TL;DR

Making your WordPress site accessible isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits — it’s about creating inclusive digital experiences for everyone. In this guide, we’ll break down what WordPress accessibility means in 2025, explore the best plugins and tools, and outline common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you're a designer, developer, or content creator, this blog will help you stay compliant and create a more user-friendly site.

Introduction

In today’s digital-first world, an inaccessible website is the equivalent of a locked door. With over 43% of all websites built on WordPress, ensuring accessibility on this platform is more critical than ever. In 2025, rising awareness, stricter legal requirements, and a growing commitment to digital inclusion have made accessibility a non-negotiable.

If you’re a WordPress user — whether you're running a blog, a business site, or an eCommerce platform — this guide will help you understand the accessibility standards that matter and how to meet them using the right tools, plugins, and practices.

Why WordPress Accessibility Matters in 2025

Digital accessibility refers to designing websites and content that can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. This includes users who are blind or have low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, those with motor impairments, cognitive challenges, and more.

According to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 billion people globally live with some form of disability — that’s nearly 16% of the world's population. In Canada alone, 22% of people aged 15 and older identify as having at least one disability. Despite these numbers, a 2023 WebAIM study found that 96.3% of the top one million websites had detectable WCAG failures on their homepages.

Accessible websites are not just more inclusive — they’re better for SEO, user experience, conversion rates, and brand trust. And with increasing legal scrutiny from laws like ADA, AODA, and global standards like WCAG 2.2, the stakes are higher than ever.

Key Accessibility Standards to Know

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

The W3C’s WCAG 2.2, released in late 2023, is the gold standard for digital accessibility. It’s based on four principles:

• Perceivable

• Operable

• Understandable

• Robust

Most organizations aim to meet WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA compliance.

AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)

Applies to Ontario-based businesses and mandates WCAG Level AA compliance for websites and content.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

In the U.S., ADA lawsuits related to inaccessible websites are rising, and courts often reference WCAG as the de facto standard.

Top Accessibility Plugins for WordPress (2025 Edition)

Here are some of the most reliable plugins to help enhance accessibility:

1. WP Accessibility by Joe Dolson Adds skip links, fixes contrast issues, and improves keyboard navigation.

2. One Click Accessibility Offers a front-end toolbar for users to adjust font sizes, contrast, and more. Great for quick wins.

3. accessiBe or UserWay Widgets (Use with caution) These overlays offer user controls but don’t fix code-level issues. They’re a supplement, not a solution.

4. Accessibility Checker by Equalize Digital Scans content in real time and flags accessibility issues right inside the WordPress dashboard.

5. Webability.io Widget (Recommended) Lightweight, customizable widget that empowers users with real-time controls while keeping your site fast and compliant.

Common Accessibility Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with the right plugins, many WordPress sites still fall short. Here’s what to watch out for:

• ❌ Missing alt text on images

• ❌ Poor color contrast between text and background

• ❌ No keyboard navigation support

• ❌ Improper use of headings (H1, H2, etc.)

• ❌ Non-descriptive link text like “Click here”

• ❌ Video content without captions or transcripts

• ❌ Over-reliance on overlays instead of fixing HTML/CSS issues

Accessibility should be baked into your design and content — not added as an afterthought.

How to Test Your WordPress Site for Accessibility

Here are a few tools and techniques to help assess your site:

• ✅ Webability.io Accessibility Checker

• ✅ WAVE Evaluation Tool by WebAIM

• ✅ axe DevTools (Browser extension)

• ✅ NVDA or VoiceOver (Screen reader testing)

• ✅ Keyboard-only navigation (Try tabbing through your entire site!)

Conduct automated + manual testing for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I need to meet WCAG 2.2 in 2025?

While WCAG 2.1 Level AA is still widely accepted, WCAG 2.2 is the latest standard. Aiming for 2.2 shows future-readiness and better inclusivity.

Q2: Are accessibility plugins enough to meet compliance?

Not on their own. Plugins help, but they can’t fix poor design or broken semantic HTML. Accessibility is a site-wide effort.

Q3: How can I improve accessibility without a developer?

Start with tools like Webability.io’s widget, use accessibility-ready themes, add alt text, and structure your content clearly. Even small steps matter.

Q4: Is accessibility only for public sector or big companies?

No. Any business with a public-facing site should care about accessibility — not just for legal reasons, but to reach more users and build trust.

Conclusion: Accessible WordPress Starts With Awareness

Accessibility is no longer optional — it’s a digital responsibility. Whether you're running a personal blog, a startup site, or a large eCommerce platform, prioritizing accessibility in your WordPress build ensures compliance, usability, and ethical design.

The tools are there. The guidelines are clear. And with platforms like Webability.io, the process doesn’t have to be complicated.

Start now — build a better, more inclusive web.

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