Website Accessibility Matters
Designing for Website Accessibility
Not only do we sing it, we bring it. The Web is for everyone, so design and build it that way. When you Build Your Brand Like You Give a Shit, designing Websites for Accessibility is not optional.
When you put your website users at the core of your website strategy, what is known as user-centered design, you know accessibility matters. And that’s what we have been doing at Propr since 2014.
Website Accessibility Summary*
When websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities can use them. However, many sites and tools are currently developed with accessibility barriers that make them difficult or impossible for some people to use.
Making the web accessible benefits individuals, businesses, and society. International web standards define what is needed for accessibility.
What is Web Accessibility?
When websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities can use them. However, many sites and tools are currently developed with accessibility barriers that make them difficult or impossible for some people to use.
Making the web accessible benefits individuals, businesses, and society. International web standards define what is needed for accessibility.
Accessibility in Context
The power of the Web is in its universality.
Access by everyone, regardless of disability, is an essential aspect.
Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web:
The Web is designed to work for all people, regardless of their hardware, software, language, location, or ability. When the Web meets this goal, it is accessible to people with diverse hearing, movement, sight, and cognitive abilities.
Thus the impact of disability is radically changed on the Web because the Web removes barriers to communication and interaction that many people face in the physical world. However, when websites, applications, technologies, or tools are badly designed, they can create barriers that exclude people from using the Web.
Accessibility is essential for developers and organizations that want to create high-quality websites and web tools and not exclude people from using their products and services.
Designing for Web Accessibility
Web accessibility means that websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed so people with disabilities can use them. More specifically, people can:
- perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web
- contribute to the Web
Web accessibility encompasses all disabilities that affect access to the Web, including:
- auditory
- cognitive
- neurological
- physical
- speech
- visual
Web accessibility also benefits people without disabilities, for example:
- People use mobile phones, smart watches, smart TVs, and other devices with small screens, different input modes, etc.
- older people with changing abilities due to aging
- people with “temporary disabilities” such as a broken arm or lost glasses
- people with “situational limitations,” such as in bright sunlight or in an environment where they cannot listen to audio
- people using a slow Internet connection or who have limited or expensive bandwidth
Propr’s Stance on Website Accessibility
No matter the client’s specifications or requirements, Propr designs and develops websites to the best of our ability to ensure they are accessible to all. We strive to meet and exceed accessibility standards on all our Web design and development projects. Not only that, we have the same goal and mission for everything we design. Accessibility is that important. This is why we only design user-centered, mobile-first responsive websites and interactive projects—because it is the proper way to optimize usability for everyone and maximize the return on your investment. Yes, we strive to design & build accessible websites compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Today, for non-profits or corporations, you risk the chance of a lawsuit if your website is not accessible. See how we helped Port Discovery Children’s Museum redesign its website to ensure accessibility and web standards.
To learn more about accessibility in design and development, we offer these helpful links:
ADA.gov Accessibility Guidelines
Section508.gov – ing Accessible Web Content
Need help understanding your website users and how to design and build a website that is approachable, accessible, and high-performing? Check out our Brand Strategy Workshop, our step-by-step framework that clarifies what matters most to your brand and customers. Facilitated by Bobby, Propr’s founder and lead provocateur.
*Source: https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-intro
