accessibility tools can also ensure that accessibility remains a priority as the organisation grows.
Conclusion
Creating an accessible and inclusive digital experience aligns with the core mission of many nonprofits: to make a positive impact on society. By building websites and applications that are accessible to all, nonprofits can expand their reach, foster inclusivity, and build stronger relationships with donors. In an increasingly digital world, accessible design is not only the right thing to do—it’s also a strategic choice that enhances the effectiveness and reach of any organisation.
Want to make your website more inclusive? OSKY specialises in building accessible, user-friendly websites tailored to nonprofit needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a welcoming digital experience for all.