How can you ensure your web design meets the needs of disabled users?
We all know that websites are a dime a dozen. However, you’re probably well aware that not all websites are created equal. Some are better than others when it comes to user-friendliness and overall usability. And no one understands the importance of website efficiency and effectiveness more than those with disabilities.
From both a legal and ethical standpoint, having a website that is inclusive and accessible is crucial. There are over a billion people with some form of disability throughout the world, yet many of today’s websites are not created with accessibility in mind. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that essentially guarantees public accommodations, access to services and equal opportunities for people with disabilities to obtain employment, was originally enacted in 1990 and applies to most public organizations and businesses today. More recently, the ADA has been expanded to include the digital space (i.e., mobile apps, websites, etc.). So, what does this mean for businesses and companies looking to reach the masses with their websites? The short answer: Make sure your website is ADA-accessible.Basic Web Design That Meets Accessibility Requirements
Along with the ADA, there are what’s known as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines require all content to be accessible not only to blind and deaf users but also to those who use voice commands, screen readers and other types of assistive tech. The standards included in the WCAG cover four primary principles: operability, perceivability, robustness and understandability.
Operability simply means website users must be able to navigate and operate the site. Perceivability means the information contained within the website needs to be presented in a way that users can perceive.
