My articles and blogposts, on this and other websites. If you want me to write content about web accessibility your website, please contact me.
2023
Interview with Wouter: I am stronger than stuttering
Wouter stutters, a disability that is not often mentioned in the well-known list of disabilities. What is the impact of stuttering on Wouter’s life, and how can we best support him?
The European Accessibility Act 2025: It May Apply to Your Website
In most countries, government websites need to be accessible to everyone, also for people with a disability. But, in June 2025 the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will be enforced within the European Union member states. This directive also applies to ecommerce sites such as online stores. Your webshop perhaps?
July 25 2023, for Kinsta.
The European Accessibility Act 2025 and your website
In many countries, it is a requirement for government websites to be accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. However, starting from June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will be enforced within the European Union member states.
June 20 2023, for Level Level.
Interview with Lilly: Two different socks
During yoga classes I noticed that Lilly always wears two different socks, I asked why. Her answer was surprisingly serious.
June 22 2023, for The A11y Collective.
How to activate keyboard navigation on MacOS
To ensure complete keyboard navigation of all focusable interactive elements in MacOS Safari and Firefox, it is necessary to make the adjustments to your keyboard settings.
June 20 2023, for The A11y Collective.
2022
How to write a great alt text
For The A11Y Collective: Images are great. They make the webpage appealing and can explain information fast. But what if you cannot see the image? Whether you are blind, on slow internet connection or are a search engine?
Then the information on the images can be shared with an alternative text. An “alt text” in short. This article explains how to add an alt text and what the best content should be in different scenarios.
March 2 2022, for The A11y Collective.
Accessible headings structure
Headings are the backbone of the content of a page. A visitor should be able to scan the webpage using headings to get a good impression of its content.
January 3 2022, for The A11y Project.
2021
How accessible are online stores?
How accessible are web shops for visitors with disabilities? Can someone who is blind order the weekly groceries? Can someone who can’t use a mouse buy a new winter coat without having to leave the house?
I investigated the order flow of 15 of the largest online stores in the Netherlands for web accessibility. From accepting cookies up to pressing the button to pay.
February 3 2022, for The A11Y Collective.
The first rule of ARIA
What is the first rule for using ARIA? Don’t use ARIA. Well, that’s a bit contradictory, isn’t it? Let me explain why that is.
August 5 2021, for The A11Y Collective.
The perfect link
We all know what a link on a website does: it takes you to another destination. That’s how we use and explore the web. But not everyone knows that there’s more to a link than just a clickable word or image. How do we write, design, and code a link that works for everyone on every device? Let’s dive into the world of creating the perfect link, without making a pig’s breakfast of it.
May 25, 2021, for the A11Y Collective.
We need to talk about WCAG
In this post, I am asking the accessibility community for help. Help for site owners, developers, designers and content managers all over the world. Complying with accessibility guidelines is hard because they are so inscrutable.
May 18, 2021, for Level Level.
Webwinkel onderzoek 2021 (Dutch)
Accessibility review of 15 of the largest webshops in the Netherlands. Spoiler alert: the web accessibility needs improvement.
November 2021, for Level Level.
Accessibility overlays: common sense and nonsense
“Help! My website’s not accessible to people with disabilities!” “Oh, no problem. Just add a line of code to your website and Bob’s your uncle: your site’s fully accessible.”
Sounds too good to be true? That’s because it is. It’s not even remotely possible. That said, there is functionality out there that can help your visitor.
July 20, 2021, for Level Level. Co-writer: Eva Westerhoff
Every input needs a label
Web forms are a way to contact, order, complain, discuss, subscribe and they are an essential functionality on a website. It’s therefore important to optimise a form for conversion, usability and accessibility. One big help for a user: always make the label of a form control visible and connected. Let’s explain how and why.
June 2, 2021, for The A11Y Project
2019
Websites & accessibility: invest in education
My recommendation: make web accessibility part of the core curriculum of relevant professional training, and offer affordable continuing education on the subject.
May 19, 2019, for Level Level