Last Updated on 2024-10-11
Web accessibility has a lot to offer if done correctly. Letโs learn more about its concept, value, and steps to integrate it into your product.
The internet has become the gateway to a wealth of information and services. As it continues to evolve, ensuring everyone has equal access to this digital realm is crucial. Thatโs where web accessibility comes into play.
What Is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility is about making the web a place that welcomes everyone. Itโs about building websites and apps that everyone can use, understand, and navigate, regardless of physical or cognitive impairments. Think of it as creating an online world thatโs truly inclusive, where everyone can participate and contribute.
But when we talk about disabilities, what do we mean? In the context of web accessibility, weโre not just referring to visual impairments. It encompasses a wide range of conditions, including auditory, motor, cognitive, and more.
4 Reasons to Comply with Web Accessibility
You might be wondering why you should care about web accessibility. Well, there are several compelling reasons why business owners and development teams should conform to it.
1. InclusivityโWeb accessibility is a way to break down digital barriers. This ensures that everyone can access and use online content and services. Itโs a matter of inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
2. Legal RequirementsโMany countries have established laws and regulations that mandate web accessibility. Non-compliance can lead to legal headaches, fines, and damages to your reputation.
3. Business BenefitsโCreating an accessible website isnโt just a legal obligation; itโs also a smart business move. An accessible site can reach a broader audience, potentially boosting user engagement and revenue. Plus, it enhances your companyโs image and brand reputation.
4. Ethical ResponsibilityโBeyond the legal and business aspects, ensuring web accessibility is an ethical and moral responsibility. Itโs about reducing discrimination and fostering a more inclusive digital world.
The Road to Building Web Accessibility: 13 Tips to Do It
Now that weโve got the โwhatโ and the โwhyโ down, letโs get into the โhow.โ Making your web app or website accessible requires a structured approach. Here are our tips to help you every step of the way.
1. Understand Accessibility Guidelines
Start by acquainting yourself with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Itโs the holy grail of web accessibility. They are categorized into three levels of conformance: A, AA, and AAAโwith AA being the most commonly targeted level.
2. Conduct Accessibility Audits
Combine automated testing tools like Axe or WAVE with manual web accessibility audits. This step helps you identify accessibility issues that need fixing. It can be a missing alternative text for images, keyboard navigation problems, or insufficient color contrast.
3. Provide Alternative Text
Images and multimedia content need love, too! So, ensure that all non-text elements have descriptive alternative text. This helps screen readers convey the content to users who canโt see it. Imagine a screen reader saying, โImage123.jpgโ versus โsmiling dog with a red ball.โ You know the latter is way better than the non-descriptive one.
4. Keyboard Accessibility
Some folks rely on keyboards for navigation. That is why you must ensure all interactive elements and functionality are available using a keyboard alone. This way, anyone can navigate your site without clicking a mouse.
5. Use Semantic HTML
Donโt be lazy with your HTML. Use semantic HTML elements (like headings, lists, and tables) to provide a clear document structure that aids navigation and understanding. Remember, screen readers thrive on well-structured content.
6. Color Contrast
Your color choices matter! Consider providing sufficient contrast between text and background to make content readable for individuals with visual impairments. Itโs not just about aesthetics; itโs about usability.
7. Keyboard Focus Styles
Have you ever tried navigating a website using only your keyboard? Well, some people do. So, provide clear and visible focus styles for interactive elements. Users should know where they are on the page.
8. Video and Audio Accessibility
If your website has multimedia content, include captions and transcripts. Provide controls for users to pause, play, and adjust the volume. Youโd be surprised how many people rely on these features.
9. Responsive Design
There is a plethora of devices available today. So, ensure your website is responsive and usable on various screen sizes, including mobile phones and tablets. Responsive design isnโt just trendy but also an accessibility requirement.
10. User Testing
Donโt make web accessibility an abstract concept. Involve people with disabilities in usability testing. Their feedback is invaluable in identifying real-world accessibility issues.
11. Training
Educate your development and content teams about web accessibility principles and best practices. A little knowledge goes a long way in ensuring proper accessibility integration into your organizationโs culture.
12. Regular Maintenance
Web accessibility isnโt a one-time task. Continuously monitor and maintain your websiteโs accessibility. As you add new content or features, ensure they adhere to accessibility guidelines. Staying vigilant is vital.
13. Document Accessibility Policy
Develop and publish a policy that outlines your commitment to accessibility. It should provide contact information for accessibility inquiries or issues. Transparency matters and it can boost your brand reputation.
Web Accessibility Is Beneficial For Your Web Apps
We have already entered an era where the internet plays a pivotal role in our daily lives. That is why ensuring web accessibility isnโt just a technical checkbox. Instead, itโs fundamental to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming digital space for all.
So, letโs champion the cause of web accessibility and make the web a better place for everyone, one accessible website at a time. Itโs not just a choice; itโs the right thing to do.
Full Scale Can Help With Your Web Accessibility Integration
Weโre an offshore software development company based in Kansas City, Missouri. But our development center is in the Philippinesโwhere our highly skilled and experienced teams work behind the scenes.
Full Scale has a robust vetting process. Thus, we are confident that our developers, testers, and leaders are top-tier in their fields. So, if you need help integrating web accessibility functions into your product, we can help you build a team quickly and affordably.
Use Our People, Platform, and Process for Your Success Today
Matt Watson is a serial tech entrepreneur who has started four companies and had a nine-figure exit. He was the founder and CTO of VinSolutions, the #1 CRM software used in today’s automotive industry. He has over twenty years of experience working as a tech CTO and building cutting-edge SaaS solutions.
As the CEO of Full Scale, he has helped over 100 tech companies build their software services and development teams. Full Scale specializes in helping tech companies grow by augmenting their in-house teams with software development talent from the Philippines.
Matt hosts Startup Hustle, a top podcast about entrepreneurship with over 6 million downloads. He has a wealth of knowledge about startups and business from his personal experience and from interviewing hundreds of other entrepreneurs.