The importance of digital accessibility

By Chris Beard, Web Development Manager, Strategic Communications and Brand

Website accessibility is an increasingly important issue in today’s digital world. Website accessibility refers to the practice of designing and developing websites that can be used by individuals with disabilities. This is important because it ensures that individuals with disabilities have the same access to information and services online as everyone else.

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is the international community that develops open standards to ensure the long-term growth of the Web. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of guidelines developed through the W3C process in cooperation with individuals and organisations around the world. They explain how to make digital services, websites and apps accessible to everyone, including users with impairments to their:

• vision — like severely sight impaired (blind), sight impaired (partially sighted) or colour-blind people
• hearing — like people who are deaf or hard of hearing
• mobility — like those who find it difficult to use a mouse or keyboard
• thinking and understanding — like people with dyslexia, autism or learning difficulties

One of the main reasons why website accessibility is important is because it is a matter of fairness and equality. Just like everyone else, individuals with disabilities have the right to access information and services online. By making websites accessible, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access the information and features on a website, regardless of their abilities.

Another reason why website accessibility is important is because it can improve the user experience for everyone. Accessible websites are easier to use and navigate, which can make them more user-friendly and enjoyable for all visitors. Creating accessible content benefits all users and improves the overall user experience (UX). This can lead to increased readership on the website and improved Search Engine rankings.

In the UK, there are legal requirements for websites to be accessible. Failing to meet these requirements can result in fines and other penalties. Therefore, it is important for businesses and organisations to ensure that their websites are accessible in order to avoid potential legal issues.

Website accessibility is an important issue that should be taken seriously by businesses and organisations. By making the Keele website accessible, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access and use the information and features, improve the user experience for all visitors, and avoid potential legal issues.

To find out more about creating accessible content, visit our Web Support pages.