In the vast digital landscape, web accessibility is not just about inclusivity; it’s about future-proofing your website. As we navigate the evolving terrain of digital accessibility laws, it’s crucial for businesses and web designers to stay ahead of the curve. As Canadian and US laws evolve to emphasize digital inclusivity, understanding and implementing web accessibility becomes imperative. But how do you incorporate accessibility into your website effectively? In this post, we’ll explore practical ways to make your website more accessible, with a focus on two popular tools: UserWay and AccessiBe.
Why Web Accessibility Matters
Web accessibility ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can access and interact with websites. It’s not only about ethical responsibility but also about reaching a wider audience. With the Canadian government increasingly emphasizing digital inclusivity, staying compliant with accessibility standards is becoming more than just good practice – it could soon be a legal requirement.
Basic Coding Principles for Accessibility
Incorporating accessibility into your web design involves several steps and considerations.
Here is a general overview of what is required for accessibility:
- Use semantic HTML tags like <header>, <footer>, <nav>, and <main> to structure your content meaningfully.
- Ensure that all images have descriptive alt texts.
- Make sure your website can be navigated using a keyboard, which is crucial for users who cannot use a mouse.
- Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles when necessary, but only as a supplement to native HTML.
- Ensure sufficient colour contrast and allow users to adjust text sizes.
Tools like WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) can be invaluable in identifying accessibility issues on your website. It provides visual feedback about the accessibility of your web content and highlights areas needing improvement.
An Easier Way To Make Your Website Accessible
Navigating the complexities of coding a website with accessibility in mind can be challenging. It often involves making design compromises to ensure full compliance with WCAG 2.1 standards. Thankfully, there’s a simpler solution. Innovative tools are available that automate much of this process, offering a more straightforward path to creating an accessible website. One effective approach is using widgets that can be seamlessly integrated into your site. These widgets provide a non-intrusive way for visitors to tailor your website’s display to their accessibility needs through a user-friendly interface. This means you have the freedom to design your website as you envision, while the widget takes care of adjusting the site for accessibility. Such tools are not only helpful for users with disabilities but also ensure your site adheres to web accessibility guidelines and legislation.
Let’s look at two of our favourite accessibility tools:
UserWay: Simplifying Accessibility
UserWay is the most popular tool that offers an accessibility widget that can added to websites fairly easily.
Pros:
- Dynamic Pricing: Comes with a free, albeit limited version
- Customizable: Offers a range of options to adjust the website’s accessibility features.
- Easy Setup: Quick and easy to add it to your website
Cons:
- Limited Scope: While useful, it may not cover all aspects of accessibility.
- Dependent on Original Design: The effectiveness can vary based on how accessible the original site design is.
AccessiBe: A Comprehensive Approach
AccessiBe is another popular tool in the accessibility arena. This is the one we gravitate towards because it not only provides full compliance, their AI scanner makes sure that your website continues to stay accessible as you make updates.
Pros:
- AI-Powered: Utilizes artificial intelligence to scan and adjust websites for accessibility.
- Comprehensive: Offers a more thorough approach to accessibility, covering a wide range of needs.
- Compliance: Provides full WCAG 2.1 and ADA compliance and includes accessibility statement and certification
Cons:
- Cost: More expensive than some other tools, but is more comprehensive.
Understanding Accessibility Legislation
In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set the standards for digital accessibility. Similarly, in Canada, the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) is pushing for a barrier-free nation. Ontario has already implemented the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and it’s anticipated that similar legislation will soon be adopted across other provinces. These laws reflect a growing recognition of the importance of digital accessibility, making compliance not just a legal obligation but also a strategic advantage.
Conclusion
Web accessibility is more than a compliance checklist; it’s a commitment to creating an inclusive digital world. By embracing tools like UserWay and AccessiBe, and adhering to basic coding practices for accessibility, we can make our websites welcoming for all users. As legislation in Canada and the US continues to evolve, staying ahead in web accessibility is not just about meeting standards; it’s about leading the charge in creating an inclusive, barrier-free digital space.
At Lake, we’re strong proponents of web accessibility. Why limit your website’s reach when you can open it up to all potential users eager to engage with your business? Whether you’re aiming to enhance your current site’s accessibility or you’re in the market for a fresh, modern website that’s fully accessible and optimized for all browsers and devices, we’re here to assist. Let’s work together to create a digital space that’s welcoming to everyone.
