Web accessibility is a growing priority for organizations across industries. But why should it matter to you? And are there really laws that mandate it? In this blog, we’ll explain what web accessibility is and how it benefits organizations—including why it’s critical for legal compliance. We’ll also provide practical tips for making your digital experiences engaging and easy to use for everyone.
What is web accessibility?
Web accessibility is the process of ensuring online experiences meet the needs of all users, including people with disabilities. More specifically, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) describes web accessibility as the practice of eliminating barriers that prevent people with disabilities from perceiving, understanding, navigating, and interacting with the web. Websites that are designed with accessibility in mind empower all visitors to fully engage with online content. By prioritizing accessibility, organizations can create inclusive and equitable digital spaces.
Why is website accessibility important?
The internet is an indispensable resource for everyday tasks like shopping, working, banking, and staying connected with others. When organizations neglect to address web accessibility, individuals with disabilities are more likely to face barriers that make completing these tasks difficult, if not impossible. Worldwide, an estimated 1.3 billion people experience a significant disability, and many disabilities impact how users interact with the digital world. For example, people who are blind or have low vision may use screen readers to engage with digital content and navigate using the keyboard instead of a mouse. Some individuals with cognitive or motor disabilities may browse the web using dictation software. And people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may catch up on a podcast by reading the transcript rather than listening to audio. There are also temporary and situational disabilities to consider. Think about someone trying to use a website on a mobile device in bright sunlight, a person with a broken arm who can’t use a mouse, or even a new parent holding a baby who needs to navigate with one hand. Designing and building with accessibility in mind is essential for ensuring everyone can use your site, no matter their circumstances.
What are examples of web accessibility considerations?
Web accessibility is an ongoing process, and accounting for every user’s needs may take time. But there are a few adjustments you can start making right away to provide a more inclusive experience for users. Let’s explore eight web accessibility best practices:
- Alt text for images: Alt text describes images and other visual elements on a website for individuals who can’t physically see them. It’s a critical accessibility consideration for screen reader users, but also helpful for those who choose to disable images to avoid distractions or have spotty internet. Effective alt text is concise, meaningful, and context-appropriate.
- Keyboard navigation: Many users navigate websites with the keyboard only, and it’s important that all your website’s functionality is available to keyboard users. Users should be able to tab through links, buttons, and forms easily, without getting stuck or missing any content.
- Captions for videos: Closed captions use on-screen text to communicate spoken dialogue and other relevant audio (such as music and sound effects) in video content. They’re essential for making videos accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing—along with those watching in a noisy setting or a quiet environment like a library.
- Screen reader compatibility: Screen readers, which convert digital text into audio, rely on well-structured content to work effectively. To provide an accessible experience for screen reader users, website creators must incorporate proper headings, lists, and landmarks so that users can understand the hierarchy of content and easily navigate to relevant sections.
- Sufficient color contrast: Making sure there is adequate color contrast between text and background elements enhances readability and is critical for ensuring content is accessible for users with color blindness or low vision.
- Accessible forms: Whether you’re signing up for an online course or making a purchase on an e-commerce site, you’ll probably use a form. To be accessible, forms need clear labels and instructions. They also must be compatible with screen readers, and users should be able to move from one field to the next with the keyboard.
- Text resizing options: Some users may prefer (or need) to increase text size to read comfortably. Websites should allow for text resizing without disrupting a page’s layout or cutting off content.
- Descriptive link text: A button that says “click here” doesn’t provide users with much information about what they’re clicking into. Descriptive link text, like “Read more about our services,” gives users a clearer idea of where the link will take them. This is particularly important for screen reader accessibility, as navigating away from an irrelevant page may require more effort for screen reader users.
The benefits of website accessibility
Investing in more inclusive online experiences doesn’t just benefit users—it can also lead to major wins for businesses. The business advantages of web accessibility are wide-ranging, impacting organizations across all industries. In fact, data from our Fifth Annual State of Digital Accessibility Report revealed that 85% of respondents consider digital accessibility a competitive advantage for their organization. Here are just a few of the reasons why:
- Reaching a broader audience: Accessible websites can help organizations reach a wider audience, leading to increased traffic, more engagement, and potentially higher sales and conversions.
- Improved search engine optimization (SEO): Search engines favor websites that are accessible. Many elements that improve accessibility, such as image alt text and proper heading structure, also boost SEO. This can result in better search rankings, increasing a site’s visibility and traffic.
- Positive business reputation: Organizations that prioritize accessibility are often perceived as more socially responsible. This can improve public perception and brand loyalty, helping businesses attract—and retain—customers who value inclusivity.
- Improved usability: Principles of accessible design improve the overall user experience for all visitors. Accessibility best practices like clear navigation, readable fonts, and responsive design make a website easier to use, which can decrease bounce rates and increase the time users spend on a site.
- Compliance with accessibility laws: Providing an accessible web experience helps organizations mitigate the financial and reputational risks of non-compliance with web accessibility laws. We’ll explore some of the most notable regulations governing digital accessibility in the following section.
What are web accessibility laws?
Nations around the world have enacted web accessibility laws, and understanding which regulations apply to your business is critical to avoiding lawsuits and penalties. Factors such as your organization’s location, the market you serve, and your business size may all influence how these laws impact you. Here’s a rundown of key laws governing web accessibility:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, is a U.S civil rights law that aims to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Justice has repeatedly clarified its position that businesses open to the public must ensure their web content and mobile apps are accessible to achieve ADA compliance. Additionally, state and local governments are obligated to meet web accessibility standards under Title II of the ADA.
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Sections 508 and 504)
Section 508 mandates that federal agencies ensure their information and communications technology (ICT) is accessible to people with disabilities. This covers websites, software, and other digital tools. Section 504 prevents discrimination based on disability in programs receiving federal financial assistance, including public educational institutions and healthcare providers.
European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The European Accessibility Act requires that various products and services, including digital experiences related to banking and e-commerce, be accessible to people with disabilities. This law applies across European Union countries and sets unified accessibility standards for organizations throughout Europe.
Web accessibility standards
Compliance with web accessibility laws typically involves meeting established accessibility standards for digital content. Commonly referenced standards include:
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a universally accepted set of guidelines for ensuring web accessibility, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). WCAG outlines three levels of conformance: A, AA, and AAA. Organizations use these guidelines to enhance accessibility and achieve compliance with laws including the ADA and Sections 508 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
EN 301 549
EN 301 549 is the European accessibility standard for ICT products and services. Similarly to Section 508 in the United States, it establishes the accessibility requirements for the public procurement of ICT across Europe.
Building a web that works for all
Navigating the complexities of global accessibility regulations and evolving standards can be challenging, which is why partnering with a third-party web accessibility solution provider is highly recommended. A team of experienced professionals can equip you with the technology and guidance you need to comply with legal requirements and provide inclusive experiences for all users. It’s important to find a web accessibility solution that not only helps you understand your current accessibility status, but also enables you to identify gaps in your approach, prioritize the most critical fixes, and embed accessibility into your processes for sustained progress. The right vendor will support you with web accessibility tools and services including:
- Conducting a thorough audit of your website to identify any accessibility errors that need to be remediated.
- Equipping you with monitoring software to continuously check and report on the status of your website’s accessibility, allowing you to swiftly address any new issues that arise.
- Partnering with you to proactively integrate accessibility into the creation of new web content—including providing tooling, training, and strategic support for designers, developers, and other key roles.
Kickstart your accessibility journey today and discover how Level Access can help you put web accessibility principles into practice.
The post Web Accessibility in 2024: Benefits and Best Practices appeared first on Level Access.