According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 (over 70 million) U.S. adults have a disability that impacts major life activities. This statistic covers six main categories: mobility, cognition, independent living, hearing, vision and self-care.
Is your business (both physical and online) accommodating the needs of these individuals? This is not optional, this is a necessity.
Table of Contents
-
As a User, How Do I Report if a Website is not Accessible to Me?
-
Want to Learn More about Accessibility or Get an Audit Done?
Who is responsible for ensuring accessibility?
In a world of increasing lawsuits and growing awareness, it’s easy to point fingers, but ultimately, everyone shares the responsibility. Accessibility isn’t the job of one person or entity, it’s a collective effort that spans businesses, agencies, developers, designers and even users.
How can I ensure my business is accessible to all?
Access to a physical location is pretty straightforward.
-
Are there handicap and van-accessible spaces close to the entrance?
-
Is there a clear path to your entranceway with a ramp for wheelchair accessibility?
-
Does your door open to at least 32 inches wide and 90 degrees?
-
Is there signage pointing people to alternate entrances if your main entrance is not accessible?
But, what about your online storefront/your website?
Businesses don’t need to know every technical detail, but they are responsible for acknowledging their site’s accessibility needs and taking the proper steps, whether by using internal resources or hiring third-party experts to assess and implement accessibility standards.
How can agencies ensure websites are accessible?
Agencies must adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Key items include adding alternative text for images, ensuring keyboard navigation, providing high color contrast, using proper heading structures and implementing "skip navigation" links.
Agencies must:
- Stay informed about web accessibility guidelines ongoing
- Be transparent with clients about what accessibility measures their websites include
- Invest in training, certifications or partnerships to ensure their deliverables meet accessibility standards
Failing to prioritize accessibility risks not only harms clients but also exposes agencies to liability.
How can web developers ensure websites are accessible?
Developers play a crucial role in making websites functional and interactive. Their work often directly impacts accessibility. From structuring code hierarchies to implementing alt text for images, developers must:
- Understand and apply accessibility standards in their work.
- Speak up when they notice design or development choices that create barriers for users.
While developers often work within the specifications provided, they have a responsibility to ensure those specifications align with accessibility best practices.
How can web designers ensure websites are accessible?
Web designers must prioritize accessibility from the very beginning. Many accessibility standards, such as contrast ratios, font sizes and layout considerations are addressed during the design phase. A poorly designed website will fail accessibility standards, no matter how nice it looks or how well it’s developed.
Accessibility in web design has evolved significantly in recent years. Continuous education on accessibility and user experience (UX) is critical to staying relevant and meeting today’s standards.
As a user, how do I report if a website is not accessible to me?
End users, those directly affected by accessibility measures, are central to this conversation. While businesses and creators are primarily responsible, users also play a role in advocacy and education.
If you encounter a website with poor accessibility, reach out to the business in a constructive way. Many businesses, especially small ones, may lack resources or awareness. Providing feedback can help them improve and create better experiences for others in the future.
The best thing to do is just start.
The path to accessibility can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by reviewing the WCAG and using tools like WAVE, axe, or Google Lighthouse to identify barriers.
Accessibility is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix. By recognizing the shared responsibility and taking small steps toward inclusivity, we can create a digital world that works better for everyone.
How is AI playing a role in website accessibility?
AI is playing an important role in helping businesses identify and address accessibility barriers. AI-powered tools can automatically scan websites to detect common accessibility issues, but automated tools only catch a portion of accessibility issues. Human review is necessary.
Want to learn more about accessibility or get an audit done on your website?
At Vendilli, accessibility isn't an afterthought, it's built into the way we work.
From design and development to ongoing website management, our team understands the technical and creative requirements needed to meet WCAG standards and keep your site inclusive for all users. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to audit and improve an existing site, we're here to guide you through the process.
