Why web accessibility matters

Wikipedia has a good definition , but in short, it means making your site accessible to everyone, regardless of their individual circumstances, abilities or bandwidth restrictions. Web accessibility enables sites to be used and understood by as many people as possible. The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect. There are two aspects to web accessibility, what you see and how it works. People with disabilities may need additional tools and accommodations, such as a screen reader or captioning, to help them interact with their devices, and provide extra time to complete tasks.

As someone who produces a great deal of web content at Stanford, I carry an important responsibility to craft well-structured content that is accessible to my audiences, primarily in the Stanford community. Not only is this part of the Stanford Online Accessibility Policy , but as diversity and inclusion become increasingly interwoven in my thought process, web accessibility should become more top-of-mind for both myself and others who create, publish, and manage web content.

In the scenarios described earlier, I based the user experience around the four principles that lay the foundation for website accessibility.

Designing web content to be compatible with assistive technology is a forward-thinking strategy. Learn more about Drupal 7 Support Ends November Stanford , California Skip to content Skip to site navigation. We have the tools and technology we need to create new possibilities and make the internet universally accessible.

And last, keep talking about accessibility. Always remind people around you that we are here to serve all human beings. Economist and Digital Strategist helping businesses increase their brand awareness and revenue through intelligent and creative use of digital assets.

Very enthusiastic about digital marketing, usability, content creation and data analysis. Accessibility Why digital accessibility matters 4 min read. Link copied to clipboard. Demonstration of tunnel vision, or loss of peripheral vision, one of the symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Other symptoms are night blindness, slow adjustment to light changes and difficulty interpreting photos and text.

Get awesome design content in your inbox each week Give it a try—it only takes a click to unsubscribe. Thanks for signing up! Get Started Designing Better. And Free Forever. Give it a try.