By Jennifer Allen

In the digital realm, inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a fundamental principle that shapes the way we connect, engage, and communicate. Luke Johnson of Simpleview and AudioEye and Jason McKee of Perspective Tester joined the Emerging Markets Summit to present a guide for businesses and individuals looking to create webpages that are not only visually appealing but also accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. 

Why Web Accessibility

Web accessibility means people are not excluded from something on the basis of a disability – similar to having a ramp for an historic building. In today’s interconnected world, web accessibility is more than a design choice—it’s a moral and legal imperative. 26% of adults in the U.S. Identify as having a disability. 96%  of the top 1 million homepages have accessibility errors. $13 Trillion in annual income is controlled by people with disabilities and their families and friends.

The Legal Landscape: Navigating Legal Obligations

Lawsuit hawks prowl the web looking for website that don’t meet legal requirements. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), web accessibility is obligatory for businesses open to the public. In March 2022, the U.S. Justice Department echoed the necessity of web accessibility, reinforcing the convergence of law and inclusivity. Even Beyonce was sued for a lack of website accessibility. Aligning with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) ensures technical compliance, paves the way for an equitable digital experience, and avoids nasty lawsuits.

Reputation

Reduce your risk and improve reputation by supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Customer Satisfaction

Accessible content improves engagement, making it more user-friendly for people with and without disabilities.

Discoverability

Accessible websites are easier for search engines and voice experiences to index, boosting discoverability and SEO.

Putting Principles into Practice: Actionable Tips

Alt Text for Images: A Universal Language:

Alt text is a caption description of an image that assistive technologies (i.e. screen readers or refreshable braille displays) announce for individuals with visual, sensory, or learning impairments. Ensure that every image tells its story through alt text.

Accessible Event Collateral – Bridging the Physical-Digital Gap:

Maps, menus, brochures, and flyers in PDF format or as images are not accessible to people who use screen readers and mobile phones. The speakers recommended providing all event collateral in HTML or other text-based formats. This ensures that everyone, including those using screen readers and mobile phones, can access essential information. 

Detailed Descriptions for Physical Accommodations – Empowering Informed Choices:

Descriptions of the physical accommodations at many hotels, events, and attractions are not detailed enough for people who require them. Use thorough, honest, specifics. Is there limited van-accessible parking? Does the park have paved or dirt pathways? How wide is the shower door? Provide comprehensive information about physical accommodations at hotels, events, and attractions. This transparency allows individuals to make informed decisions that align with their needs.

Diverse Contact Options – Enabling Inclusive Communication:

Not everyone has the same level of ability or preference for communication: provide multiple contact options on your website. Offer other ways to get in touch, like email, live webchat, phone numbers, or online forms that accommodate all users. Embrace a range of contact options to cater to different communication preferences. 

Take the Next Step

If you’re not sure how your website measures up, or where to get started, the speaker’s companies offer more practical solutions. 

AudioEye 

AudioEye is a web accessibility platform that improves accessibility and minimizes risk for digital surfaces, including websites. They provide industry-leading automated fixes and unmatched expertise. U.S.-based accessibility experts audit your content and build custom fixes to make your site more accessible. They find issues and fix them in real time for every user.

Perspective Tester

Perspective Tester gives you access to a direct audit from a disabled user. You can find real problems, and real solutions, through real users.

SimpleView

SimpleView partners with a variety of organizations to help you build a website that better reaches your audience while improving inclusion.

In the tapestry of the digital landscape, web accessibility isn’t just a technical checkbox—it’s a legal necessity, a reflection of values, and an investment in success. By weaving these practical tips into your webpage’s fabric, you’ll break down barriers while improving business. With each line of code, each design choice, and each interaction, you are shaping the online presence of your company. Make sure your website is reflecting the company you want to be.

The problem: 95% of websites are not digitally accessible making them less for not only the 12 million people in America who are blind but also people with cognitive disabilities.

Solution: 

Web Accessibility

• Web accessibility means people are not excluded from websites on the basis of a disability – similar to having a ramp for an historic building for wheelchair users.
• In today’s interconnected world, web accessibility is more than a design choice—it’s a moral and legal imperative.
• 26% of adults in the U.S. identify as having a disability.
• 96% of the top 1 million homepages have accessibility errors.
• $13 Trillion in annual income is controlled by people with disabilities and their families and friends.

Discover What’s Missing and Fix it

• Use a service like Perspective Tester or AudioEye to uncover holes in your website’s accessibility.
• Make corrective measures through overlays or website builders.

Reputation and Legality

• Avoid lawsuit hawks prowling the web looking for websites that don’t meet legal requirements.
• Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), web accessibility is obligatory for businesses open to the public.
• Aligning with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) ensures technical compliance, paves the way for an equitable digital experience, and avoids nasty lawsuits.
• Reduce your risk and improve reputation by supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Customer Satisfaction

• Accessible content improves engagement, making it more user-friendly for people with and without disabilities.

Discoverability

• Accessible websites are easier for search engines and voice experiences to index, boosting discoverability.