This is a question anyone with a website should ask themselves. When creating a website, there are so many things to think about. We may be worried about the design, making it appealing, putting all the relevant information in the right places and trying to make it appealing to our target audience. This is all important, but we should also be considering how we can make sure that everyone has the same access to the information. When there is already so much to think about and plan, this can seem like a mammoth task to undertake. You may struggle to even know where to begin. Fortunately, companies like accessiBe have got you covered.
But what are the different accessibility needs that people may have? The truth is that there are many different possible needs that need to be taken into account. There is no one solution for everyone. For example, a person with a visual impairment might need to be able to view your site in a larger font. They may need audio descriptions to understand the pictures. Or maybe someone to read the words on the page to them. Someone else may not be able to use a mouse and needs to be able to access the whole of your site by using only the keyboard. Someone with a hearing impairment may need subtitles or sign language for any videos or speaking parts on your site.
As you can see, the needs of each individual can vary. But this is no reason not to have an accessible website. As we have said above, there is help for you. Companies have developed software that when it is added to your site, will detect any accessibility issues and it will work to fix them immediately. This is a very cost effective and quick way to fix this problem.
The governments of the world are taking notice of this problem and there are now laws in most lands making it a legal requirement to have an accessible website. So, it could be that by not getting your website accessible, you are breaking the law. This leaves you open to lawsuits, possible fines, and also the damaged reputation your company would suffer. Search engines are also looking out for website accessibility and an accessible website will be placed higher up their rankings resulting in extra viewing potential for your website.
