In an increasingly digital world, web accessibility has become an absolute necessity. It goes beyond mere compliance with regulations; it’s about giving every user equal access to information. Shockingly, approximately 97% of the internet remains inaccessible to various individuals with disabilities. In this blog, we’ll delve into the significance of web accessibility. We’ll also discuss the benefits of engaging in a web accessibility audit service, methods to adapt your website for accessibility, and the importance of ensuring accessible website translation.

Contents:

What is Web Accessibility?

Web accessibility refers to the practice of designing and developing websites so that they are usable by all people, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities. This involves making information and site features understandable and navigable for everyone, regardless of their limitations.

Why should you care about Web Accessibility?

Web accessibility is vital to ensure that no user is left behind. This is especially relevant for start-ups and SMEs seeking to expand their reach and make the Internet a more inclusive space. Currently, an alarming 97% of the internet is inaccessible to people with disabilities.

Benefits of Web Accessibility:

• Enhancing Reputation: An accessible website not only complies with regulations but also conveys a commitment to inclusion, ultimately improving brand perception.
• Expanding Audience: By making content accessible, you reach a broader and more diverse audience.
• Compliance with Standards: Web accessibility standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and the use of VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) ensure adherence to recognized guidelines.
• A loyal audience: If your website is part of the 3% of websites that are accessible, you’ll have an audience captivated by your content and that will recommend it to others. 

Web Accessibility Audit or How to find out if your web is accessible? 

A web accessibility audit is a comprehensive evaluation process that identifies barriers preventing a website from being accessible. It involves reviewing the site’s code, design, and structure to identify issues and propose solutions.

Step 1: How to Conduct a Web Accessibility Audit?

To conduct a successful web accessibility audit, the expertise of accessibility professionals is often required. Aspects like keyboard navigation, color contrast, image labels, and header structure are taken into account. The results are used to create an improvement plan, which is key in ensuring compliance with accessibility standards, such as WCAG.

The audit will help you:

• Identify Hidden Issues: The audit reveals problems that may go unnoticed in a standard review, helping rectify accessibility issues.
• Standard Compliance: Ensures your website complies with recognized accessibility guidelines and standards, improving the overall user experience.
• Risk Mitigation: Minimizes the risk of legal consequences by demonstrating a commitment to accessibility.

Step 2: How to Adapt a Web for Accessibility?

After identifinig possible issues through the audit its time to adapt your website. The improvements may involve adding image descriptions, adjusting color contrast, and simplifying navigation.

Benefits of Website Adaptation:

• Improved Usability for all audiences: Changes benefit all users, not just those with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive and user friendly online environment.
• Expanded Audience: A more accessible site attracts new visitors and customers, and makes them want to come back! 
• Legal Compliance: Adaptation ensures your website complies with accessibility regulations, reducing the risk of legal repercussions.

And the translation? What is Accessible Website Translation?

Accessible website translation first of all will have in mind all content, texts, image descriptions, subtitles when needed, etc. But it doesnt end there, It also ensures that the translation contemplates other technical elements that make a website accessible. Accessible translation is done by professional translation that understand the importance of maintaining the original content’s structure and format while adapting it to meet the standards of accessibility.

Why should you care about accessible translation?

• Global Reach: Translation facilitates expansion into international markets, opening up new opportunities for your business.
• Full Inclusion: Accessible translation ensures that non-native speakers and those with disabilities have an equal experience.
• Compliance with Accessibility Standards: Translation must meet the same accessibility guidelines as the original content, ensuring accessibility is consistent across languages.

Which are those mentioned standards for web accessibility? VPAT and WCAG Relevance:

Throughout this blog, we’ve emphasized the importance of complying with accessibility standards. The VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a critical document that helps organizations understand the accessibility of products, including websites. It provides detailed information about a product’s accessibility, making it essential for businesses aiming to meet accessibility requirements.

The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are also integral to web accessibility. They provide a universally accepted standard for creating accessible web content. Adhering to WCAG guidelines ensures that your website is accessible to a wide range of users, improving usability and inclusivity.

In today’s digital age, web accessibility is not merely a choice; it’s an imperative. And specially for start-ups and SMEs, web accessibility represents an opportunity to expand their audience but doing it thoughtfully and more inclusively, it’s part of growing responsibly and with a positive impact. Conducting a web accessibility audit, adapting your website, and ensuring accessible website translation are key steps to achieving this, especially given the alarming statistic that 97% of the internet remains inaccessible.

 It’s not just about compliance; it’s about creating a truly inclusive online space. In the end, web accessibility benefits not only individuals with disabilities but also improves the overall user experience. Are you ready to transform your website into an accessible haven for all?

If you’re looking to enhance the accessibility of your website, do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you expand your reach and enhance your users’ experiences. Together, we’ll make your website accessible to all, making sure your message comes across in any language and to anyone.