UPDATE 07/20/2023 - I am now certified by the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). Website accessibility refers to the practice of designing and developing websites that are accessible and usable for people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. Ensuring that your website is accessible is essential for several reasons:
- Legal compliance: In many countries, including the United States, Canada, and many European countries, there are laws and regulations that require websites to be accessible to people with disabilities. Failure to comply with these laws can result in legal action, fines, and damage to your company's reputation.
- Social responsibility: Providing accessible websites is an ethical obligation that can help ensure that all individuals have equal access to information and services online. It also helps to promote diversity and inclusion, which are important values in today's society.
- Business benefits: Making your website accessible can help you reach a wider audience and improve the user experience for all visitors. It can also improve your website's search engine optimization (SEO) and increase your brand's reputation for being socially responsible and inclusive.
- Improved usability: Designing websites with accessibility in mind can often result in better overall usability for all users, including those without disabilities. This is because accessible websites tend to be more clear, more organized, and easy to navigate.
Overall, website accessibility is an essential consideration for any organization that values inclusion and wants to provide a positive user experience for all visitors. By making your website accessible, you can improve the lives of people with disabilities and create a more welcoming and inclusive online community.
Accessibility sets your website apart and showcases your commitment to inclusion - all while boosting SEO, search rankings, conversions, and your bottom line.