Negosentro.com | Getting online during COVID-19: Website Accessibility | During COVID-19, people are online even more than usual! As many people are still quarantined in their homes, they’re relying on the internet for school, work, entertainment, shopping, and more. Online communication is allowing people to stay connected to others without having to leave their homes.
However, people with disabilities who may not normally rely on the internet may also be forced to navigate the web to get their needs met. Unfortunately, many websites aren’t designed with accessibility in mind, which leaves people frustrated or overwhelmed when trying to navigate websites. And during COVID-19, those that are blind, deaf, and motor-disabled may find themselves more isolated than usual.
Therefore, it is time to examine your own website accessibility to make sure that everyone can navigate your website.
What is website accessibility?
When a website is accessible, it means that the website has been designed in a way that allows people with disabilities to navigate, understand, and interact with the website in a meaningful way.
For example, if someone who is blind is using a website, they will need to rely on a text-reader to access the website. They won’t be able to see any of the pictures on the website. However, when you use strong alternative descriptions on a photo, the text-reader can at least describe the photo to them.
Four main accessibility principles
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are the typical standards that are referred to decide whether or not a website is accessible. Content needs to be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
Content that is perceivable means that information is presented in a way that allows all users to comprehend the information. This includes having text-alternatives, such as the option for larger fonts or for ways for users to easily hear content.
Operable means that users should be able to easily navigate the website. This includes giving users enough time to read content and allowing for input modalities.
Content also needs to be understandable, which means that text is readable and that pages respond in a predictable way. Content also needs to be robust, which means it is accessible to a wide range of assistive technologies and user agents.
Testing for compliance
There are online resources that you can use to see if your website is currently in compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, including accessibility scanners and accessibility professionals, who can make sure your website is following the recommended guidelines.
Accessibility testing will measure how accessible your website is for people with visual disabilities, auditory disabilities, cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities, and speech disabilities.
Website isn’t accessible
If you realize your website isn’t accessible, you’ll need to make some changes to your website design to ensure that your website is as user-friendly as possible. These are just a few of the ways to start making your page more accessible. If needed, contact a web design specialist to ensure the accessibility of your website.
One way to begin making your website accessible is to make it keyboard-friendly. There are many people that are unable to use a mouse and rely on their keyboard to navigate websites.
Another way is to choose colors carefully. Colors on your site should contrast so that all elements can easily be distinguished. For example, you want to make sure that the font color doesn’t bleed into the background of your website. This can help make your website accessible to those with color blindness or other visual impairments.
Another tip is to use headers to structure content. Not only does this make content easier to read for all users, but it also helps screen readers interpret your pages more easily.
Advantages of an accessible website
Making your website more accessible will come with several advantages. One is that it can protect you against lawsuits. If website standards aren’t followed, your business can be sued. If you’re not sure what the website standards for your area are, work with a web design professional.
Besides, it also allows more people to navigate your website, which could mean more sales for you! The more people that can access your site and navigate without feeling frustrated, the more likely you are to gain a new customer.
Final thoughts
As a business owner, it is in your best interest to make sure that everybody, regardless of their capabilities, can access and use your website. Not only does it benefit your sales, but it also shows that you care about all your customers and that you believe in equal treatment.
