Accessibility As we enter into 2021, one of the most important issues for websites is accessibility. In this blog post, we will explore why accessibility is so important, what it means, and what steps can be taken to ensure that websites are accessible to all. Defining Accessibility Accessibility refers to the practice of making websites, applications, and other digital technologies available to people with disabilities. People with disabilities may have visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments that make it difficult for them to use the internet in the same way that non-disabled people can. Making websites accessible means ensuring that everyone, regardless of their disability, can navigate and interact with a website. Why Accessibility Matters There are several reasons why accessibility is crucial for websites. First, it is a legal requirement in many countries. Websites that fail to meet accessibility standards can face legal action. Second, accessibility makes good business sense. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 61 million adults in the United States have a disability. By creating accessible websites, businesses can reach a wider audience and improve customer engagement. Finally, accessibility is a moral imperative. Everyone has the right to access digital information without barriers. How to Make Websites Accessible Making websites accessible is not a one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are some basic steps that businesses and web developers can take to ensure that their websites are accessible to everyone. Some of these steps include: 1. Providing alt-text for all images. This helps people who are blind or have low vision understand what is on a webpage. 2. Ensuring that all text is appropriately contrasted against its background. This helps people with low vision or color blindness read text more easily. 3. Creating transcripts or captions for all videos. This helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing understand the content of videos. 4. Using clear and concise language. This helps people with cognitive disabilities understand the content on a website. Conclusion In conclusion, accessibility is an essential aspect of website design that cannot be overlooked. It is essential for businesses to create accessible websites to comply with legal requirements, reach a wider audience, and to be inclusive. By following basic accessibility guidelines, businesses can ensure that everyone has equal access to digital information. Resources: - WebAIM: https://webaim.org/ - The A11Y Project: https://a11yproject.com/ - W3C accessibility: https://www.w3.org/WAI/