Web Accessibility Basics: What Is Accessibility and Why It Matters
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Designing an effective website requires more than fancy interfaces, eye-catching graphics, and catchy copy. When building and maintaining your website, you should be aware of the following: web accessibility Make sure your message is fully understood by all your audience at every stage of production. If you’re unfamiliar with web accessibility, this article provides an in-depth look at what web accessibility is, why it’s important, and how to improve the accessibility of your website. If you need additional help with web accessibility, from the accessWidget accessible is an AI-powered solution that helps you assess and enhance your current level of accessibility.
What is web accessibility?
Web accessibility means that all aspects of a website, including copy, design, rich media, layout, interface and functionality, should be easily accessible and usable by people with disabilities.
This means designing the user experience to consider a wide range of physical, auditory, and cognitive conditions, such as people with visual impairments who need to use screen readers, or people who have trouble with certain colors or designs. means Or someone with muscle or movement problems who can’t use a mouse and needs help navigating extremely precise navigational elements.
Although web accessibility standards are designed primarily to benefit people with disabilities, they actually benefit all web users.
Why web accessibility matters
Web accessibility is a legal requirement of Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and must be part of nondiscriminatory products, services, and programs offered by state and local governments. must be available and open to the public. business. This includes making all web assets 508 compliant.
But beyond legal requirements, web accessibility improves the overall user experience. Good content for people with disabilities is also good content for people without disabilities. Everyone benefits from clear and accessible web content.
In addition, when businesses and organizations provide easy and enjoyable web experiences, customer satisfaction increases, making customer retention and new customer acquisition easier.
How to make your website accessible
Web accessibility may seem like an insurmountable goal, but there are many ways to make your website more accessible, even with small changes. Tactics you can use include:
- clean page structure: Organize your page content with appropriate headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.). This makes sense without the design and makes it easier for screen readers to understand.
- Clear copy on page: Use simple, direct language and be mindful of your audience’s reading level. Also, avoid directional commands such as “up” and “down” as they may not be understood by people using screen readers.
- Accessible design considerations: Visually impaired people should pay attention to color selection and contrast. Keep navigation and interface simple and include multiple ways to accomplish tasks.
- Appropriate asset tagging: Include alt text and metadata in all images, PDFs, and other assets. Include subtitles and closed captions in your videos and other audio assets.
- User test: Your words and designs may not always be accurately conveyed to your audience. Take a step back and use focus groups and other testing tools to test the entire user experience and make sure it makes sense to your users. Some web hosting platforms also include accessibility checks so you can test in real time as you create.
By improving web accessibility, businesses and organizations are empowering leadership through pioneering initiatives that promote and support universal acceptance that inclusiveness is the ultimate solution for delivering a better web experience for everyone. can take
Web Accessibility Basics: What Is Accessibility and Why It Matters