Why Accessibility Matters

Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognises access to information and communications technologies, including the web, as a basic human right.

There is also a strong business case for accessibility. Research shows that accessible websites perform better and have reduced maintenance costs. There are four main reasons why businesses may focus on accessibility:

• Inclusivity: Web accessibility ensures that people with disabilities can access and use websites. It allows them to participate and interact with the digital world, promoting equal opportunities and inclusion for all.
• Legal obligations: Many jurisdictions have legislation outlining legal requirements for web accessibility. In Europe, for example, the European Accessibility Act is designed to ensure equal access to digital content and services for people with disabilities. Non-compliance can result in legal consequences and fines.
• Reach: More accessibility means more users. Web accessibility benefits people with disabilities, and also individuals with temporary disabilities, such as a broken arm, users with situational limitations, such as using a noisy environment or having slow internet connections.

Search Engine Optimisation

Web accessibility best practices often align with search engine optimisation (SEO) guidelines too. A more accessible site, means a better structure, improved readability, and a positively impact your search engine rankings.

• Improved user experience: Accessible websites tend to provide a better user experience for all users, not just those with disabilities. Designing with accessibility in mind, focusing on clear navigation, readable content, logical structure, and usable forms, makes products and services better for everyone.

Types of Disability

Web accessibility addresses any disability that could affect access to the online products and services. These include:

• Visual disabilities
• Auditory disabilities
• Cognitive disabilities
• Neurological disabilities
• Physical disabilities
• Speech disabilities

Benefits of Web Accessibility

Web accessibility doesn’t just offer benefits to people with disabilities. It can also benefit others, for example:

• People using devices with smaller screens or different input modes
• Older people
• People with temporary disabilities, such as an injury
• People with situational limitations such as in very bright or very loud environments
• People with slow internet connections, or who have limited or expensive bandwidth

As a result, accessible design improves overall user experience and makes the web a more inclusive place; one that works for all people, regardless of their hardware or software, their language or location, their age or ability. For businesses, a focus on accessibility can drive innovation, build brand recognition and extend market reach.