WordPress accessibility fixes (block editor and themes)

Before you start

Work through the fixes in the order below. They are the issues automated scans find most often on small-business sites and the ones that most often block visitors who use screen readers, keyboards or zoom.

1. Alt text

Media Library → select image → Alternative Text. For images already in posts, select the Image block → Settings sidebar → Alt text.

2. Contrast

In block settings, choose darker text colours. The editor warns about low contrast for some blocks. Theme-wide fixes go in Appearance → Customize → Additional CSS (classic themes) or Styles (block themes):

body { color: #222; }
a { color: #0645ad; }

3. Form labels

In Contact Form 7, WPForms, Gravity Forms and similar plugins, give each field a visible label. In Contact Form 7, wrap fields:

<label>Your email [email* your-email]</label>

4. Skip link and focus

Many themes include a “Skip to content” link; check it appears when you press Tab. If focus outlines were removed, restore them:

:focus-visible { outline: 3px solid #0645ad; outline-offset: 2px; }

5. Headings

Use the Heading block's level selector in order. Avoid using headings just to make text big.

6. Accessibility-ready themes

The WordPress.org theme directory has an “Accessibility Ready” filter for themes that passed extra review.

Related guides

• Shopify accessibility fixes for store owners
• How to write alt text: 20 examples for small-business sites
• Colour contrast for websites: ratios, tools and quick fixes
• How to make your contact form accessible

All guides

This guide is general technical information, not legal advice. Following it does not certify ADA or any legal compliance. Automated checks find only part of accessibility barriers.