In today's digital age, websites are essential for businesses, organisations, and individuals to connect with their audiences. However, many websites are not accessible to people with disabilities, which can exclude a large portion of the population.
Website accessibility is the practice of making websites usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities. This includes people with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities.
Why is website accessibility important?
There are many reasons why website accessibility is important, including:
It's a moral imperative. Everyone deserves equal access to information and opportunities, and websites should be no exception.
It's the law. In many countries, there are laws that require websites to be accessible to people with disabilities.
It's good for business. Making your website accessible can help you reach a wider audience, improve your brand image, and boost your SEO.
It makes your website easier to use for everyone. Even people without disabilities can benefit from accessible websites, such as those with slow internet connections or using mobile devices.
How can you make your website accessible?
There are many things you can do to make your website accessible, including:
Use alt text for images. Alt text is a description of an image that is read by screen readers.
Use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon and technical terms.
Use proper heading structure. This helps users navigate your website with screen readers.
Ensure your website is keyboard navigable. Users should be able to navigate your website using only a keyboard.
Use colour contrast. Text should have a high contrast ratio against its background.
Provide transcripts for videos. This allows people with hearing impairments to access the information in your videos.
Making your website accessible is an ongoing process, but it is an important one. By taking steps to make your website accessible, you can help ensure that everyone has equal access to the information and opportunities you offer.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI):