Accessibility
Accessibility refers to designing and developing your webpage, tools, and technologies to make them accessible to as many people as possible.
In terms of web design, accessibility refers to the designing and development of websites, technologies, and tools to make them usable by everyone. This includes the following:
- People with permanent disabilities like physical, auditory, cognitive, speech, neurological and visual
- Those with low bandwidth and poor internet connectivity
- Individuals using devices with small screens like smart watches, small phones, etc
- Those with temporary disabilities caused by loss of reading glasses, fractured arms, eye patch, etc.
- Senior citizens with difficulty adapting to new tech
- People in rural areas
- Those who are not very tech-savy
- People in bright sunlight that makes reading the screen difficult, or in places where listening to audio is difficult
Accessibility is important for businesses and the society on the whole in addition to individuals. As the web becomes more important as a resource in several aspects of life, like government, education, employment, commerce, entertainment, healthcare, and more, it is imperative that everyone, regardless of ability is given equal access and opportunity.
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines access to communication technologies and access to information as a fundamental human right. Accessible design provides enhanced user experience and improves customer satisfaction across devices and platforms. It helps businesses to boost brand visibility, facilitate innovation, and tap into new markets.
Accessibility of the web is also a legal requirement in certain situations.