The number of people advocating web accessibility and standards-based design in general is increasing day by day. “So what is the big fuss and why do I need to implement the web accessibility on my website”, customers may exclaim.
Web accessibility is a general practice of developing websites accessible to people that use a wide range of software & devices and not just standard Web browsers. This is especially important for people with disabilities such as visual impairment. In order to access the Web, some users require special software or devices (e.g. screen readers) in addition to a standard web browser, or a specially designed web browsers. In our opinion, designing for accessibility is also a sub-category of good design for usability and goes beyond just designing for people with physical or cognitive disabilities.
Accessibility is about making your site available to the widest possible audience regardless of what browser or device your visitors use, disability or connection speed they may have. Therefore, developing websites with accessibility in mind can also improve website’s usability . Good design can also deliver easier access for automated software programs that read website content, such as search engines.
One important aspect of accessibility is to let people access content in their preferred way. This can also benefit all users not just those with disabilities: for example, some users may wish to adjust text sizes because they are using a very small display on a mobile phone, or may need to use keystrokes to control their computer because they do not have a mouse or prefer not to use one.
Take a peek at our Free Website Evaluation service that assesses your website for accessibility, usability as well as Search Engine Optimisation. You can check it out here.
