Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States lives with a disability. These range from mobility issues to vision impairment, hearing loss, cognitive functions, and others not listed here. Creating a more accessible website may appear to be daunting at first, but considering that millions of Americans live with some sort of disability, you would be doing yourself, and users, a disservice by not making your website more accessible.
What is an Accessible Website?
An accessible website is designed to make navigation easier for someone with a disability. For example, if someone is visually impaired, they’ll still be able to explore your site, because you’ve made it possible. If someone has difficulty with fine motor functions, they can also use your site. Making your site accessible means anyone can use it without needing to compromise their experience.
Making Your Site More Accessible
Your website acts as a business card and first impression. It’s more common now that this is the only way for someone to learn about your business. If your site is accessible, more people can use it. And the more people who can access and use your site, the more business you generate.
Imagine trying to watch a video without being able to hear the audio. You know that it’s playing, but you don’t know what’s happening. Or trying to read invisible text. It’s frustrating, right? But providing the necessary tools to be able to view or listen to something would alleviate that frustration, and it’s simpler than you think. Imagine, with just a few tweaks and simple additions, how many more people could use your site. The impact on your business would be huge.
The Benefits
Everyone benefits when your website is more accessible. There is no downside. Adding accessibility features makes it more accessible to everyone. Users also know that the experience you create is one they can participate in, without any issues or trepidation. Part of what is so ideal about a website is that you don’t have to be in a physical location in order to partake in or use a product. As we saw during the last two years with remote work, providing everyone the opportunity to use or work with your website is beneficial, no matter how you look at it.
Get Help
It’s important to create a website that is accessible for everyone. There’s no reason to own a website that excludes users. Creating an accessible website is attainable, and if you need help, you can always contact a reliable developer to make it happen. Whether you do it yourself, or hire outside help, improving your website’s accessibility improves everyone’s experience.
