Website accessibility is about ensuring that all users can effectively use a website. In today’s digital world, websites are essential for businesses of all sizes, providing a window to services, products, and information. However, for millions of people with disabilities, accessing and navigating websites can be challenging or impossible if sites are not designed with accessibility in mind. Not only is having an accessible site the right thing to do from an ethical standpoint, it’s also a legal requirement in many countries.
The Legal Landscape and Website Accessibility Regulations
Governments worldwide have recognised the importance of digital inclusivity, leading to regulations and laws that require businesses to make their websites accessible. For example:
- In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and has been interpreted to apply to websites.
- In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 requires organisations to make reasonable adjustments to ensure digital services are accessible to people with disabilities.
- In the European Union, the European Accessibility Act mandates that public sector websites and apps must meet certain accessibility standards.
Non-compliance with accessibility laws can lead to legal action, fines, and damage to a company’s reputation. Beyond the legal ramifications, businesses that ignore accessibility are missing out on a large segment of the market, including customers with disabilities, as well as their families and friends who value accessible services.
Understanding WCAG: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the globally recognised standards for website accessibility. They provide a framework for making web content more accessible to a wide range of people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.
WCAG is divided into four main principles of website accessibility, known as POUR:
- Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presented in ways that users can perceive, whether through sight, hearing, or touch.
- Operable: The interface must be usable via a variety of input methods (e.g., keyboard, mouse, voice), ensuring it doesn’t require interaction that users cannot perform.
- Understandable: Users must be able to comprehend the information and how to interact with the interface.
- Robust: Content must be robust enough to be reliably interpreted by various assistive technologies, such as screen readers.
How Businesses Can Make Their Websites More Accessible
Here are some practical tips for businesses looking to make their websites more accessible:
1. Follow WCAG Standards:
Ensure your website meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which is the recommended standard for accessibility. This includes providing text alternatives for non-text content, making all functionality available via keyboard, and offering sufficient colour contrast between text and background.
2. Use Semantic HTML:
Proper use of HTML tags (such as headings, lists, and labels) helps assistive technologies, like screen readers, understand the structure and content of your site.
3. Add Alt Text to Images:
Descriptive alternative text (alt text) should be added to all images, making them accessible to users who rely on screen readers.
4. Ensure Keyboard Navigation:
Users with motor impairments often rely on keyboard navigation rather than a mouse. Make sure all elements of your site can be accessed and operated using a keyboard.
5. Test with Real Users and Tools:
6. Provide Captioning for Video and Audio Content:
Videos and audio content should be accompanied by captions or transcripts to help those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
7. Design for Readability:
Use clear fonts, simple language, and avoid excessive jargon. Make sure the text is resizable and maintain a high contrast between text and background.
8. Regular Audits and Updates:
Accessibility is an ongoing process. Regularly audit your site to ensure it stays compliant as content and technologies evolve.
Website accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a way for businesses to show inclusivity and respect for all users. By making your website accessible, you’re not only complying with laws but also expanding your potential audience, improving user experience, and enhancing your brand’s reputation.
Investing in website accessibility can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be manageable and worthwhile. Start by aligning with WCAG standards and implementing the practical tips mentioned here to ensure your digital presence is inclusive for all.
