In today’s digital age, more and more people are relying on technology to access information and services. However, not all websites, apps, and digital content are designed with accessibility in mind. This can create barriers for individuals with disabilities, limiting their ability to fully participate in and benefit from the digital world.

What is Digital Accessibility?

Digital accessibility is the practice of designing and developing digital content and technology that is accessible to all people, including those with disabilities. This includes people with visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive disabilities.

Why is Digital Accessibility important?

Digital accessibility is important for several reasons. Firstly, it promotes inclusivity and equal access to information and services for all individuals. Secondly, it ensures compliance with accessibility laws and regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA ) in the United States and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines  (WCAG) globally. Non-compliance with these laws and guidelines can result in legal consequences, such as fines or lawsuits. Finally, it can benefit businesses and organizations by increasing their reach and customer base, as well as improving the user experience for all users.

What are some examples of Digital Accessibility features?

Some examples of digital accessibility features include:

Alternative text for images: This is a text description of an image that can be read by a screen reader, allowing individuals with visual impairments to understand the content of the image.
Captions and transcripts for audio and video content: This allows individuals with hearing impairments to understand the audio content of a video or podcast.
Keyboard accessibility: This ensures that all functionality of a website or app can be accessed using a keyboard, rather than a mouse or other input device.
High contrast and adjustable font sizes: This makes it easier for individuals with visual impairments to read digital content.
Descriptive link text: This provides context for links and helps individuals using screen readers to understand the purpose of the link.

How can you make your digital content accessible? There are several ways you can make your digital content accessible, including:

Use accessible design principles: Consider accessibility from the beginning of the design process, and prioritize accessibility in all design decisions.
Use accessible technology: Choose technology platforms and tools that prioritize accessibility, and ensure that they are compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers.
Use accessible content formats: Use formats such as HTML, PDF, and EPUB that are accessible and can be read by assistive technologies.
Test for accessibility: Use accessibility testing tools to identify and fix accessibility issues on your website or app.
Provide training and resources: Provide training and resources to your team on digital accessibility and how to create accessible content.

Digital accessibility is an important consideration for anyone creating digital content or technology. By designing and developing with accessibility in mind, we can create a more inclusive and equitable digital world for all.

For more information on why accessibility is important in general, you can check out my previous blog post here.

 

For further information on how to make your product accessible to your audience, contact our experience design experts, check out our Accessibility IQ for your website, download our guide Digitally Accessible Experiences: Why It Matters and How to Create Them, read more from our UX for Accessible Design series.

So, What Comes Next?

In our next installment, I’ll be continuing our exploration of digital accessibility by delving into the different types of testing that can help ensure your website is inclusive and easy to use for all users. Accessibility testing is a critical component of the web development process, and it’s essential to choose the right types of testing to ensure that your website is accessible to everyone. I’ll be discussing the different types of testing, including automated testing, manual testing, and user testing, and examining the benefits and limitations of each approach. I’ll also provide tips and best practices for creating an effective testing strategy and discuss the latest tools and resources available to help you test the accessibility of your website. So stay tuned for our next post, and learn how to ensure that your website is accessible and inclusive for all users through effective testing techniques.

Follow my next post: Digital Accessibility testing Fundamentals