Imagine navigating a wellness site as a blind user: your screen reader announces “button, button, input” without context, trapping you in a form loop. Or as someone with low vision: pale text blurs into the background, forcing you to zoom and scroll endlessly, turning “book a session” into frustration. For a keyboard-only user with mobility impairments, hover-only menus mean dead ends—no way to access retreat details.
These aren’t edge cases; they’re daily barriers for 1 in 4 adults with disabilities (CDC, 2025). In 2026, 96.3% of websites still have detectable accessibility errors, leaving millions excluded and reinforcing the ableism we fight against in body-positive spaces (WebAIM Million, 2025).
For body-positive pros like you, inaccessible tech isn’t just a glitch—it’s a contradiction. It undermines the safe, inclusive space you’re building. And with ADA lawsuits up 102% since 2020 (AudioEye, 2026), ignoring it risks your empire.
I’m not here to shame. I get the overwhelm: juggling clients, marketing, and tech that feels like an afterthought. But accessibility is core to feminist, inclusive work. Trans folks, queer communities, people with disabilities—they’re part of the “all bodies” we center. Let’s unpack the issues, why they matter for wellness, and the practical fixes to make your site truly body-positive. No fluff—just actionable steps.
(Jump to the WCAG Basics Checklist here.)
The Ugly Truth: Accessibility Gaps in Wellness Tech
Wellness sites often talk big on inclusion but fall short in practice. A majority of home pages have detectable WCAG failures, per WebAIM’s 2025 Million report—down slightly from previous years, but still widespread (WebAIM, 2025). That’s not rare errors; it’s systemic barriers.
Low contrast text tops the list: over 80% of pages fail it, making content unreadable for low-vision users (WebAIM, 2025). Think your soft teal on white “looks calming”? It might disappear for someone with color blindness or aging eyes. A majority of disabled users report abandoning sites with barriers (Tenet, 2025).
Missing alt text? Half or more of images lack it, blocking screen readers (WebAIM, 2025). Your yoga pose photo without description excludes blind clients from visualizing the practice.
Keyboard traps and poor navigation? Forms without labels strand mobility-impaired users (Marker.io, 2026). And color-only cues (e.g., red “error” without text) fail 8% of men and 0.5% of women with color vision deficiencies.
In wellness, this hits hard. A retreat site with uncaptioned videos excludes deaf clients. Low-contrast booking buttons turn “joyful movement” into frustration. A majority of orgs know accessibility boosts business, yet most fail basics (Level Access, 2025). Why? Often, it’s oversight—not malice. But for marginalized bodies, it’s erasure.
Real-world wrong: Low-contrast text example
An anonymized coaching site (we’ll call it “ZenFlow”) uses pale gray text on white (#AAAAAA on #FFFFFF)—contrast 2.3:1, failing WCAG’s 4.5:1 minimum. Users with low vision squint or zoom, risking form errors. Here’s how it renders:
Real-world right: High-contrast navigation example
Apple’s accessibility page nails it with 7:1+ contrast black text on white, descriptive alt text on icons, and ARIA labels for dynamic content.
Why WCAG Basics Matter for Body-Positive Wellness
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) isn’t bureaucracy—it’s the blueprint for equitable tech. Version 2.1 AA is the most commonly referenced benchmark in U.S. accessibility enforcement and settlements under ADA Title III (DOJ, 2024–2026), with 2.2 adding mobile/cognitive tweaks (W3C, 2023). While the ADA doesn’t name a specific technical standard, WCAG 2.1 AA is what courts and settlements consistently rely on. Compliance deadlines hit public entities in 2026/2027, but private wellness sites face lawsuits now (AudioEye, 2026).
For you: Accessible sites broaden reach—a majority of disabled users report spending more on inclusive brands (UsableNet, cited 2026). A notable portion of lawsuits target widget-reliant sites that still fail (Branditms, 2026). Accessibility widgets don’t fix underlying code issues—and lawsuits increasingly cite sites that relied on them instead of real WCAG fixes.
Body-positive tie: If your site shames through exclusion (e.g., uncaptioned videos on intuitive eating), it contradicts your mission. Inclusive tech honors all bodies—disabled, fat, aging, neurodiverse. It’s feminist: a majority see business wins from accessibility (Level Access, 2025).
Real-world wrong: Unlabeled form example
Anonymized “HarmonyRetreats” has a form without labels—screen readers announce “input” without context, frustrating users. Renders like:
(No visible labels, no ARIA.)
Real-world right: Labeled form example
GitHub’s sign up form uses labeled fields, ARIA-required, and error messages with text + color.
Your Practical WCAG Basics Checklist: Fixes That Stick
WCAG breaks into Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust (POUR). Focus on AA level for wellness sites. Here’s the strategy—testable, with real examples. Use tools like WAVE or Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools for audits.
- Add Meaningful Alt Text
Every image needs alt text that describes its purpose for screen readers—think “what does this convey?” For decorative images, use empty alt=””. This helps blind users understand visual content.Example:
(Screen readers announce the alt text, making the image’s intent clear.)
Connect labels to inputs so screen readers announce them together, and add ARIA for required fields. This prevents confusion for blind or keyboard users.
Example:
(Renders as a labeled field, accessible to all.)
Ensure everything works without a mouse—add visible focus styles for keyboard users. This helps those with mobility impairments navigate smoothly.
Example link (focus it with Tab key):
Focusable link – should show visible outline on focus
(Add CSS: a:focus { outline: 2px solid #00B0FF; } for visible focus.)
