The Importance of Web Accessibility

Understanding Web Accessibility

What is web accessibility?

Now, put yourself in a position where you log onto a website and find that all links are dead, the images have no descriptions, and the layout is such that finding information could just be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Frustrating, right? Now, consider this as actually being a reality with quite a number of persons living with some form of disability. Web accessibility is all about removing these barriers and going ahead to create an inclusive online environment where persons, irrespective of their ability, can access information, products, and services with ease.

What does it really mean to talk about web accessibility? The point of web accessibility will be the creation of websites usable by people with various kinds of disabilities: visual, hearing loss, motor, and cognitive difficulties. It is more than just making sure it looks nice; rather, it is about the aesthetics and making sure everyone has the full experience.

Why is Web Accessibility Important?

You might think, “Isn’t it just a nicety to have?”-well, no! There are lots of reasons why web accessibility is so important. First, it advances inclusion into the digital world for people with disabilities. In a world where everyone is getting connected, all people should have an equal opportunity to go online and shop, learn, or get in touch with others.

Besides, did you know that 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability?

That is over a billion people! By designing accessible websites, companies are in the place to tap this great market, thereby unlocking new doors of customers and opportunities that have previously been shut.

Accessibility is essentially a social matter. Consider this: the greater the number of barriers in front of an individual, the more that person is excluded from society, and the less he or she can fully participate in that society. Accessibility is all about creating a level playing field to make certain that all people have equal access to information and opportunities. After all, should not everybody be able to reap the benefits of the internet?

Economic Benefits

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. Studies have shown that brands embracing accessibility not only do a good deed for inclusivity, but it also line their pockets. By ignoring this demographic, a company is potentially losing millions of customers. For instance, one study found inaccessible websites cost UK online retailers a whopping £11.75 billion! That’s the sales you could get just because your website is easy for anyone to use.

Legal Consequences

Not to mention the legal perspective at all: in most countries, web accessibility is a part of various laws and amendments. For example, in the United States, Canada, and European Union, the accessibility of websites to users is required by law. Failure to adjust accordingly leads to a number of lawsuits and penalties. For example, a settlement involving Beyoncé’s entertainment company is a clear indication that nobody is above the law in terms of ensuring your website is accessible. If a global superstar must be investigated for an inaccessible website, what makes you think that your business has nothing to worry about?

Key Guidelines for Designing Accessible Websites

Understanding WCAG Standards

Where would you start? A very good starting point would be learning about the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. These guidelines provide a far-reaching foundation on how to make web content more accessible. It ranges from readable text to intuitive navigation for any user.

At Kiri Visual, we specialize in the implementation of these WCAG standards to further the accessibility of your website. Our expert team can guide you through the process and ensure that your site is in conformance, ensuring that your users will not face difficulties. Why not get started with your first steps into inclusivity today?

Accessibility Best Practices

Once you learn about the WCAG standards, it is now the time to implement them. To begin with, you need to choose a content management system that can support the features for accessibility. Not all platforms are created equal, and opting for one that takes great heed of accessibility may save you from headaches later on.

Appropriate Use of CMS

When you select a CMS, look for features that make implementing accessibility standards painless. Is it easy to add alt text to images? Is it easy to structure your content with headers and labels? A good CMS will empower you-what’s more, without requiring you to become expert coders-to make your website even more inclusive. Want help finding out which CMS is right for your project? The team at Kiri Visual can help with personalized recommendations.

Effective Headings and Organization

Speaking of structure, let’s talk about the importance of using headings effectively. A well-structured website makes it not only easier for users to find their way through but will also serve your SEO well. Headings are to be used to create an outline that flows and takes readers through your content. For instance, your main title should be an H1, while section headings should be H2s and subsections H3s. This makes sense and is important for all users, but specifically for screen readers.

