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Exec Tech:  Website Accessiblity

Website accessibility refers to the design and development of websites and digital content that can be used by people with disabilities. This includes people who are blind, deaf, or have mobility, cognitive, or other impairments. Ensuring website accessibility is not only a legal requirement in many countries, but it is also an ethical and business imperative, as it allows businesses to reach a wider audience and improve their brand reputation.

Here are five steps to get started with website accessibility:

  1. Assess your current website: Start by evaluating your current website to determine what changes need to be made to make it accessible. Look for any barriers that prevent users with disabilities from accessing and interacting with your website, such as poor color contrast, small text, or the use of non-standard keybo

    ard shortcuts.

  2. Familiarize yourself with accessibility guidelines: There are several guidelines and standards for website accessibility, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines provide detailed recommendations for making web content accessible and can help you identify areas for improvement on your website.

  3. Implement accessibility features: Once you have a clear understanding of what needs to be improved, implement accessibility features to remove barriers and make your website accessible to users with disabilities. For example, you can add alternative text descriptions to images, make sure your text is easy to read and understand, and ensure that your website is usable with a keyboard.

  4. Test your website: Once you have made changes to your website, it is important to test it to ensure that it is accessible to users with disabilities. There are a variety of tools and techniques that you can use to test your website, including manual testing, automated testing tools, and testing with users with disabilities.

  5. Regularly review and update your website: Website accessibility is an ongoing process, and it is important to regularly review and update your website to ensure that it remains accessible to users with disabilities. As new technologies and guidelines become available, it is important to keep up-to-date with the latest developments and implement any necessary changes to your website.

By following these five steps, you can get started with making your website accessible and ensure that it reaches a wider audience and meets the needs of all users, including those with disabilities. Making your website accessible not only benefits your business, but it also helps to create a more inclusive and accessible online environment for everyone.

 

Can I test my website for accessibility compliance?

There are several ways to test your website for accessibility:
 

  1. Manual testing: This involves going through your website and evaluating it for accessibility barriers. You can use a checklist or guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to help you identify areas for improvement.

  2. Automated testing tools: There are several automated testing tools available that can help you identify accessibility issues on your website. These tools can check for issues such as missing alternative text descriptions for images, poor color contrast, and non-standard keyboard shortcuts. Some popular automated testing tools include WAVE, aXe, and Tenon.

  3. Testing with users with disabilities: This involves having users with disabilities test your website and provide feedback on their experience. This can help you identify barriers and areas for improvement that may not be detected through automated testing.

  4. Accessibility audits: An accessibility audit is a comprehensive evaluation of your website that is conducted by an accessibility expert. The expert will review your website and provide you with a report that outlines any accessibility barriers and recommendations for improvement.

It is important to note that while automated testing tools can be a useful tool in identifying potential accessibility issues, they should not be relied upon as the sole method of testing. Testing with users with disabilities and conducting an accessibility audit are also important steps in ensuring that your website is accessible to all users.

In addition to testing, it is important to regularly review and update your website to ensure that it remains accessible. As new technologies and accessibility guidelines become available, it is important to keep up-to-date and implement any necessary changes to your website.

 

What is a tool I can use to test my website for WCAG compliance?

There are several tools you can use to test your website for compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG):
 

  1. WAVE: WAVE is a free online tool that allows you to test your website for accessibility issues. It provides an easy-to-use interface and provides detailed information about any issues that it identifies.

  2. aXe: aXe is a free, open-source accessibility testing tool that can be used to test your website for compliance with the WCAG. It can be used as a browser extension or integrated into your development process.

  3. Tenon: Tenon is a paid accessibility testing tool that provides detailed information about the accessibility of your website. It can be used to test your website against the WCAG and provides detailed reports with recommendations for improvement.

  4. Accessibility Checker: Accessibility Checker is a browser extension that allows you to test your website for accessibility issues. It provides a quick and easy way to check your website and provides suggestions for improvement.

These are just a few of the many tools available to help you test your website for WCAG compliance. When selecting a tool, it is important to consider factors such as cost, ease of use, and the level of detail provided in the results. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that automated testing tools are not a substitute for manual testing and review by an accessibility expert.

Who could I hire to help me with accessibility?

If you need help making your website accessible, there are several types of professionals you can hire:

  1. Accessibility consultant: An accessibility consultant is an expert in accessibility and can provide advice and guidance on how to make your website accessible. They can help you understand the accessibility requirements and provide recommendations for improvement.

  2. Accessibility auditor: An accessibility auditor is a specialist who can conduct a thorough review of your website to identify any accessibility issues. They can provide a detailed report of their findings and recommendations for improvement.

  3. Web developer: A web developer with experience in accessibility can help you implement the necessary changes to your website to make it accessible. They can also help you integrate accessibility testing tools into your development process.

  4. Accessibility expert: An accessibility expert is a professional who specializes in accessibility and has a deep understanding of the accessibility requirements. They can provide guidance and support throughout the entire process of making your website accessible.

It is important to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing an accessibility professional. You may want to start with a consultant or auditor to assess the current state of your website and identify any accessibility issues. Based on the results of this initial assessment, you can then decide whether to hire a web developer or accessibility expert to help you implement the necessary changes.

Who are the top digital accessibility consultants?

I'm sorry, I don't have a specific ranking of the top three digital accessibility consultants. However, there are many highly regarded consultants and organizations that specialize in digital accessibility. Some of the most well-known include:
  1. Deque Systems
  2. Essential Accessibility | Level Access
  3. The Paciello Group
  4. AbilityNet
  5. AccessibilityOz

These companies and organizations have years of experience in the digital accessibility field and are known for their expertise and commitment to making the web accessible for everyone. When choosing a consultant, it is important to consider their specific areas of expertise, their track record of successful projects, and their ability to understand your specific needs and requirements. It may also be helpful to seek references and read reviews from past clients to ensure that the consultant you choose is a good fit for your organization.

Can I get sued if my website isn't accessible?

Yes, it is possible for you to be sued if your website is not accessible to people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that public accommodations, including websites, be accessible to people with disabilities. The ADA applies to all private employers with 15 or more employees, all state and local government employers, and all entities that are considered places of public accommodation, such as hotels, restaurants, and stores.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of lawsuits related to website accessibility. While many of these lawsuits are filed by plaintiffs who are seeking to enforce their rights under the ADA, some are filed by plaintiffs who are seeking compensation for the difficulties they faced in accessing the website.

To avoid the risk of a lawsuit, it is important to ensure that your website is accessible to people with disabilities. This can involve a range of steps, including conducting an accessibility audit, making changes to your website to ensure it is accessible, and regularly testing and monitoring your website to ensure that it remains accessible.

If you are unsure about the accessibility of your website, you may want to consult with a digital accessibility consultant or auditor to assess your website and provide recommendations for improvement. This can help you ensure that your website is accessible to people with disabilities and avoid the risk of a lawsuit.
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