What is Digital Accessibility and what do we need to do as a service provider and why is it important?

Digital accessibility means making sure that all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can access and use digital tools and content effectively. This includes websites, mobile apps, documents, and other online resources. Everyone should have equal access to information and services. Digital accessibility helps ensure that people with disabilities can participate fully in the digital world.

Many countries have laws and guidelines that require digital content to be accessible to people with disabilities. Accessible digital content can reach a wider audience, including people who may experience temporary impairments (like a broken arm) or those who use assistive technologies.

Accessible digital design benefits all users by providing a better overall experience. By making digital content accessible, you attract and retain a broader audience. Promoting inclusivity and equal access demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility and respect for all individuals.

In summary, digital accessibility is about creating digital experiences that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can use effectively and comfortably. It’s an important aspect of modern design that ensures equal access to information and services in the digital age.

As a service provider, ensuring digital accessibility involves several key steps to make your digital content and services usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. Here’s a guide to what you need to do:

Key Aspects of Digital Accessibility

Visual Accessibility: Provide text descriptions for images so that people who use screen readers can understand what the images convey. Ensure that text has sufficient contrast against its background to be readable by people with vision impairments.

Auditory Accessibility: Offer captions for videos and transcripts for audio content so that people who are deaf or hard of hearing can access the information.

Motor Accessibility: Ensure that users can navigate and interact with the digital content using a keyboard alone, as some people may not use a mouse. Make sure that buttons and links are easy to click or tap, and not too small or closely spaced.

Cognitive Accessibility: Use simple and clear language, and organise content in a logical way to make it easier for everyone to understand. Maintain a consistent layout and navigation structure to help users find information more easily.

Technical Considerations: Ensure that digital content is optimised for various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops. Provide clear error messages and guidance for users if they make a mistake, such as entering incorrect information in a form. Ensure that the technology and platforms you use (like Content Management Systems, development frameworks, etc.) support accessibility features.

Understand Accessibility Requirements

Familiarise yourself with accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide a comprehensive framework for making web content accessible. Be aware of any legal requirements or regulations related to digital accessibility in your country or region, such as the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in Australia or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S..

Accessibility Training & Ongoing Education

Provide training for your team, including designers, developers, content creators, and project managers, on accessibility best practices and tools. Keep your team updated on new accessibility standards and technologies.

Develop an Accessibility Plan & Set Accessibility Goals 

Define clear goals and milestones for improving accessibility within your organisation. Dedicate resources and budget for accessibility initiatives, including tools, training, and expert consultations.

Automated Accessibility Testing Tools

Use automated tools to scan your digital assets for common accessibility issues (e.g., WAVE , Axe ).

Perform manual testing to catch issues that automated tools might miss. This includes keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and user testing with assistive technologies. Periodically review and update your digital content to maintain and improve accessibility.

Provide Ongoing Support & Maintain Documentation

Implement a system for regular testing with users who have disabilities to identify and address accessibility issues. Provide support resources such as help desks, accessibility guides, and assistive technology to assist users with disabilities.

Publish an “accessibility statement” on your website or platform that outlines your commitment to accessibility and provides contact information for accessibility-related inquiries. Maintain records of accessibility improvements and updates to demonstrate ongoing compliance and efforts.

Promote Accessibility Culture & Engage with Accessibility Experts

Ensure that accessibility is prioritised at all levels of your organisation, from leadership to operational teams. Foster an inclusive design philosophy and development processes to integrated accessibility into your organisation’s core culture and practices.

Engage with accessibility consultants or web accessibility specialist to get professional advice and insights into best practices and complex accessibility issues. Join accessibility communities and forums to stay informed about trends, tools, and techniques in the field.

By following these steps, you can enhance the accessibility of your digital content and services, ensuring that they are usable by a wider audience and complying with relevant standards and regulations. This not only benefits users with disabilities but also improves overall user experience and demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity.