An Introduction to Web Accessibility
At its core, accessibility refers to the process of ensuring that all people can use a service or product. Today, the CDC estimates that one in four Americans has a disability. It’s more important than ever to ensure that our businesses and services are open to all. Often, when we think about accessibility, we picture wheelchair ramps or elevators. However, not all disabilities are obvious, and digital accessibility is just as important as physical accessibility. Some of the key web accessibility concerns to address when thinking about your site are visual or hearing impairments, motor skills impairments, photosensitivity, and cognitive disabilities.
More Than Just a Legal Requirement
Many business owners have become aware of the importance of web accessibility only after they have been served with a lawsuit for failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Indeed, even huge retailers like Domino’s have been subject to ADA lawsuits concerning their websites. It’s important to protect yourself from legal action. However, accessibility is more than simply a legal principle. If your website is not accessible to all, you could be losing business from a population sector that comprises 26% of American adults. Furthermore, as a business owner, you want to be kind and include everyone in your community; this includes those with disabilities who may have different needs when it comes to web browsing.
The Web, for Everyone
When you decide to make your website accessible, you are making the decision to open your business to all. Changes aimed at achieving web accessibility can help everyone. Captions, for example, aid the hearing impaired – but they’re also great for anyone who doesn’t have headphones handy or prefers reading to listening. There are no downsides to making your website more accessible.
WebArc is Your Web Accessibility Partner
WebArc has the accessibility process down to a science. Our quick, painless process is the simplest way to achieve full, long-term web accessibility. It’s cost-effective, and you will gain both legal protection and peace of mind when you partner with us. Contact us today to find out more! Do you need even more reasons to make your website ADA compliant? View our previous post about the “why” behind accessibility.