Alt-Text

Images are worth so much and add value to your content. If they are not taken care of, though, they become a barrier for the visually impaired. This is where the alt text comes in: it gives a detailed explanation about what images are for in instances when screen readers convey that images are present. Not only does this practice make things more accessible, but it even boosts your site’s SEO ranking. Think of alt text as one surefire method for making your content richer and more inclusive for everyone. At Kiri Visual, we ensure every image on your site has a purpose to further enhance both access and engagement.

Designing for All Users

Color Contrast and Design

Now, let’s dive in with design: Color is a crucial part of web design, but can also pose a challenge in some ways to the users who have color blindness or low vision. Sufficient contrast needs to be provided between text and background colors for readability. Tools such as contrast checkers will help test your color choices against accessibility standards. It is almost impossible to try to read light gray text on a white background.

A lot of people rely on keyboards to navigate through a website. For better accessibility, all elements of a website should be accessed and operable via a keyboard. By doing this simple thing, your menus, buttons, and forms will also become usable by people with serious motor impairments. It really significantly affects their user experience. A little attention to keyboard functionality can go a long way!

Correct Labeling of Forms

Forms can be one of those pain points when it comes to users. If they are not labeled well, that is. Every form field needs to have a descriptive label attached to it when screen readers can quickly identify them. Takeaway: Using HTML label tags or ARIA properties will further the accessibility of forms and make it easier for all users to interact with your content. Just think how much smoother the user experience will be when forms are straightforward and easy to navigate!

Testing for Accessibility

Accessibility testing is a crucial part of the design process for your website. Continuously identify barriers on your website through automated testing tools and through manual testing. You may involve users with disabilities who can provide you with massive insight into which areas need to be worked upon. Accessibility is an assurance that all users will be able to access your website. Should you want to seek help with accessibility testing, Kiri Visual’s accessibility testing service finds and solves these issues for you.

Conclusion

Repetition of Key Points

So, what did we learn? That web accessibility is not only a technical requirement but also a moral one. By being informed about the importance of accessibility and how to make use of the best practices, you will be able to offer equal opportunities to all in this regard. Keep in mind that accessibility does not have to do with compliance matters but with the possibilities of reaching a wider audience and strengthening your brand’s reputation.

The Way Forward

Moreover, as you go forward in the future with new designs or updates, accessibility should be included in all steps of a web development cycle: from planning to design, testing, and maintenance. The more proactive you are in this area, the better it will be for all users. Your brand will be leading the way in inclusivity. After all, who would not want their business remembered as one that really cared about each and every one of its customers?

If you are serious about giving your website that extra mileage in terms of accessibility, then Kiri Visual is here to help. Our dedicated team of web designers and developers understand the intricacies of creating inclusive websites. Let us take you through the process and make sure your site meets all the standards on accessibility.

FAQs

What about the importance of web accessibility?

Web accessibility benefits everyone, as the more accessible the web is, the more productive web usage becomes for all users. This, in turn, enhances the overall usability of the website for everyone, improves SEO, and increases your audience base for potential revenue growth. Plus, it is a way to show your brand values in inclusion and social responsibility.

How can I make my website more accessible?

Increase accessibility by having alt text for images, having enough color contrast, and by structuring your content with clear headings. Testing for accessibility periodically will help you get better and continuously improve the user experience for all users.

What are WCAG guidelines?

WCAGs set a standard that caters to the people living with a disability by making the web more accessible. It covers aspects such as text readability, navigation, and usage of multimedia. This will enable a better creation of accessible web content when understood.

Why is it important that businesses be accessible?

Accessibility opens the door to a wider customer base for businesses, adds to the brand’s reputation, and diminishes the risk related to legal issues about discrimination. Accessibility is much more than mere legislative compliance; it’s about crafting a better experience for all users.

How can Kiri Visual help with web accessibility?

Here at Kiri Visual, we pride ourselves on developing web designs that represent the best of inclusive accessibility. Our team understands the complex standards of WCAG and helps you put the best practices to work for your needs.

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