 What to use Accessibility Multimedia Forums & Chatrooms |
|
Accessibility
Over the years, HTML and other programming have developed, which have transformed the web and allowed web designers to broaden their horizons. However in doing this many have managed to exclude members of the public who for physical or financial reasons are unable to enjoy the World Wide Web because of the new web design practices. Accessibility basically promotes inclusive web design that allows people with disabilities and older technology to see and understand what is on a web page.
Recent changes in the Disabilities Discrimination Act has made it law that all websites should have certain elements of accessibility – that is, they should offer equal access to all. Web users that will be helped by an accessible website include, the blind and visually impaired, people with colour blindness, people with physical disabilities who struggle to use a mouse or keyboard and those with an intellectual disability. But this list is by no means exhaustive and in fact, accessible web design means a better user experience for anyone coming to your site because accessible sites are build to a universal standard.
Although many organisations fear that accessible website will damage their sales performance because such sites tend to look a little plainer than others, however this is not necessarily the case and as any web designer with accessibility experience will tell you accessible web sites don’t have to be boring. In fact, opening the doors to people with disabilities can actually have a positive affect on revenue and if you’re looking for proof of this then look no further than tesco.com, which has actually seen an increase in sales since it became accessible to all.
There are a number of reasons why you should take steps to make your site accessible, such as competitive advantage over similar sites that don’t have access for all users and avoiding legal action under the UK Disability Discrimination Act. However if you choose to ignore accessibility then you will be liable for and legal action not your web agency, so it is important that you consider this when choosing a web designer.
It is also worth remembering that there are different levels of accessibility, so you can create a site that is acceptable under the legislation but still has all the exciting web design elements you want like, pictures, icons and fancy text.
For more about accessibility, or to discuss having an accessible website built for your company, we can help you find a web design agency that specialise in accessibility. Either fill in one of our web consultation request forms or check out the listing directory for a company near you.
back to top
|
|