Add captions to videos for deaf users, and avoid auto-play to prevent sensory overload. This makes media inclusive without overwhelming.
Example (video player with controls and captions):
(Plays on user control, with captions.)
Structure content with proper tags like headings and nav for screen readers to understand hierarchy. This aids navigation for all.
Example:
This is a proper section header
Screen readers announce “Heading level 2: This is a proper section header.”
Regularly audit with tools like WAVE or Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools to catch issues, and retest after any site updates. This keeps accessibility ongoing, not one-off.
Beyond the Screen: Physical Space Accessibility – The Real Barrier for Many
Digital fixes get the headlines, but let’s be brutally honest: for wheelchair users, people using mobility aids, or those with energy-limiting conditions, the biggest exclusion often happens when they visit your site first—to find out if the venue will actually work for them.
They land on your retreat page, studio booking, or event description hoping for clear details. If the info is vague (“we’re accessible!”) or missing, they can’t make an informed choice. They might email for clarification (and wait), call (and get incomplete answers), or simply decide it’s too risky and leave—never booking, never attending. That’s not body-positive. That’s exclusion hidden behind a pretty website.
“Is your space accessible?” isn’t a yes/no question. Needs vary: one person might need nearby parking to conserve energy; another might prioritise short, flat paths to the nearest accessible toilet; someone with a power chair might require specific door widths or turning space. The key to inclusion? Detailed, accurate, up-to-date answers on your website, booking pages, event descriptions, and confirmations—so visitors can assess fit, choose the right gear, arrange assistance, or decide it’s not workable—without guesswork or follow-up hassle.
Best practices from ADA guidelines, Access Board standards, and event planning resources (e.g., Cvent venue checklists, university event guides, Glue Up/ADATA templates) stress providing this upfront. When sites answer these specifics transparently, people plan confidently—and you’re building real trust.
Questionnaire: Key Questions to Answer on Your Venue Access Page
Create a dedicated “Venue Access Info” section (or per-event page) and fill in the answers based on venue details, site visits, or direct questions to the host. Use bullets, photos/maps (with alt text), measurements in metres/feet (US-friendly), and plain language. Update after any changes. Here’s the practical questionnaire to guide what to cover:
1. Parking and Arrival
- Are there reserved accessible parking spaces? How many? What are the dimensions (e.g., min. 96 inches/244 cm wide with 60-inch/152 cm access aisle; van-accessible with headroom)?
- What surface are they on (firm, stable, slope ≤2%)?
- How far is the nearest accessible parking to the entrance (e.g., 50 m/ft on paved, level path with slope ≤1:20)?
- What’s the nearest general parking or accessible public transit stop? Distance and path description (flat sidewalk, no steps)?
- Is there a drop-off zone with kerb cuts?
2. Entry and Pathways
- Is the main entrance step-free? If ramps are needed: What’s the slope (max 1:12 recommended), handrails (both sides?), and landing details?
- What are the door clear widths (min. 32 inches/81 cm, ideally 36 inches/91 cm)? Are doors automatic or light/easy to open?
- Are pathways smooth and even (no gravel, cobblestones, or thresholds >0.5 inches/1.3 cm)? What’s the minimum width (36 inches/91 cm ideal, 48–60 inches/122–152 cm for passing)?
- Is the route well-lit with clear directional signage (high contrast, large print)?
3. Inside the Space
- Are there barrier-free routes to all key areas (e.g., retreat rooms, studios, breakout spaces)? Minimum corridor width?
- Is there turning space in rooms (e.g., 60-inch/152 cm diameter clear floor area for wheelchairs)?
- Are there seating options for wheelchair users (removable chairs, dispersed spots with clear sightlines)?
4. Toilets and Amenities
- Where is the nearest accessible toilet? Distance from entrance/main areas (e.g., same level, 30 m/ft away)?
- What features does it have (e.g., compliant stall with 60-inch/152 cm turning radius, grab bars, transfer space, adjustable sink, emergency pull cord)?
- Are there other amenities (e.g., changing places for complex needs, service animal relief areas like grassy spots nearby)?
5. Additional Notes
- Service animals: Are they welcome? Any designated relief areas?
- Sensory/quiet spaces: Available?
- Who to contact for more details (email/phone with expected response time)?
Answering these questions openly shows you’re serious about inclusion—reducing no-shows, building confidence, and aligning with the body-positive mission of welcoming all bodies.
Tie It to Your Tech
Embed this questionnaire-style info on booking forms (e.g., checkbox: “I’ve reviewed venue access details”), event pages, and automated confirmations. In the Fuck the Overwhelm Club or as an Empire Co-Conspirator, we can build a clean, dedicated section, integrate maps, or automate updates. It’s not extra—it’s essential to the inclusive empires you’re building.
Your wellness space should feel safe and welcoming from the first site visit. Detailed answers deliver that. Vague claims reinforce the ableism we’re dismantling.
How to Make It Sustainable
One-off fixes fail—updates break contrast, new content adds traps. Fuck The Overwhelm Club ($349/mo) bakes in WCAG checks, monthly audits, fixes. We ensure your site stays inclusive, so you heal without headaches.
Your body-positive mission deserves tech that lives it. Use the tools above to start—WAVE for audits, Coolors for palettes.
Affiliate Disclosure: Links like Coolors may earn commission—no extra cost to you.
Art Inspiration Note
Visuals inspired by Guerrilla Girls’ bold feminist posters, calling out inequality through stats and satire. More: Artsy on Guerrilla Girls.
