What is Website Accessibility?
Website accessibility refers to eliminating obstacles that prevent individuals with disabilities from interacting with a website. Website accessibility allows equal access to information and features, such as the ability to place an online order.
An example of a website accessibility feature would be screen reader integration. Screen readers empower individuals with blindness or visual impairments to use a computer. This is done by the screen reader verbalizing options on the screen. While most computers have a screen reader function, without proper website accessibility actions being taken, screen readers will present an overwhelming amount of options that may make a website difficult to use.
Screen reader integration is only one of many website accessibility features. Other website accessibility features include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- sufficient color contrast for images, text and links to allow individuals with visual impairments to read a website,
- descriptive image ALT text to translate visual representations for visually impaired users,
- and other website accessibility features
Why Website Accessibility is Important
Website accessibility is good for business. With individuals with disabilities representing 19% of the U.S. population, lacking website accessibility significantly limits an organization's potential client or customer base.
Beyond website accessibility providing more opportunities to acquire new customers or clients, website accessibility is required by federal regulations. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 has been updated to apply to software and websites. Section 508 requires all organizations to make information or resources related to their services or goods equally accessible for individuals with disabilities as they are for individuals who do not have disabilities.
Failing to ensure website accessibility leaves an organization vulnerable to costly litigation and fees. The Business Journal of CNY described website accessibility lawsuits as "the fastest growing type of litigation." This is evidenced by a 2017 court case that ruled that burger chain Five Guys violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) due to lack of website accessibility. In that case, Five Guys offered online food ordering through their website, but the Five Guys website lacked website accessibility features that would make it equally accessible for blind customers to place an online food order.
How to Fulfill Website Accessibility Requirements
ACS Web Design and SEO is experienced in providing website accessibility web design services. In addition to our years of experience in creating professional website designs that satisfy website accessibility requirements, we also perform website accessibility audits. With a website accessibility audit, our experts can identify problem areas that would make an organization's site non-compliant with website accessibility regulations.
Whether looking for a new website that fulfills website accessibility requirements, or you need a website accessibility audit for your existing website...