The “how’s and why’s” of website inclusivity

A professional website is crucial for all businesses, big or small, in order to stay competitive and reach the customer base that they target.

However, many businesses seem to overlook a key aspect of their online presence: website accessibility and inclusivity. Your website needs to be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

It’s not only a legal requirement in many countries but also a fundamental aspect of creating a welcoming and inclusive online environment. In this post, we’ll explore the importance of website accessibility and inclusivity and share tips for making your website more accessible.

Why Website Accessibility and Inclusivity Matter

Legal Compliance: Many countries have laws and regulations in place that require websites to be accessible to people with disabilities. Failing to comply with these laws can result in legal action and fines.

Expanded Audience Reach: By making your website accessible, you can reach a larger audience, including people with disabilities who may not be able to use a website that is not accessible.

Improved User Experience: Accessibility features such as text-to-speech functionality and keyboard navigation not only benefit users with disabilities but also improve the overall user experience for all users.

Enhanced Brand Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity can enhance your brand’s reputation and attract more customers who value diversity and inclusion.

Tips for Making Your Website More Accessible

Provide Alternative Text for Images: Use descriptive alt text for images to ensure that users who are visually impaired can understand the content of the images.

Ensure Keyboard Accessibility: Ensure that all interactive elements on your website, such as links and form fields, can be accessed and operated using a keyboard.

Use High Contrast Colours: Use high contrast colours for text and background to make it easier for users with visual impairments to read your content.

Provide Captions for Videos: Provide captions for videos to make them accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Enable Text Resizing: Allow users to resize text on your website without affecting its readability or functionality.

Make Forms Accessible: Ensure that forms on your website are accessible to users with disabilities by providing clear instructions and labels for form fields.

Test Your Website’s Accessibility: Use accessibility testing tools and conduct user testing with people with disabilities to identify and address accessibility issues.

By prioritizing website accessibility and inclusivity, you can create a more complete online environment and ensure that your website is usable by all your customers, regardless of their abilities. By incorporating the tips above into your website design (and development process), you can reach a wider audience and enhance the user experience for everyone.