A Beginner’s Guide to Website Accessibility Terms

Accessibility can feel a bit confusing when you’re first learning about it, especially with all the different terms people use. This list covers the things we get asked about most often, using simple language that’s easy to follow. It’s not a full list of everything out there, but it includes many of the terms we think are useful to know. We’ll be updating it over time as more terms come up or things change.

1. Core Concepts

Accessibility – Making websites work for everyone, no matter how they use the web.

Alt Text – A short written description of an image for people using screen readers.

Keyboard Navigation – Getting around a site using keys like Tab and Enter instead of a mouse.

Contrast – How much text stands out from the background, which helps people see it clearly.

Magnification – Zooming in on a screen to make things easier to see.

Captions – Show what’s being said in a video, plus extra sounds like music or clapping.

Subtitles – Show only the spoken words, usually to help people who speak a different language.

Images of Text – Pictures with words in them, which can be hard to read or scale.

Sensory Characteristics – Making sure things like colours or sounds aren’t the only way to understand something.

Decorative Images – Images just for design that don’t need a description.

2. Code + Design Terms

WCAG – A list of rules that help designers and developers make better, more inclusive websites.

Semantic HTML – Using the correct tags like headings and buttons so screen readers know what’s what.

ARIA – Special code that gives screen readers extra information about what things do.

H1–H6 – These are heading levels that show the structure of a page, from most important to least.

CSS – The code that controls how a website looks, like colours, sizes, and spacing.

Accessibility Statement – A short page that explains how accessible a website is, and who to contact if it’s not.

3. Assistive Tools + Technology

Screen Reader – A tool that reads text and content out loud for people who can’t see the screen.

VoiceOver – A screen reader built into Apple devices.

JAWS – A popular screen reader for Windows computers.

Mouth Stick – A tool used to press keys or touch the screen using your mouth.

Eye Tracking Software – A way to move the cursor or click by just moving your eyes.

Assistive Technology – Any tool that helps someone use a computer or the internet.

4. Testing Tools

WAVE – A tool that checks a website for accessibility problems and shows where they are.

axe – A tool for developers that helps spot problems with accessibility in code.

Contrast Checker – A tool that tells you if your text colours are easy to read.

5. Laws + Organisations

UK Equality Act – A law that protects people from discrimination, including when using websites and digital services.

EAA (European Accessibility Act) – A law that says websites and digital products in Europe must be accessible.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) – A US law that helps make sure disabled people can access websites and services.

W3C – The group that writes the rules for how websites should be built.

IAAP – An organisation that helps people learn about accessibility and become certified experts.

6. Other Terms

Skip Link – A hidden link that lets keyboard users jump straight to the main part of the page.

Focus Indicator – A visible outline showing where you are on a webpage when using the keyboard.

Want to talk about Digital Accessibility?

This glossary is a starting point, not an end. Accessibility is always evolving, and the more we learn, the better we can design and build for everyone.

If you’re building a website or reviewing an existing one and want help making it more inclusive, feel free to get in touch.