WCAG Accessibility Case Study Series
Real-world WCAG 2.1 AA audits of Irish websites, documenting common failures and the steps taken to fix them.
Introduction to the WCAG Accessibility Blog Series
This WCAG Accessibility Blog Series documents a practical, real-world approach to improving website accessibility in line with WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards.
As web accessibility becomes increasingly important across public sector and enterprise projects, ensuring that websites are usable by everyone u2014 including people with disabilities u2014 is no longer optional. It is a core requirement.
This series is based on work carried out on the Rainbows Ireland WordPress website, where we conducted a structured accessibility audit, identified key issues, and implemented improvements across multiple areas of the site.
Each post focuses on a specific aspect of accessibility, from auditing and forms to keyboard navigation and screen reader support, providing practical insights and real examples throughout.
Whether you are a developer, designer, or organisation looking to improve accessibility, this series provides a clear and actionable guide to making websites more inclusive.
Content
Auditing a WordPress Website (Rainbows Ireland Case Study)
We begin with a full accessibility audit using tools such as WAVE alongside manual testing. This post outlines how issues are identified and categorised across a live WordPress website.
Reviewing Accessibility Issues Found on a WordPress Website
A detailed breakdown of the issues identified during the audit, including structural, visual, and usability-related accessibility problems.
Fixing Form Accessibility Issues in WordPress
Focuses on improving form usability, including labels, placeholders, validation, and resolving issues caused by theme-based and popup forms.
Fixing Colour Contrast Issues on a WordPress Website
Covers how colour contrast affects readability and how adjustments were made to meet WCAG contrast ratio requirements.
Improving Keyboard Navigation on a WordPress Website
Demonstrates how we ensured full keyboard accessibility, including tab order, focus visibility, and resolving navigation issues.
Improving Screen Reader Accessibility with ARIA and Semantic HTML
Explores how semantic HTML and ARIA roles were used to improve structure and usability for screen reader users.
Improving Alt Text and Image Accessibility on a WordPress Website
Focuses on ensuring images are accessible through proper use of alt text, handling decorative images, and improving media accessibility.nn
Summary of Accessibility Improvements for Rainbows Ireland
A complete summary of the accessibility improvements carried out, along with an outline of ongoing accessibility practices and commitments.