Four key changes to make your business accessible to all

Many of us take for granted the ability to shop online, use social networks or stream our favorite shows. But for moreone billion people worldwide who live with a disability, access to digital content can be difficult, if not impossible. 

Given that 96.8 % home pages are not compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), it's likely that common shortcomings such as low-contrast visuals, lack of alternative text, non-functional navigation buttons and empty links don't just affect the company's website. 

What other aspects should companies consider in order to be more inclusive and attentive when it comes to digital accessibility? 

What is digital accessibility?

Let's start by defining the term. According to Tech TargetDigital accessibility means designing products and technological environments to enable people with various disabilities to use a service, product or function without being hindered or unable to do so.

When all digital tools, whether it's your website, apps or employee portal, are designed inclusively, the barriers that prevent approximately 15 % of the world's population to take full advantage of your brand. 

Why a commitment to accessibility is important in business

While some people are more affected than others, if your digital assets aren't accessible, you're essentially excluding the world's largest minority group from your business activities.

If you think about it in terms of annual purchasing power, that's a disposable income of almost 490 billion dollars after tax that you sacrifice. 

But that's not all you risk. A tarnished reputation and a poor customer experience can cost you much more, and that's before you even consider the legal repercussions. 

In the United States alone, " more than ten lawsuits are filed every day for digital accessibility issues. Several companies have been the subject of numerous lawsuits over digital accessibility", according to Web.Dev.

Integrating digital accessibility

Legal ramifications and profits aside, prioritizing digital accessibility is simply a matter of ethics and inclusion. 

But where to start? Look for answers to these four common questions: 

• Visual challenges. Images and colors play an important role, when they can be seen. For people with visual impairments, you need to ensure that all text, from headings to links, is navigable or narrated, that colors are well contrasted, and that alternative text is attached to all images and pages to keep your content accessible. 

• Hearing impairment. To make your website, videos and digital resources accessible to the hearing impaired, you need to provide full subtitles and transcriptions. Check that the material also accommodates assistive technologies such as screen readers, and uses a monaural audio channel to improve clarity. 

• Reduced mobility. Technology has evolved to address many mobility issues, but not all content has followed. Plan yours with assistive features, including eye control, voice input and voice access.

• Needs related to neurodiversity (ND). It's important to remember that not all disabilities are visible. For example, adapted software may be required to decode your content in the case of learning disabilities such as dyslexia, cognitive disorders such as ADHD or ADHD spectrum disorders. By simplifying content and submitting it to a digital accessibility checker before publishing, you can further improve accessibility for people with special needs.

As part of your digital accessibility journey,Tech Target recommends integrate the following best practices:

• Understand local disability rights legislation and the impact it can have on your digital content. 

• Solicit employee input on accessibility needs to feed your internal compliance plan. 

• Conduct internal audits of the portals, platforms and applications your team uses, in addition to any customer-facing content.

• Set up alerts to track changes in the requirements of the WCAG guidelines on web content accessibility.

Whether you're looking to reach a wider audience or improve your SEO, making accessibility for all a priority is a great place to start. It's also the way that DCI-sensitive companies can contribute to the inclusion of people with disabilities, one piece of content at a time.