Digital Accessibility

Last month, we reviewed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The law mandates accessibility best practices, guaranteeing people with disabilities have the same opportunities as every other American. But, the ADA was enacted in 1990, when the internet was in its infancy. Since then, technology has exploded, and digital accessibility needs to be as prevalent as general accessibility.

Digital accessibility refers to designing websites, mobile apps, and electronic documents to be easily navigated and understood by a wide range of users, including those with visual, auditory, motor, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. As such, the U.S. has taken steps to pass legislation on digital accessibility. To help website developers ensure their content is accessible to all, the World Wide Web Consortium developed the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 AA (WCAG). These guidelines are intended to provide a single technical standard for web content accessibility, providing the following:

·    Text alternatives for non-text content

·    Captions and other alternatives for multimedia

·    Content that can be presented in different ways, including by assistive technologies

·    Easier ways for users to see and hear content

·    All operable functionality from a keyboard

·    Ample time to read and use content

·    Non-seizure inducing content

·    Assistance navigating and finding content

·    Readable and understandable text

·    Content that appears and operates in predictable ways

·    Help avoiding and correcting mistakes

·    Compatibility with current and future user tools

Do you think this just sounds like a lot of extra work? There are approximately one billion people worldwide with a disability. Following accessibility guidelines will ensure your message reaches all of them. Accessible digital content is good for employees, customers, vendors, and your bottom line.

The iDisability? e-learning module, “Digital Accessibility,” provides tips for developing and designing accessible content, and applying the ADA, Sections 503 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and WCAG 2.0 AA. Nearly 1 million business users across a variety of industries have already benefited from iDisability?, an e-learning platform specifically designed to educate organizations and ensure employees have the knowledge required to effectively communicate, interview, hire, accommodate, and engage every employee within the workforce. To schedule a demonstration, complete the contact form.