The Importance of Website Accessibility and Compliance

The Importance of Website Accessibility and Compliance

In today's digital age, websites are an essential part of doing business. They provide a way for businesses to connect with customers, promote their products and services, and build relationships. However, not all websites are created equal. Some websites are inaccessible to people with disabilities, which can prevent them from accessing the information and services they need.

Web accessibility is the practice of designing websites so that they can be used by people with disabilities. This includes people who are blind, have low vision, are deaf, have mobility impairments, or have other disabilities. When websites are accessible, they can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities.

There are many benefits to making websites accessible. First, it is the right thing to do. People with disabilities have the same right to access information and services as everyone else. Second, accessible websites can help businesses reach a wider audience. In the United States, for example, one in four adults has a disability. That means that by making your website accessible, you are opening up your business to a potential market of over 61 million people. Third, accessible websites can improve your SEO ranking. Search engines like Google rank websites that are accessible higher in their search results. This means that by making your website accessible, you can get more people to see it.

There are a number of things you can do to make your website accessible. Here are a few tips:

• Use high-contrast colors and fonts.
• Use text alternatives for images and videos.
• Provide keyboard navigation.
• Make sure your website is compatible with screen readers.

There are also a number of resources available to help you make your website accessible. The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) is a great resource for information on web accessibility. WAI offers a number of tools and resources, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG is a set of guidelines that can help you make your website accessible.

Making your website accessible is an important step in ensuring that everyone can access the information and services they need. By following the tips above, you can make your website more accessible and improve the experience for everyone.

In addition to being the right thing to do, there are also legal reasons to make your website accessible. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses with places of public accommodation to make their websites accessible. The ADA also applies to state and local governments.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is another law that requires businesses and organizations to make their websites accessible. The Rehabilitation Act applies to federal agencies and organizations that receive federal funding.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a law that requires websites in the European Union to be accessible. The EAA applies to all websites that are directed at, or accessible to, people in the European Union.

If you are not sure whether your website is accessible, you can have it evaluated by an accessibility expert. Accessibility experts can help you identify and fix any accessibility issues on your website.

Making your website accessible is an important step in ensuring that everyone can access the information and services they need. By following the tips above, you can make your website more accessible and improve the experience for everyone.

Source: Conversation with Bard
#bard #accessibility #web #Section508 

Looking for more info?

W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) Making the Web Accessible
US Access Board Information and Communication Technology
WebAIM