In today's digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our lives. It has opened up a world of opportunities and has made information easily accessible. However, not everyone can access the web in the same way. Web accessibility refers to designing websites and applications that people with disabilities can also use.
In this blog, we'll look at what web accessibility is, why it's important, the web accessibility standards, and how to make your website accessible.
We have all encountered situations where we get frustrated by a website that takes forever to load, struggle to read poorly-chosen fonts, or become overwhelmed while trying to navigate through a webpage that needs to be mobile-friendly. Though these issues may be an annoyance to some, for individuals with disabilities, it can severely limit their ability to use the internet.
Web accessibility means that websites and web-based applications are designed and developed so that everyone can access and use them, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities. This includes people with disabilities such as blindness or a visual impairment, deafness or hearing impairment, mobility impairment, and cognitive impairment.
A report by WebAIM showed the biggest issues in 2022, where 83.6% of people struggled to read low-contrast text and 58.2% found missing alternative text for images. These would require small changes to make a massive impact on those with disabilities.
Having a website that is accessible is important because it ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can have proper access and use the internet. People with disabilities face numerous barriers when accessing the web, preventing them from accessing important information, services, and products.
By making websites and applications accessible, businesses and organisations can ensure that everyone can have the freedom to access their content, products, and services, regardless of their abilities.
Furthermore, web accessibility is not just about meeting legal requirements or avoiding lawsuits. It is about creating a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the same opportunities to access and participate in the digital world.
There are several web accessibility standards that website designers and developers can follow to ensure that their websites are accessible.
The UK government introduced the Websites and Mobile Applications Accessibility Regulations (WMAR) act in 2018. The act mandates public sector websites and mobile applications to be accessible to people with disabilities, such as those who are deaf, blind, or physically disabled.
To comply with the regulations, public sector organisations must also publish an accessibility statement on their websites, which outlines the accessibility status of their site and identifies areas that may not meet the accessibility standards. It is important that the statement is easy to understand and kept up-to-date as the website or app evolves.
Companies that provide services to the public sector should ensure their website and mobile app are accessible to comply with the regulations. It is also good practice for companies to design websites and mobile apps with accessibility in mind, as it can benefit all users and mitigate potential legal issues related to discrimination.
In summary, the WMAR act emphasises the significance of accessibility in website and mobile app design, and enforces accountability for public sector organisations in the UK to provide accessible services to all users, irrespective of their disabilities.
Web accessibility is essential to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By making websites and applications accessible, businesses and organisations can ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can access their content, products, and services. Following web accessibility standards and implementing accessibility features can help ensure your website is accessible to everyone.
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