Web accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought. It’s not a design preference, it should be a requirement for digital inclusion. Millions of users rely on assistive technologies to navigate websites, use applications, and access information online. When accessibility isn’t prioritized in development, entire groups of people can be excluded.
For organizations, the stakes go beyond usability. Inaccessible digital platforms can lead to legal consequences, damage to brand reputation, and missed market opportunities. That’s why accessibility should be built into the foundation of every web application.
Managed IT Services play an essential role in this process. With the right partner, businesses can ensure their applications meet accessibility standards, remain compliant over time, and deliver consistent experiences for all users—regardless of ability. In this article, we’ll explore three key practices for building accessible web applications, and how Managed IT Services can support your team in getting them right:
1.Clear and Consistent Labels
One of the most fundamental principles of accessibility is clarity. Every user interface (UI) element should have a descriptive label that helps users understand its purpose. This is especially important for users who depend on screen readers.
Instead of using vague button labels like “Click Here” or “Submit,” accessible apps use specific terms like “Download Report” or “Sign Up for Newsletter.” Clear labeling eliminates confusion and improves the experience for everyone, not just those with disabilities.
Managed IT Services can support development teams by providing accessibility checklists and tools that identify missing or misused labels. With regular code audits and automated testing, teams can catch these issues early and keep accessibility top of mind throughout the development lifecycle.
2.Good Contrast and Visual Design
Designing for accessibility doesn’t mean sacrificing visual appeal. It means making design choices that everyone can use. One key principle is color contrast. Users with visual impairments—including color blindness—often struggle with low-contrast designs.
To improve readability, text and background colors need enough contrast to stand out. Tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker help teams test color combinations to ensure they meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards.
Another best practice is to avoid conveying information through color alone. For example, marking a required field in red is helpful, but pairing it with an icon or label like “Required” ensures the message is received by users who can’t distinguish red from other colors.
Managed IT Services can help enforce these standards by integrating accessibility-focused design review into every phase of the project. They also provide ongoing support to validate visual changes and ensure compliance remains intact after updates or redesigns.
3.Logical Layout and Navigation
How content is organized has a direct impact on usability. Accessible web applications follow a logical flow that users can easily understand—whether they’re navigating with a mouse, keyboard, or screen reader.
For users who can’t use a mouse, keyboard navigation becomes essential. That means making sure users can tab through a page in a predictable order, use keyboard shortcuts to access key features, and receive visual focus indicators to show where they are on the page.
Proper use of heading structures, landmarks, and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles also helps screen readers interpret the page correctly. These elements give users better context and control as they navigate content.
A Managed IT Services provider can guide developers in setting up these features, as well as offer accessibility testing tools that simulate different types of assistive technology. These tests catch issues that manual QA often misses and provide a more inclusive development process.
How Managed IT Services Help
Accessibility is not a one-time checklist—it’s an ongoing commitment. Web applications evolve constantly through updates, new features, and backend changes. Without a structured approach, accessibility can quickly fall out of sync with the rest of the platform.
That’s where Managed IT Services provide long-term value. They help development teams embed accessibility into their processes, monitor changes for potential issues, and ensure compliance with current regulations like WCAG, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), or EN 301 549 in Europe.
Common ways managed services support accessibility include:
- Accessibility Audits: Periodic reviews of web applications to catch compliance gaps.
- Tool Integration: Implementing accessibility scanners like axe DevTools or Wave into development pipelines.
- Training and Documentation: Providing resources for developers, designers, and QA teams to stay informed.
- Real User Testing: Coordinating sessions with users who rely on assistive technologies for real-world feedback.
Managed IT Services also make it easier to stay aligned across departments. Design, development, testing, and support teams benefit from having a consistent set of tools and standards managed centrally. This leads to better outcomes and fewer accessibility regressions over time.
Building Web Apps That Work for Everyone
Building accessible web applications isn’t just about compliance—it’s about doing the right thing. When every user can access your digital platforms, your organization opens itself to a wider audience, strengthens customer trust, and reduces legal exposure.
Here’s a recap of core practices that contribute to accessible web development:
- Use clear, descriptive labels for all interactive elements.
- Ensure strong contrast and don’t rely on color alone to convey meaning.
- Structure content logically and support keyboard navigation.
- Test regularly using both automated tools and assistive technologies.
- Collaborate with a Managed IT Services provider to maintain accessibility standards over time.
Innerworks provides the tools, guidance, and long-term partnership needed to build web applications that prioritize accessibility at every step. From development support to compliance testing and monitoring, we help businesses ensure their platforms meet the needs of all users.
Want to make your next web application accessible to everyone? Let’s talk about how Innerworks can support your development team with scalable, accessibility-first Managed IT Services. Connect with us for a consultation.
