Unsighted Massage
A high-accessibility digital presence for a legally blind therapist, bridging the gap between design and inclusivity.
Steven is a NYC-based therapist who is legally blind, requiring a site as functional as it is aesthetic.
The challenge was to build a professional digital storefront that serves both sighted and visually impaired clients equally. By strictly adhering to WCAG 2.1 guidelines and focusing on semantic code, I created an experience that is lightning-fast, highly legible, and fully compatible with modern assistive technologies.
The Roadmap
Audit
Defining accessibility barriers, user persona research, and WCAG target compliance levels.
UX Strategy
Mapping logical content flow, wireframing for screen readers, and high-contrast styling.
Development
Building the semantic core using modern web standards and responsive CSS frameworks.
A11y Testing
Rigorous testing via NVDA/VoiceOver screen readers and manual keyboard-only navigation.
The Challenge
Client Needs
- → A11y-friendly appointment discovery
- → Clean UI for aging demographics
- → Screen-reader optimized content
- → Professional NYC aesthetic
A11y Benchmarks
- → WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance
- → High color contrast (4.5:1 ratio)
- → Full keyboard navigability
- → Semantic landmarking for SEO/A11y
The Solution
Inclusive design isn't a checklist; it's a foundation. Every line of code was audited for screen-reader clarity and legibility.
WCAG 2.1 Compliance
Implementation of ARIA roles, landmarks, and semantic HTML to ensure seamless screen reader compatibility.
Inclusive Navigation
A logical tab-index flow and 'Skip to Content' links designed for users who rely exclusively on keyboard navigation.
High-Contrast Visuals
A custom color palette rigorously tested against WCAG contrast ratios for maximum readability and low-vision support.
Responsive Fluidity
Mobile-first development ensuring the experience remains accessible on any device or screen magnification level.
The Core Stack
HTML5
Semantic Architecture
CSS3
Fluid Accessibility
JavaScript
Dynamic Interaction
Impact
"Working with Saadiya was seamless. She truly understood the nuances of accessibility, creating a site that is as beautiful as it is usable for me and my clients."