We all have seen accessibility signs throughout daily life: the wheelchair ramp, closed captions, and online isn’t the exception.

Here at Redmon, we follow closely the Web Accessibility guidelines when we develop websites and applications. Every user should have access to the content and information from your site. We should always take in consideration accessibility from the early stages of development.

What is Web Accessibility?

A blind person may require a screen reader to access content online. On the other hand, a person who is hard of hearing might need captions to a video. Major impairments that require websites to be accessible are blindness/low vision, motor impairments, deaf/hard of hearing; among others.

Federal websites and other technology are required by law to be accessible; but now even private companies are jumping on the accessibility bandwagon. Having an accessible website is a moral, and legal thing to do. In the past years, there have been legal issues related to websites that are not accessible.

Why is it so important?

Web accessibility is important so every user can access the information; even if it is an alternative version of a feature in your website. While many private sectors disregarded accessibility as a key component for their websites (that is changing), the Federal Government amended the Rehabilitation Act to require federal agencies to build their electronic and information technology available for people with disabilities. This amendment is the Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Lately, we have seen legal ramifications to building a website without conforming to the web accessibility guidelines. In 2017, over 800 lawsuits were filed in federal courts for technology not being accessible to people with disabilities. This got private sectors’ attention and being more careful of how they develop their websites.

In the past, only federal websites needed to comply with accessibility standards, but now every website is highly encouraged to follow accessibility guidelines. And this is something we always we consider as top priority when developing our client’s websites and applications.

Most common things to consider with developing an accessible website

1. Images – while having visually appealing imagery will make your website stand out; alternative text should convey what is happening in the picture so users with a screen reader are able to get the information pertaining to the image.
2. Captions – If you have multimedia/video on your website, or plan to embed videos, closed caption is crucial for accessibility. This may be more time consuming, but on the long run, will help users who are deaf, or hard of hearing.
3. Special Features - If there is some type of infographic or a feature that is not accessible, such as an interactive map, an alternate version with the same information should be provided.
4. Forms – When developing forms, an association between the field label and its input fields will improve accessibility; so users with a screen reader are able to fill out forms correctly.
5. And color! Sometimes this is disregarded; especially with brand colors. Colors should have a high contrast so it is readable for users with low vision. For example, light gray font on a white background most likely is too low of a contrast and considered an accessibility violation.

We keep these, and more guidelines in the forefront when we develop our websites; and also use tools to diagnose and fix any accessibility issues. And with every project, it is one of our top concerns, whether it is an entire website or just some updates.

Accessibility benefits

Having an accessible website helps increase the number of potential visitors, especially those using assistive technology such as screen readers. Also, according to the W3C Web Accessibility initiative, accessibility helps mobile users, seniors, users with low bandwidth and also helps optimize content for search engines to find.

Web accessibility can bring greater financial benefits, with the increase of visitors to your website. In 2004, the Tesco stores reported an increase of 13 million pounds (near 18 million dollars) in its sales after making its website and other services accessible. There is also the savings when we provide an accessible website, which can avoid legal fees and penalties.

Web accessibility is the best thing you can do both legally and morally, and also improves overall user-experience. In some countries web accessibility may be a legal requirement; such as it is for federal websites in the U.S.