The web enables us to disseminate knowledge across borders, making no distinction based on location, wealth, religion, or skin color. It serves as an equalizer, or at least, it should.
If you’re not creating accessible websites, you may be unintentionally discriminating against certain groups of people. So why should this matter to you?
- It’s the right thing to do.
- It’s relatively easy to implement.
- People with disabilities encounter numerous challenges daily. Your website shouldn’t be an additional one.
Eric Bailey has authored an insightful introductory article on accessibility titled “Truths about digital accessibility”. This piece is particularly valuable for understanding how users with disabilities interact with technology. I highly recommend giving it a read.
Accessibility, often abbreviated as A11y, is a broad term that can convey various meanings. For the purpose of our discussion, we’ll define it as the set of guidelines and recommendations we should follow to make a website accessible to individuals with disabilities or impairments.
When we think about users with disabilities, often the first group that comes to mind is people with visual impairments. While they represent a significant group, they’re not the only ones. A wide range of users can benefit from the application of accessibility practices. Please, take a moment to peruse this comprehensive summary of Diverse Abilities and Barriers.
I’m initiating a series of posts aimed at helping us better understand Accessibility—its rules, tools, and actions—that will enhance the accessibility of our websites:
- Understanding the Power of Semantic HTML Tags for Web Accessibility
- Mastering ARIA: Harnessing the Power of Accessible Rich Internet Applications
- Inclusive Design: A Guide to Implementing Adequate Color Contrast on Your Website
- Accessible Navigation: The Importance of Keyboard Navigation and How to Implement It
- Auditory Accessibility: Incorporating Captions and Audio Descriptions in Multimedia Content