Ensuring that your website is accessible is extremely important for several reasons. Beyond meeting regulatory requirements such as the European Accessibility Act, accessible websites provide financial, legal, and ethical benefits.
Creating a website that works well for people who rely on assistive technologies or who have additional accessibility needs is not just about compliance—it’s about inclusivity. When websites are designed with accessibility in mind, they provide a better experience for everyone, including users without disabilities.
In this article, we highlight five examples of websites that demonstrate strong accessibility practices and explore what businesses and designers can learn from them.
Before exploring the examples, it is helpful to understand the fundamentals of Web Accessibility. Accessibility focuses on ensuring that digital content can be easily used by people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.
Now let’s explore some websites that demonstrate accessibility done right.
Scope provides an excellent example of effective keyboard accessibility.
Users navigating the website using the keyboard can easily move through the page using the Tab key. One of the first things users notice is the “Skip to main content” option that appears when tabbing through the page. This feature allows users to bypass repetitive navigation menus and quickly reach the main content.
The website also includes:
Scope’s website proves that accessibility does not mean sacrificing design quality.
The site includes:
Another standout feature is the Accessibility page, which is easy to find within the main navigation. This page outlines the organization’s commitment to accessibility and explains how users can customize their browsing experience.
Scope also openly lists accessibility issues that they are actively working to fix. This level of transparency demonstrates their commitment to continuously improving the experience for users with accessibility needs.
SSE plc has focused on inclusive digital design, especially because many of its customers belong to older age groups who may require more accessible online experiences.
The company prioritized accessibility improvements in its online sign-up journey, which is one of the most important user interactions on the website.
During the redesign process, SSE:
They also tested the updated experience with real customers to identify additional improvements.
The final design offers:
These improvements ensure the platform is easier to use for all customers, regardless of ability.
BBC is widely recognized for its strong commitment to inclusive design. The BBC’s digital teams treat accessibility as a core part of the user experience rather than an afterthought.
Their accessibility philosophy focuses on several key principles:
The BBC website includes a hidden “Skip to content” link at the beginning of the tab order. When users navigate using a keyboard, this link becomes visible.
Another helpful feature is the “Accessibility Help” link that appears early in the navigation. This allows new users, especially those using screen readers or keyboard navigation, to quickly access assistance without navigating through the entire website.
The BBC site includes many small but effective accessibility improvements.
Examples include:
These improvements ensure assistive technologies can accurately interpret the page.
The BBC was also an early adopter of responsive web design. The website adapts smoothly to different screen sizes and zoom levels.
While responsive design is typically associated with mobile usability, it also benefits users with visual impairments who increase browser zoom levels. As users zoom in, the layout automatically adjusts from desktop to tablet and mobile formats, ensuring that content remains readable and properly structured.
Accessibility on the BBC platform extends beyond text and images.
Popular services such as:
are optimized for screen readers, keyboards, and alternative input devices.
Additionally:
These features ensure that a wide audience can access and enjoy BBC content.
