Ensuring Inclusivity: A Guide to Website Accessibility
As a creative digital agency, it's our job to not only create visually appealing and functional websites but also ensure that they are accessible to all people. Accessibility is an essential aspect of web design, as it allows people with disabilities to access and use websites without facing any barriers. In this article, let's discuss what website accessibility is, why it's important, and how we can make our websites accessible to everyone.
What is website accessibility?
Website accessibility refers to the practice of designing and developing websites that are usable and accessible to people with disabilities. Disabilities can include visual, auditory, cognitive, or physical impairments. Website accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access and use a website without any barriers.
Why is website accessibility important?
Website accessibility is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it's a legal requirement. In many countries, including the United States, website accessibility is mandated by law. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in lawsuits and hefty fines, showing they take the subject very seriously.
Secondly, website accessibility is a moral obligation. It's essential to create websites that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. People with disabilities are often marginalised and excluded from many aspects of society, and these days with modern design processes, websites should not be one of them.
Lastly, website accessibility is good for business. By making your website accessible, you are opening up your business to a wider audience. People with disabilities make up a significant portion of the population, and by making your website accessible, you are tapping into a new market.
How can we make our websites accessible to everyone?
Making a website accessible to everyone involves several considerations. Here are some of the ways we can make our websites accessible:
-
Provide text alternatives for non-text content - people with visual impairments rely on screen readers to access websites. By providing text alternatives for non-text content such as images and videos, you are ensuring that everyone can access your website.
-
Use descriptive headings - headings provide structure to a web page, making it easier to navigate. By using descriptive headings, you are making it easier for people with visual impairments to navigate your website.
-
Ensure colour contrast - people with colour blindness may have difficulty distinguishing between certain colours. By ensuring adequate colour contrast of even your brand identity, you are ensuring that everyone can read and understand your website.
-
Provide captions and transcripts for videos - People with hearing impairments may have difficulty understanding videos without captions or transcripts. By providing appropriate captions and transcripts, you ensure that everyone can access the content on your website.
-
Ensure keyboard accessibility - Some people with disabilities may not be able to use a mouse. By ensuring keyboard accessibility, you can be sure everyone can navigate your website using the keyboard.
Final thoughts
Website accessibility is a crucial aspect of web design. By making your yours truly accessible, you are ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can use your website effectively. Unsure if your website is fully accessible? We're here to help.
