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Web accessibility, why it is important

08/03/2022
Jose Fco. Llerena

Web accessibility in the 21st century is increasingly important. Living in a digital world where the word “Google” has become a verb. Information on Google is part of everyday life. We live in a world where even currencies are only online. It's hard to imagine not being able to access all the information online, right? However, more than 90% of online websites are not fully accessible. Even with the best of intentions, some content may present barriers for people with specific disabilities, such as hearing loss or visual impairment. Governments around the world today have created guidelines and regulations to follow. In this article we will delve into web accessibility compliance so that you understand everything.

Why is web accessibility important?

Before we begin to explain what web accessibility compliance is, it is important to understand why web accessibility is needed. Besides the fact that web accessibility is an important social movement. Always having the right information, removing digital barriers and improving efficiency is now mandatory. In addition to providing your website audience with all the information they are entitled to, you will open your website to millions of people around the world. Web accessibility standards are, without a doubt, a fundamental foundation for an inclusive and accessible online economy in the 21st century. They certainly determine, among other things, economic activity and job creation.

International awareness

There is a changing perspective on accessibility around the world. You may have noticed that your phone or iPad has a new feature that allows you to capture voice recording. You can also change your computer settings to improve font size and audio. This is due to a greater understanding of online accessibility for people with disabilities. More and more nations around the world have legislation in place that guarantees fundamental accessibility and non-discrimination in the access and use of technology, goods and services of the information society. Any type of social interaction should not be overlooked. When you are responsible for a website, you must know the laws that govern it.

In the information society, accessibility is both a right and an added benefit. It ensures that everyone, regardless of physical or technical status, has access to network assets, environments, and services. We need web legislation with clear rules that can be followed to achieve the goal of online inclusion. Since most people want their website to be accessible to everyone, the main reason why only 1% of all websites are accessible is lack of understanding. Let's go a little further on the topic of online regulation. What laws govern the Internet? What is the most important web law in each country? Below, we review web accessibility standards and how they work.

What are the different web accessibility compliances and how do they work?

Web accessibility laws, also known as web laws, regulations, standards and guidelines. They are laws designed to ensure that people with disabilities can access the same information on the Internet as people without mental or physical disabilities. People with disabilities should be able to see, interpret, navigate, interact and contribute to the online world like anyone else, thanks to web accessibility compliance, this is becoming more widely known. It also helps other users, such as older people whose abilities are changing due to aging.

Examples of implications for web accessibility compliance

The following web components are implemented as a result of web accessibility compliance laws:

  • The information on a website or online application, including natural features such as text, images, video and audio, is called content.
  • Media players and other user agents are included in browsers.
  • Applications for screen readers, screen magnifiers and alternative keyboards, among other things, are examples of assistive technologies used by people with disabilities and reduced mobility.
  • The user's knowledge, experience and, in some cases, adaptation methods for using the Internet. Developers, designers, programmers and writers participate, as well as developers with disabilities and users who contribute material.
  • Authoring software is software used to create websites.
  • Accessibility testers, HTML validators, and CSS validators are just a few examples of testing tools.

Who is affected by web accessibility laws?

Web accessibility rules and standards exist to help people with disabilities make full use of the Internet. People with disabilities cannot access all information due to obstacles and restrictions due to lack of accessibility guidelines. People with disabilities, on the other hand, can use all the information and services available on the Internet when the sites are truly accessible. For example, not purchasing food online because there is no easy way to navigate the menu or contact the company, and not logging into a government website to get more information about your data are common obstacles. If there is no alternative. text with a visual description, images and graphics are not perceived by the blind. The alt. the text can be read with screen readers and the description can be read aloud. These are all simple changes that can be made quickly.

On the other hand, it is natural to link online accessibility standards and their benefits with social responsibility when considering their benefits. This also helps improve the image of a company or institution. Aside from that, the number of new customers, or people who may suddenly visit your website, is a determining factor. It is impossible to ignore the democratic availability of services, goods and information for people with disabilities.

