Is your website accessible to all users?
Significant emphasis is placed on website optimization, particularly in ensuring compatibility across both mobile and desktop platforms. While many organizations have successfully achieved device responsiveness, many still fall short in meeting established accessibility standards. When was the last time you conducted an accessibility audit of your website?
It is estimated that globally, 1.3 billion people live with a disability – one that could prevent them from accessing information from websites. This population represents consumers who would otherwise spend approximately $225 billion every year if website accessibility were not an issue for them.
Although figures may vary, it is estimated that non-compliance with website accessibility guidelines could result in excluding up to 16% of the population.
Guideline Basics
You want your website to be usable by everyone, and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a good place to start to make your digital content perceivable, operable and understandable to everyone.
The guidelines, the newest version of which are documented in WCAG 2.2, offer best practices for how you can make your content available for those with visual, auditory, cognitive and motor impairments. Following these best practices will help you stay in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and create a better user experience for everyone – not just those with disabilities.
Compliance Levels
Website accessibility compliance is categorized into three levels: A, AA, and AAA, with AAA representing the highest and most stringent standard. While many organizations aim for Level AA compliance, striving for the highest level—AAA—not only demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity but also helps ensure that your digital content is accessible to the broadest possible audience.
Bring in an Expert
When making sure your website meets accessibility standards, it is recommended to bring in a web design expert that is up-to-date on the latest issues regarding compliance, especially WCAG 2.2.
Not only does this open up your site to more people, it also reduces the risk of not meeting the compliance laws set forth in the ADA. Specialized web designers have the tools necessary to test and audit your site for discrepancies and pinpoint where improvements need to be made.
At SJC Marketing, our team of web design experts are prepared to make your website is accessible and easy to use. Contact us and let’s talk about your redesign.