Quick guide: how to make your Drupal website more accessible

Digital accessibility is no longer optional. For public sector entities, it is a legal obligation under Decree-Law No. 83/2018, which transposes the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). For private organizations, it represents a factor of trust, inclusion, and social responsibility.

On Drupal platforms, accessibility can and should be integrated from the ground up, but it requires conscious decisions at the levels of design, development, and content management.

In this guide, we share five practical actions that significantly improve the accessibility of a Drupal website, reducing legal risk and enhancing the experience for all users.

1. Validate contrast, heading structure, and navigation

The first step is to ensure that the website meets fundamental requirements: adequate contrast, properly structured headings (H1, H2, H3), keyboard navigation and complete alternative text. Small corrections in these areas resolve a large proportion of the non-conformities identified in WCAG audits.

2. Improve the experience for users with specific needs

Drupal allows components to be adjusted for easier reading, increased font sizes, screen reader compatibility, and clearer interactions. These improvements have a direct impact on user autonomy and comprehension.

3. Ensure legal and documentary compliance

Compliance with Decree-Law No. 83/2018 is not limited to technical aspects. An up-to-date accessibility statement and an accessible feedback mechanism are mandatory. The absence of these elements is one of the most frequent causes of non-compliance.

4. Identify and correct content that creates barriers

Editorial issues are as critical as code-related issues. Inaccessible PDFs, images without descriptions, complex tables or duplicated content can seriously compromise the user experience. Regular editorial review is essential to keep the website accessible over time.

5. Monitor and evolve continuously

Accessibility is not static. The Drupal ecosystem provides modules that help validate new content, monitor pages and detect issues early. Continuous improvement is the only way to ensure sustained compliance.

How JAVALI can support you

Digital accessibility is part of our daily practice. At JAVALI, we conduct technical and editorial audits, produce compliance reports, support the creation and maintenance of the Accessibility Statement, and assist public and private organisations in obtaining the accessibility seal. We act as facilitators between technical teams, editorial teams and decision-makers, ensuring consistent progress aligned with WCAG.

Want to know whether your website meets accessibility requirements?

Contact us for an initial assessment or a digital accessibility audit.