Benefits of Web Accessibility Compliance

It is beneficial for you to improve your Internet presence in this way. Gain additional benefits from making your website accessible by adhering to standards, such as

  • Page loading time will be reduced.
  • Better visibility in search engines (SEO)
  • Screen optimization for mobile devices
  • User-Centric Website Navigation
  • All of these factors improve the usability of your site, which not only improves customer retention, but also strengthens the image of your business, resulting in more new, happy consumers in the long run.

What value is there in complying with accessibility guidelines?

When a website or social media page includes elements that match functional and technical standards, this page complies. These requirements may be country-specific or established by the WAI. Your website must contain tools and features to be compatible. This ensures that everyone can use it, regardless of their technical or physical limitations.

What are Web Accessibility Compliance Guidelines and what is their importance?

In the 21st century, web accessibility is a powerful weapon in the active battle to close the digital divide. Consequently, organizational planning tactics and public policies must be promoted. As a result, everyone can connect through information and communication technology. It is also a critical activity in the technical and cultural development of civilization in the medium and long term. It goes without saying that supporting, creating and implementing online accessibility standards helps stimulate and foster innovation. They also help build, expand and promote the brand.

We must realize that following online accessibility standards allows anyone to access knowledge and information without difficulty. They increase the likelihood of inequality and inequality, particularly regarding the possibility of personal and professional growth. Likewise, the so-called information society, which promotes social inclusion and the active participation of citizens.

international standards

WCAG Guidelines

How to comply with web accessibility laws

You can start optimizing your website for accessibility standards by following these simple tips:

  1. Structure your website in a clear and understandable way : The structure of a website is essential for accessibility. All information must be available in seconds. In headings, subheadings, paragraphs, and lists, pay attention to a coherent text structure.
  2. Fill in the following alternative text for images : Screen reader software, which reads aloud or reproduces the screen display, is often used by visually impaired users. This program, on the other hand, cannot identify images and translate what is displayed. Alternative texts are needed in this case to give the viewer an idea of ​​the integrated images.
  3. Make sure there is sufficient color contrast: make sure Make sure the foreground and background of your website have good contrast.
  4. Use simple language – Make sure the language is easy to understand and the writing is precise.
  5. Subtitles must be included for videos – Subtitles should be included on all your videos. Most visitors who visit your site on the go want to be able to view your content without having to turn on their speakers. Also make sure that hearing-impaired people can hear the entire presentation again.
The W3C, known as the Worldwide Web Consortium, is one of the leading online encyclopedias of web accessibility. They started WAI , the Web Accessibility Initiative for all accessibility information.

FAQs

What is the definition of compliance?

When a website or social media page adheres to technical and functional standards, it is called compliance. These requirements may be country-specific or imposed by the WAI. Tools and features are required to make your website compatible. This ensures that everyone can use it, regardless of technical or physical abilities.

What are the Web Accessibility Compliance Guidelines and why should you care?

We must recognize that following online accessibility standards allows anyone to access knowledge and information without difficulty. They increase the likelihood of injustice in circumstances, particularly in terms of personal and professional growth. Likewise, in the so-called information society, promote social inclusion and the active involvement of citizens.

Why are web accessibility guidelines necessary?

In the 21st century, web accessibility is a strong tool to actively reduce the digital divide. That is why organizational planning strategies and public policies must be aggressively promoted. Through information and communication technologies, it allows everyone to connect. In the medium and long term, it is also a critical activity in the technical and cultural evolution of society.

The promotion, creation and implementation of online accessibility standards must be evidenced as a means to stimulate and incentivize innovation. They also enhance, enhance and promote the brand.

Conclusion web accessibility standards

Websites must follow guidelines, regulations and standards to improve their digital accessibility. Let's take a look at some legal web accessibility standards and regulations to make sure we understand what they are and how to follow them.

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