The Internet has become the predominant source of information, the primary means of communication, and the central hub of entertainment for people all across the world. Naturally, everyone wants a chance to access the same online experience, regardless of any physical disabilities or impairments.

That’s what Web accessibility is all about: Giving everyone access to the same information, irrespective of any physical limitations they may have.

When designing your new business website, it’s important to make accessibility a priority… not only because it ensures that your content can be engaged by anyone and everyone, but also because it can potentially shield your business from litigation.

But what does it look like, in actual practice, to emphasize online accessibility?

A Closer Look at Web Accessibility

At a more technical level, Web accessibility means designing your website (or your app) in such a way that people with disabilities can use it without any kind of obstacle or hindrance.

For our purposes today, we’re defining disability as any condition of the body or mind that makes it difficult for a person to fulfill certain day-to-day activities. Roughly 15 percent of the world’s population faces some form of disability.

Different Kinds of Disability

For Web accessibility, there are four basic types of disability to be aware of; any one of these can adversely impact a person’s ability to access and use your website:

• Physical disabilities, which can include paralysis or issues with fine motor skills.
• Intellectual disabilities, including developmental delays.
• Mental illnesses, ranging from anxiety to schizophrenia.
• Sensory issues, such as loss of the ability to see or to hear.

Note that disabilities may be either permanent or temporary. And, disabilities can sometimes be situational in nature; for example, disabilities may be triggered or exacerbated by a situation such as a slower Internet connection.

Something else to keep in mind is that while disabilities may sometimes stem from accidents or from medical conditions, they can also come from advanced age. Many elderly people have limitations on their Internet activity, simply due to diminished abilities to see or hear.

Why Does Web Accessibility Matter?

There are a number of reasons why Web accessibility should be a concern for your business. Consider:

• Accessibility creates inclusivity. Making an accessible website shows your company’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment, and to welcoming all customers and clients.
• Accessibility can help you reach customers. Not every business invests in accessibility the way they should. As such, it can provide you with a leg up on your competitors, helping you reach customers they aren’t reaching.
• Accessibility can be an important legal protection. Companies have been on the receiving end of litigation, thanks to inaccessible websites. Focusing on online accessibility can help protect your business.
• Accessibility can bolster your reputation. As you seek to cultivate goodwill among your customers, showing a commitment to accessibility can go a long way.

These are just some of the reasons why it’s in your best interests to develop a website with accessibility in mind; now the question is how.

Basic Principles of Web Accessibility

A focus on online accessibility may address each of the following issues:

• Auditory concerns. Does your website contain audio or video content? If so, you’ll need to think about visitors who are hearing impaired. There are numerous ways to do so, including captions, subtitles, and transcripts of any audio/video material.
• Cognitive disabilities. Addressing cognitive limitations is a little trickier, but generally, you’ll just want to follow basic principles of positive UX. Display well-organized content with clear section headings. Use bulleted lists and leave plenty of white space.
• Motor impairment issues. Whether due to a temporary disability or a permanent one, some visitors may have limited motor control. (This could include something as simple as a fractured wrist.) You can accommodate these visitors by ensuring keyboard accessibility for all functions; provide clear, logical links for website navigation; and make sure tabs are arranged in a clear, reasonable way.
• Seizures and epilepsy. To make certain your website is accessible to those who suffer from seizures or epilepsy, you’ll want to eliminate or reduce the use of flashing lights in your website. Or, make sure visitors have a way to opt out of flashing content before it begins.
• Visual disabilities. Accommodate those who have difficulty seeing by including audio descriptors, screen readers, etc.

Ensuring Accessibility in Your Web Design

At enCOMPASS, we partner with a company called accessiBe to provide turnkey solutions for our clients, ensuring that each website we develop can be fully accessible to all visitors. If online accessibility is something you’re curious about, we’d love to talk with you further and to explain the different options. To learn more about developing accessible website content, reach out to the enCOMPASS team at any time.