46 million disabled individuals encounter challenges when navigating the internet, as reported in the 2010 census.
Accessing Google or browsing website pages can be extremely difficult when accessibility is ignored by companies and web designers.
To promote inclusivity and independence for individuals with disabilities, it’s important to have a good understanding of web accessibility.
What exactly is web accessibility? What factors contribute to a website being accessible? Why is it crucial, and what are some examples that can inspire us?
We will discuss these topics in this article. See:
What does web accessibility entail?
Web accessibility, also known as digital accessibility, involves implementing measures to create websites that are more inclusive and accessible to all individuals.
A web page is considered accessible if it provides support for individuals with special needs like physical and visual impairments.
The inclusion of accessibility may appear unimportant to those with limited understanding, but it is a crucial aspect of user experience.
Accessibility should be integrated into the web development and design process instead of being addressed reactively.
Web accessibility measures also help elderly individuals utilize the internet more easily by ensuring that the content and layout of web pages are accessible to them.
Why websites that are easy to use are crucial?
BigDataCorp’s research shows that out of 14.65 million active addresses on the Brazilian web, just 0.74% met the requirements for web accessibility.
About 24% of the Brazilian population, which amounts to 50 million individuals, have a disability and generate R$ 28.1 billion in their annual income, as reported by the Web For All Movement.
About 46% of individuals with disabilities use smartphones for shopping, with 37% doing so monthly and 23% fortnightly.
The information is sourced from the Brazilian Society of Retail and Consumption.
Therefore, it is illogical that less than 1% of website addresses offer navigational assistance despite such high demand.
People with disabilities should have equal access to information as individuals without disabilities.
Technologies exist to decrease or eliminate obstacles to digital access.
Ensuring accessibility enables individuals of all ages and varying physical and mental abilities to utilize the internet and enjoy a positive user experience.
What factors contribute to a website being accessible?
A website is considered accessible when it is constructed according to web accessibility standards to make navigation easier.
ARIA, or Accessible Rich Internet Applications, establishes guidelines that can be included in website coding, particularly in HTML-based sites.
ARIA, a W3C specification, is widely supported by major browsers such as Firefox, Safari, Opera, Chrome, and Internet Explorer, as well as numerous assistive technologies.
The key ARIA elements for ensuring website accessibility to everyone are:
- Optimize the interaction and accessibility of the keyboard.
- Developing interactive features like menus, sliders, and pop-ups.
- Landmarks are important reference points that can help organize your page effectively.
- Ability to designate “active areas” that are constantly refreshed
5 websites that are accessible to inspire you
An inexpensive website is inclusive and created without excluding any group of individuals.
Next, we have compiled a selection of accessible websites to inspire you in creating or updating your own site.
Explore:
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The BBC website exemplifies web accessibility for news pages.
Some features include navigating with the keyboard and using the tab key to move to the next article.
Additionally, you can use the tab key to access an “accessibility help” feature that provides helpful link options to facilitate navigation on the page.
World Wildlife Fund
Another excellent illustration of a website that prioritizes web accessibility is the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
The website pages have just the right amount of content, making it easier to navigate.
The non-profit organization used accessibility HTML tags and chose semantic elements to organize the website pages.
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High contrast, pictures with alternative text and ARIA codes contribute to making the Mysa Skincare website an accessible example.
The health and wellness company incorporates transitions and effects without overwhelming the site, serving as a valuable model for virtual stores.
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The Taylor Guitar website can be accessed by blind users through the function created for compatibility with screen readers.
The keyboard navigation feature enables individuals with certain motor disabilities to use keyboard shortcuts to navigate the website.
Extent
Scope.org is another charity organization for British individuals with disabilities that offers simple keyboard navigation.
When looking at the page’s content, you will notice a banner that says “proceed to the primary content.”
The thick borders and transition effects used between elements demonstrate how it is feasible to blend an attractive design with accessibility standards.
Are you prepared to ensure that your website is accessible to all users?
Web accessibility is crucial for Brazilian websites and e-commerce, as we can see.
Discover more: Which hosting is ideal for your online store?
Therefore, it is essential to consider individuals with disabilities as part of the audience when planning a digital project.
Accessible websites provide advantages not only for individuals with disabilities but also for older individuals and those facing challenges while navigating the internet.
Consider web accessibility when working on your upcoming project.