The term digital accessibility is the practice of designing digital products and their environment so that they can be accessed by those living with various disabilities.

Most of us are aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates public spaces be made accessible to those with cognitive and physical impairments or limitations. Digital accessibility is basically an extension of this principle. Additionally, there is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) This initiative provides a set of recommendations and guidelines to follow so that web content will be accessible to people with disabilities. This goes for all technologies and platforms. From one browser to the next, from PCs to handhelds and so on.

Much of today’s world uses and relies on one form or another involving digital technology. From doing their grocery shopping online to connecting with friends and family to enjoying some down time while catching up on their favorite podcast. The digital world has become a necessity. According to the United Nations an estimated 15% of the world is living with some form of a disability. And still there seems to be an unwavering number of desktop and mobile sites that aren’t up to standards in supporting those with accessibility needs.

So why is it so important to implement these practices? I think the question speaks for itself. And the answer is obvious. The internet should be equally accessible to everyone. There are also legal ramifications one can face by not creating a website with accommodations. You could face a hefty fine or even be forced to shut down your current site until it meets the WCAG standards of making it accessible to all. Providing accessibility to people with impairments and limitations can look many different ways. Some examples of the guidelines set forth by the WCAG are stated that the information and content of the user interface should allow for users to receive the information that is displayed to them. Someone that is blind or sight impaired would then need to rely on Alt Text. This option would read aloud a description of the image being displayed. Content should be completely accessible by use of a keyboard if a physical impairment prevents the user from using a mouse. This should allow for control to navigate the site you are visiting by way of up/down arrows and things of that nature. Properly formatting hyperlinks so that they are distinguishable and provide clarity is another important feature for simple ease when accessing the web.

 If your business needs help it’s website and digital accessibility, take advantage of our AFEUSA membership discounts established with the Web Accessibility Specialists at Equal Agency.