Sponsored by accessiBe
Innovation drives business success, and in our increasingly digital world, one of the most impactful innovations is web accessibility. By creating websites that are usable by people of all abilities, companies not only embrace inclusion but also unlock significant business advantages.
Along with other companies, accessiBe, recognizes that web accessibility is longer just a nice-to-have feature, and has become a trailblazing leader in proposing services and solutions to help businesses looking to attract new audiences.
Understanding Web Accessibility
Web accessibility refers to the practice of designing and developing websites that are usable by everyone, including individuals with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities.
The importance of web accessibility cannot be overstated. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 16% of the global population lives with some form of disability.
Legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States establishes legal requirements for accessibility, ensuring equal access to online spaces for individuals with disabilities. While the ADA does not specifically prescribe how to achieve this, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) WCAG are internationally recognized as the gold standard for web accessibility.
Conforming to WCAG, particularly its Level AA criteria, can be potentially reflected as a benchmark for demonstrating compliance with the ADA. These guidelines provide actionable standards for web developers, including recommendations for creating content that is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users.
The Business Case for Accessible Websites
Beyond conformance and ethical considerations, accessible websites offer numerous business benefits:
Expanded Customer Base and Market Reach
By making your website accessible, you open your business to a broader audience. This includes not only people with disabilities but also older adults who may face age-related impairments. An accessible website allows you to tap into this market segment, potentially increasing your customer base and revenue.
Improved User Experience for All Visitors
Many accessibility features, such as clear navigation, consistent layout, and well-structured content, enhance the user experience for everyone. This can lead to increased user satisfaction, longer site visits, and higher conversion rates.
Enhanced SEO and Organic Reach
Accessible websites often align with best practices for search engine optimization (SEO).
Features like proper heading structure, descriptive alt text for images, and transcripts for audio content can improve your site’s visibility in search engine results, driving more organic traffic to your website.
Legal Conformance and Mitigate Risk
An accessible website helps businesses so that they are in conformance with legal requirements, reducing the risk of lawsuits and potential financial penalties. It also demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility, which can enhance brand reputation.
Potential Tax Benefits
In some jurisdictions, businesses may be eligible for tax incentives when they make their websites accessible. These incentives can help offset the costs associated with implementing accessibility features.
Implementing Web Accessibility
Creating an accessible website involves a comprehensive approach that considers various aspects of web design and development. This ecosystem of accessibility solutions includes:
- Automated tools that can identify and fix common accessibility issues
- Manual testing and remediation processes to address complex accessibility challenges
- Ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure continued accessibility as website content evolves
- Professional services to provide expert guidance and support throughout the accessibility journey
It’s important to note that web accessibility is not a one-time fix but an ongoing commitment. As websites are updated and new content is added, maintaining accessibility should be an integral part of the content creation and development process.
Embracing Accessibility for Business Success
Some businesses may initially hesitate to prioritize web accessibility due to misconceptions about its complexity and cost.
However, modern accessibility solutions have made it more achievable and cost-effective than ever before.
Moreover, an accessible website is not just a legal or moral obligation—it’s a strategic business decision. By prioritizing web accessibility, businesses can expand their reach, improve user experience, enhance their online presence, and demonstrate their commitment to inclusion.
The time to act is now. As more businesses recognize the value of accessible websites, those who lag behind risk losing competitive edge and market share. By viewing accessibility as an opportunity for innovation rather than a compliance checkbox, businesses can position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly diverse and digitally connected world.
