What is Digital Accessibility, and Why is it Important?

08/02/2021

By Shaylor M

In today’s digital age, the internet has become an essential tool for communication, education, commerce, and entertainment. But for millions of people with disabilities, accessing digital content can be a frustrating or even impossible experience if websites, apps, and other digital assets are not designed with accessibility in mind.

Digital accessibility ensures that people with disabilities can perceive, navigate, interact with, and contribute to digital content with ease. This article will explain what digital accessibility means, why it matters, and how your organization can take meaningful steps to create a more inclusive digital presence.

What is Digital Accessibility?

Digital accessibility refers to designing and developing digital content, tools, and technologies in a way that enables people with disabilities to use them. Disabilities can range from visual, auditory, and motor impairments to cognitive challenges. Accessibility measures include:

  • Text alternatives for images (e.g., alt text) for screen readers.
  • Keyboard navigation for those unable to use a mouse.
  • Captions and transcripts for audio and video content.
  • Proper color contrast for readability.
  • Scalable text for users with low vision.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) serve as the global standard for digital accessibility. They outline principles and techniques to ensure content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (POUR).

Why is Digital Accessibility Important?

1. Promotes Inclusivity and Equal Access

Digital accessibility is a matter of equal rights. Everyone should have the same opportunity to access information and services online. For individuals with disabilities, accessible design is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity.

2. Legal Compliance

In many countries, including the United States, digital accessibility is a legal requirement. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 mandate that digital content be accessible. Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage.

3. Business Benefits

Accessibility expands your audience to include millions of people with disabilities. Additionally, accessible websites often perform better in search engine rankings, improve user experience for everyone, and foster customer loyalty by demonstrating your commitment to inclusion.

4. Ethical Responsibility

Making your digital assets accessible aligns with values of fairness, respect, and social responsibility. By prioritizing accessibility, your business sets an example of inclusivity and leadership.


How to Make Your Digital Assets Accessible

Getting started with digital accessibility can feel overwhelming, but the right tools and guidance make the process manageable. Here are some steps to take:

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit

An audit identifies barriers on your website, apps, or other digital assets. Look for issues such as missing alt text, poor keyboard navigation, and low color contrast.

  • Ability offers comprehensive accessibility audits to pinpoint compliance gaps and provide actionable solutions tailored to your needs.

2. Use Accessibility Tools

Automated tools can streamline the process of identifying and fixing common accessibility issues.

  • Max Access is an innovative tool that offers automated fixes, compliance insights, and ongoing monitoring. With a “free forever” tier, any business can start its accessibility journey at no cost.

3. Implement Accessibility Features

Include accessibility features in your digital design, such as:

  • Screen reader-friendly navigation.
  • Captioning and transcripts for multimedia.
  • Descriptive labels for form fields.

4. Educate Your Team

Accessibility is a team effort. Train your designers, developers, and content creators to build and maintain accessible digital experiences.

  • Ability’s Ally Toolbox provides resources and tools to help web design and dev teams integrate accessibility best practices into their workflow.

5. Partner with Accessibility Experts

Navigating the complexities of WCAG compliance can be challenging. Partnering with an experienced accessibility provider ensures that you get it right.

  • Ability specializes in accessibility consulting and compliance management, helping businesses achieve and maintain full compliance.


The Path to Digital Inclusivity

Digital accessibility is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for ethical, legal, and business reasons. By embracing accessibility, you not only ensure compliance but also demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity, enhance your brand reputation, and unlock opportunities for growth.

At Ability, Inc., we are dedicated to helping businesses like yours create digital experiences that are accessible to everyone. Whether you need a detailed audit, automated tools like Max Access, or ongoing compliance support, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Take the first step toward accessibility today. Let’s make the internet a place for all!

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