Website Accessibility

One major issue with inaccessible websites is how large of a demographic they affect. One in four Americans have a functional disability, and many more will experience temporary limitations.

Despite there being so many people who stand to benefit from accessible-friendly websites, only 2% of the top million websites are compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the “gold standard.”

People with vision and auditory impairments and motor and neurological disorders cannot enjoy digital resources in the same way the average person does.

One of the biggest benefits that can be derived from accessible websites is improved access for people with disabilities. Individuals who are blind or have low vision, as well as those with motor impairments, may not be able to use a keyboard or mouse and will face difficulty navigating web content.

Websites that are designed to be compatible with assistive technologies, such as screen readers, will be easier for these individuals to navigate and consume.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of standards designed to make websites and digital content accessible to people with disabilities. These guidelines cover a wide range of issues, including making sure that text is readable and images can be enlarged or modified, ensuring that videos have captions and transcripts, and providing alternatives for people who cannot use certain types of technologies.

Organizations that fail to comply with WCAG standards can face legal action from individuals or advocacy groups who file complaints against them. These complaints typically involve issues such as failing to provide text alternatives for images, not providing captions for videos, or not making content accessible to people with visual or hearing impairments.

While guidelines are an essential factor in improving the current issues being experienced, they would not be necessary if organizations felt driven to create real solutions for real problems experienced by millions of people.

Many organizations fail to provide accessible digital content, often leading to a host of accessibility issues for people with disabilities. These problems can be further compounded by the pressure to simply check off web accessibility guidelines rather than truly address the needs of individuals who rely on accessible technology in order to access websites and other digital content.

To truly ensure meaningful accessibility, organizations must focus on their users, particularly those with disabilities. This requires a deep understanding of the individuals who rely on accessible technology in order to fully understand and address their needs. It also requires an ethical commitment to ensuring that all people have access to information and services, regardless of ability.

Without this commitment, meaningful accessibility will continue to be elusive. We must work together to advocate for ethical standards and practices that prioritize user needs, rather than simply checking off a list of accessibility requirements. Only then can we create truly accessible technology, and ensure that everyone has the ability to participate in our digital world.