I have been reading about Web Accessibility this week and why it’s important to consider even if it does not affect you. Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the internet, says that “The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect”. When the internet is available to everyone, we all benefit as individuals, as businesses and as a people. The world-wide-web was originally designed to be accessible by all, despite their wealth, language or ability. The web transcends the limitations of the physical world and the barriers we have developed around it and accessibility is vital if we want to keep that sense of openness and inclusivity. The purpose of web accessibility is to: Perceive; Understand; Navigate; Interact; and Contribute. It should cater for all different kinds of disabilities including: Auditory; Cognitive; Neurological; Physical; Speech; and Visual disabilities.
Web accessibility doesn’t just help those with disabilities, though. It will also help other users with similar but less obvious problems. For example, older users might find it harder to read text due to aging, or might find it harder to interact with small buttons or links. Some users may have just broken an arm and need to interact with their device differently for a period of time – these are known as ‘temporary disabilities’. More commonly, however, some users may be in what are called ‘situational limitations’, where they can’t see their screen as easily due to sunlight or they can’t hear a video due to being in a loud public space. Furthermore, users with a slow internet speed will also need to be considered if we are to remain inclusive to all. Having access to information and the web is a basic human right as defined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).
Designing for web accessibility also greatly helps other general design practices such as: mobile web design; device independence; multi-modal interaction; usability; design for older users; and also search engine optimization. Websites that are designed with accessibility in mind often cost less to maintain and appear higher in search results, as well as getting more visitors.
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