Digital Accessibility & Web Design Resources

Accessibility is a lot easier to build in than to fix later. This checklist walks you through the design and content decisions to check during every website project, from discovery and planning through launch and handoff.

It covers more than 50 everyday checks across color and contrast, headings, keyboard access, links and buttons, images and media, forms, third-party tools, and pre-launch testing. Each item has a working checkbox, so you can keep it open during a project and check things off as you go.

It’s an accessible Word document, so it works with screen readers and keyboard navigation, just like the websites you’ll be building.

Covering Your Legal P’s & Q’s

Legal talk isn’t fun, but you better make sure your business ‘behind’ is covered!

If you have a website you HAVE TO HAVE A PRIVACY POLICY! This isn’t an option, it’s the law. And if you are sellling goods or services you need a Terms & Conditions clause. We at Access Designs are not legal experts, nor do we play one on the internet. That is why we use Termageddon for our own website.

As a small business ourselves, we understand not having the money to hire legal counsel for this type of service. Not only is Termageddon affordable, it is super easy to use and their customer service is amazing!

That amazing price also includes updates as the laws around online privacy continue to evolve.

Use Code ACCESS at check out to get 10% off your first year.

Enhance Your Websites Accessibility

Why CCA is essential for web design

Insufficient color contrast on your website can lead to significant accessibility issues, hindering user experience and potentially excluding a portion of your audience. Without proper contrast, text can be difficult to read, especially for people with visual impairments or color vision deficiencies. This can result in frustration, reduced engagement, and even abandonment of your site. Additionally, low color contrast can make it challenging for users to navigate your site and distinguish between different elements, impacting usability and overall user satisfaction.

It’s easy to boost your website's accessibility with the CCA (Colour Contrast Analyzer). With this tool you can ensure your visuals meet accessibility standards, helping you reach a wider audience and improve user experience. The CCA is perfect for web designers and small business owners looking to make their mark online.

It’s truly an invaluable tool.

Do you want to add that little extra PIZZAZ to your website?

Ghost plugins are super easy to use and could help you stand out above your competition. With over 500+ FREE plugins, you are bound to find something you like. Even better, check out their Super Plugins for a confetti drop effect, navigation icons, a variety of ways to auto-scroll images, and so much more.

• Use our link to get $10 in Ghost Credits.

Inside the Square.co is your one stop shop for custom CSS for Squarespace.

If you have a Squarespace website that you like, but if you could add a few special touches to it that would make you LOVE IT, Becca Harpain is your gal.

Becca offers easy to follo video tutorials, a podcast, weekly emails, and a website with a plethera of resources all about custom website design and running a successful business using Squarespace

Oh the dreaded words, SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Yes, it’s a real thing you need to take seriously when building your website.

Squarespace use to have a bad rap when it came to ranking and SEO. But in reality SEO is only as good as you make it.

No matter if you are a DIY’er or a design agency using Squarespace, if you aren’t using SEO Space you are missing out.

This easy-to-use tool will do a SEO scan of your website and give you step-by-step guidance on how to improve it. They have a great community and are constantly adding new features to advance the user experience.

This is a must-have tool if you are using Squarespace.

Level up your Squarespace website design.

Adding customized visual appeal to your website just got easier!

With a variety of monthly and annual plans to suit your needs, Spark plugins is the perfect solution for your Squarespace website.

Simply create an account, copy ONE line of code into your Squarespace website, and BOOM, you’re all set. You’ll have access to 100+ new design options right in your editor; carousel and list effects, link and button styles, animated background images, emoji cursors, and more.

If you are looking for an easy way to have a whole new design toolbox for your website, give Spark plugins a shot.

I would be remiss to not share how much I love Squarespace. It is my preferred platform to use for my own business and design with for others.

It is the easiest, most user-friendly website platform. Beginners can start with a pre-made template or seasoned designers can customize to their heart’s content - with or without custom code.

It is great for any service-based business or small e-commerce shop. Not only can you sell physical products, but you can sell courses, memberships, and digital downloads.

If you are looking for an innovative hosting platform with great customer service, Squarespace is the place for you and your business.

Creating an inclusive brand starts with an accessible website

As a small business owner you have likely spent a fair amount of time and money building the perfect website to help sell your products and services. During that process did you make sure it can be accessed by users of all abilities? Be honest….that probably didn’t even cross your mind.

It’s okay, the word is still getting out about how important web accessibility is, and how much it can improve your customer base.

WAVE is a FREE web browser extension that guides you through easy first steps to ensuring your website is accessible. Verify color contrast, confirm image alt text, validate page structure, and certify form fields are only a few of the website elements you can check and correct with WAVE.

Building an e-mail list and fostering the relationship with those who sign up, is still a major component to growing your audience.

But knowing what to say on a weekly basis can be daunting.

That’s where Kate Doster comes to the rescue. As the creator of The Email Marketing Fairy, Kate has created 50 e-mail templates and scripts to help you through the process.

PLUS, it comes wit over $100 of bonuses!!!

Stop wasting time sitting there wondering what to write and grab this amazing toolnow.

Regardless of what stage you are in your business, SCORE is a MUST HAVE tool in your toolbox.

Need help writing a business plan? Do you run a franchise? Questions about financing your business? Are you overwhelmed with how to market your services?

SCORE can help with all of these topics and so much more. They offer a variety of online and in-person workshops and events, have a multitude of online resources, and offer free mentorship.

SCORE has been an invaluable resource for me. I cannot say enough good things about them and highly recommend reaching out to them for any business support you may need.