The Importance of Accessibility in Communication
1 billion people around the world have or experience some form of disability. That’s 15% of the world’s population.
Today, we are all a part of the information age. With answers to every question we could possibly think of right at our fingertips. The web and internet as a whole have become an important resource in many aspects of our day-to-day lives:
- Education
- Employment
- Government commerce
- Healthcare etc.
With 1 billion people worldwide experiencing some form of disability, it is important that the web be accessible to everyone to provide equal access for all.
Accessibility in Communications
How we communicate and technology itself is constantly evolving. We need to be able to guarantee that all users can access our websites and information without issue.
There are a number of online systems available to help those with disabilities such as:
- Limited visibility
- Hearing difficulties
- Cognitive disabilities etc.
be able to access information on the world wide web today. Developing an accessible website means following the guidelines set out by such systems so that they can seamlessly apply themselves to your website and allow all users the freedom of access.
One of the best guides out there for full website accessibility is the web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG).
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines have been created by the world wide web consortium (W3C) with the goal of providing a single shared standard or web content accessibility that meets the needs of all individuals, businesses, and governments internationally.
The WCAG explains how you can make your website more accessible to people living with a disability. It helps you ensure that your web content and content, in general, is accessible.
- Web Content: Here we mean the textual, aural, or visual content published on a website.
- Content: Any creative element such as text, images, audio/video files, applications, etc.
When we look at web accessibility, everything is included. All disabilities that could possibly affect access for users could be:
- Auditory disabilities
- Cognitive disabilities
- Neurological disabilities
- Physical disabilities
- Speech disabilities
- Visual disabilities are catered for
Of course, accessibility isn’t just about writing code and being able to apply apps and plug-ins. For some of the non-technical, simply creating engaging content and organizing it easily under the correct categories for easy navigation means that your website is on its way to becoming easily accessible for all.
Website Accessibility Benefits Everyone
An accessible website benefits everyone. Not just the 1 billion worldwide.
It will benefit:
- People using mobiles, smartwatches, smart TV’s and other devices with small screens.
- The elderly, whose abilities and capabilities may change as they get older.
- Anyone with a ‘’Temporary disability’’ such as a broken arm or misplaced glasses.
- People with ‘’situational limitations’’ where they may be in an environment where they cannot read. This could be due to bright light or a noisy room.
- Those with a slow and unreliable internet connection.
- Those living with a disability.
It really is a win-win situation.
Uccello Designs on Accessibility
We are working hard to ensure all of our customers and website visitors have access to our website, products, and the information we share.
Our team is working hard to become WCAG compliant. This way we can provide a better and more equal experience for everyone. We, along with many others out there are helping to pave the way to a better more accessible future.
If you or someone you know has limited strength and/or mobility, please feel free to click over to the Uccello Kettle.
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Every where on your wbsite I experience friendliness.
What a lovely review to receive thank you very much for taking the time to share that with us Jotika