Digital Accessibility: What You Should Consider | Compliant
The internet has been a marvel since its inception. Not only has it allowed commerce to explode all across the globe, but it has also allowed people to connect in real-time, even when they’re oceans apart.
Sadly, access to digital content can be limited for some, especially those with disabilities. But, according to the inventor of the web, “the power of the Web is in its universality.” It was made for everyone to enjoy. In our day, most agree that access to information and communication technologies is a basic human right.
That is why digital accessibility is so important. Creating with an accessible design in mind, when it comes to the digital environment, affords an equal opportunity for all.
Which Laws Govern Digital Accessibility?
In short, digital accessibility is the process of making digital products (e.g., websites, mobile apps, digital tools, and technologies) accessible to everyone; this includes those with various disabilities.
According to the World Health Organization data, over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, that includes over 61 million Americans. In terms of disabilities that affect equal web access, these could include:
- Auditory – Complete and partial deafness
- Visual impairments – Blindness, color blindness, or low vision
- Cognitive ability – This could include learning disabilities, such as dyslexia or sensory issues.
Digital accessibility seeks to remove barriers when it comes to the rights of persons to access content on the web. Provisions to that end are outlined in accessibility laws.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted into law in 1990 as a piece of civil rights legislation. In short, it prohibits discrimination against individuals and workers with disabilities in all areas of public life.
It comprises five titles that seek to grant equal opportunity and access for those with disabilities in government services, employment, transportation, and telecommunications and various forms of public accommodations.
More specifically, Title III of ADA covers equal access to public accommodations (places open to the public), including schools, transportation, and public buildings. Although the ADA does not clearly define digital accessibility, case law does dictate that informational websites for places of public accommodation are subject to the disabilities act.
Section 508 Standards
Another piece of legislation that addresses issues of digital accessibility is the Section 508 amendment to the Rehabilitation Act. This regulation requires all federal agencies to make their electronic information and communication technologies accessible to those with disabilities.
Not only does this require all federal agencies to meet digital accessibility compliance, but it also requires all companies that do business with federal agencies to conform to the standards as well. This could include those in healthcare, web managers, contract and procurement officers, vendors, and more.
Accessibility guidelines are aligned with the international standards set forth by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) develops standards to support the implementation of digital accessibility compliance. These are known as WCAG or the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. These web accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1) cover all potential barriers to equal access for those with disabilities and make recommendations for digital design and digital accessibility services.
Per the WCAG, having an accessible digital presence comes down to four principles: Your content must be: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).
How Can I Make Sure My Website Is Compliant?
The web accessibility standards outlined in the WCAG comprise a three-tiered level of success criteria to meet accessibility compliance. Each level must be met to be considered “accessible” for all web users.
Level AAA
This is the highest level of accessibility and is considered optimal compliance. Though, it is also the most difficult to obtain.
Level AA
This is the most acceptable level of compliance and is seen as the standard for accessibility features. Conformance at this level means a website is usable and understandable for the majority of people.
Some notable Level AA standards include:
- Color contrasts ratios for normal text and foreground at least 4.5:1
- Alt texts for images that convey meaning or add value to the content
- Consistent site navigation features that are conducive for screen readers
- Video captioning or transcripts for those with auditory impairments
Level A
This level is considered minimal compliance and basically prohibits elements that would make a site completely inaccessible. Minimal requirements include navigation with a keyboard, video captions, and more.
Perceivable
In terms of accessibility, this refers to how the senses perceive all the informational elements of the website. All elements must be easily perceived by all and accommodate a range of diverse abilities.
Operable
Also, visitors should be able to operate or navigate in your digital environment easily, whether from a desktop or cell phone. The user interface elements should be easy to operate, including the links, buttons, and the site itself, whether with a mouse or keyboard.
Understandable
The site should be clear and consistent in presentation and design. It must be understandable. There should be no barriers to understanding the content that is presented. This might involve providing alt texts to images that provide context for the visually impaired or providing captioning for audio and video for the hearing impaired.
Robust
Robust refers to the site’s ability to accommodate various assistive technologies, e.g., screen readers or refreshable braille displays.
How Can I Make My Website Accessible?
There are many tips and best practices for making a website conform to accessibility standards. The best course of action is to become familiar with the WCAG. From a practical standpoint, working with a content management system that supports accessibility is key.
It is all about improving the digital experience for all.
Screen Readers
Those with permanent disabilities, like blindness, rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers to enjoy the digital content presented. Essentially, this software converts text on a screen into synthesized speech. That means you should employ alt texts to all non-text content (images, icons, etc.) to ensure these users have equal access to the information.
Keyboard Usage
Your site should be optimized for easy navigation too. Many people with disabilities rely on keyboards for site navigation. All site functionality should be keyboard compatible (e.g., custom controls) for this reason.
Color Blindness Filters
Another form of visual impairment is color blindness. The elements and color palette of your site should be accessible for them. That involves limiting the color palette, respecting WCAG contrast ratio recommendations, and steering clear of certain color combinations (e.g., green-red). Numerous colorblind web page filter tools could aid this process.
Touchscreens
Site functionality should also be accessible from touchscreens. However, physical accessibility of touchscreens as a digital device involves ensuring they can be used with voice commands or one-touch and gesture controls. On the interface side, icons should be large, and the text should be clear.
TalkBack Features
TalkBack is a screen reader that is available on Android devices. The accessibility features can be turned off and on at the user’s discretion. These features include exploring by touch, which offers spoken feedback wherever the screen is touched. Also, users are able to create shortcuts for certain gestures for easier accessibility and navigation.
Hearing Accessibility
Digital content should also be optimized for the hearing impaired, which includes a diverse range of hearing abilities, including deafness. In terms of accessibility, this means making all audio and video media content available with captioning, subtitles, transcripts, or sign language. These standards are outlined in WCAG 2.1.
How Can I Test My Website for Compliance?
Many organizations are still burdened with accessibility errors; thankfully, there are numerous accessibility checkers available to see where you stand in terms of compliance. Also, the W3C offers some procedures for a basic, first-time review of digital accessibility to help you see where you stand in terms of accessibility.
Conclusion
There is a lot to consider when it comes to the importance of digital accessibility. It is important to understand that it leads to a better user experience overall and helps make your content accessible to those with disabilities.
The ADA and Section 508 both require equal access to digital content for those with disabilities. Thankfully, the guidelines outlined in the WCAG offer a roadmap to help hit your accessibility goals.
Accessibility matters. These standards and practices aren’t just good for business; they help break down barriers for those who deserve equal access to all the digital environment has to offer.
