So many websites out there are amazing. They have remarkable functionality and design. Extra focus has been given to ensuring the very best copy is integrated with engaging graphics and photos. But, after all this is incorporated into your website, what good is it if a portion of the population cannot use it? I’m not talking about web standards, which ensure that users from a variety of browsers can access your site. Instead, I’m talking about accessibility for those with disabilities.
For approximately six years, I worked in marketing for an agency that served people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. Although many of the people served by our organization were severely disabled, it was chilling to know how many other people there are which also deal with disabilities. Estimates show that 54 million or 20.6% people in the United States live with some level of disability. Twenty-six million Americans have a severe disability (Joni & Friends, 2008). Computers open up many doors for people with disabilities. And, people with disabilities are an untapped revenue resource for all types of companies.
Accessibility on websites can come in many forms. Most focus on serving the needs of people with hearing or visual disabilities. Although legislation has been introduced to set guideline for these needs, there are several recommendations that web designers have collected on their own…
- Make sure all important content is text-based format. Many message embedded into graphic are not readable through accessibility software.
- Make sure images have alt tags. Alt tags describe what the image is allowing individuals with visual impairments the ability to access a description of the image.
- Test your site in black and white. People with color blindness should be ale to recognize text and hyperlinks without color.
Web designers must recognize that this is not a special effort needed for a minute group of online users. Millions of users will benefit from these accommodations, and in return the accessibility will work to build positive brand image of the company and expand sales and awareness. As Tim Berners-Lee of Web Accessibility Initiative stated, “The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect,” (Durand, August 22, 2004).
References
Durand, Leslie (August 22, 2004) Accessibility: Is your website causing you to loose potential clients? Retrieved on December 10, 2008 from http://ezinearticles.com/?id=909.
Joni & Friends (2008) Disability Information and Statistics. Retrieved on December 10, 2008 from http://www.joniandfriends.org/disability_stats.php.
