July is Disability Pride Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities and the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Physical infrastructure, like ramps and elevators, is what most people think of when they think about accessibility. But there are many other aspects to making life “accessible” for those with disabilities. And because the internet has become integral to completing daily tasks for everyone, web accessibility is just as important for those with disabilities.
Websites are often the anchor of an organization’s public information, making that information accessible and user friendly is not only ADA compliant, but it also enhances all user functions. Web accessibility comes in two phases: a website’s initial design, and then its upkeep.
Websites are easy to neglect and complicated to over-haul. Specific information and pages are easy to update, but broader website design and functionality is not often updated. Many websites may have been designed years ago and use layouts that are difficult for mobile web browsers. What looks functional on your laptop may look very different on your phone. Updating websites for modern internet use not only ensures accessibility for those who rely on their phone for access, it means you can deliver your services from multiple access points.
As a provider of a much-needed service, it’s important to deliver the best user experience online, allowing community members to find information about programs available to them.
Accessibility in Design
- Following Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Best Practices: Our team uses WCAG guidelines. These guidelines provide comprehensive standards and best practices to ensure your site is usable for people with disabilities.
- Choosing colors carefully: color contrast is crucial for an accessible website.
- Using appropriate font and sizing: avoid using justified text, as it can make content harder to read. Choose fonts that are legible in size and style, steering clear of overly decorative options.
- Adding keyboard navigation: keyboard accessibility is a must for users with disabilities. Ensure your site can be navigated using the keyboard, allowing users to move through your site with arrow and tab keys instead of a mouse.
Creating an accessible layout is just the first step; maintaining that accessibility over time is a whole other challenge.
Accessibility in Maintenance
- Making website screen reader-ready: screen readers rely on alt-text and header tags to interpret content for visually impaired users.
- Making forms accessible: forms are a common element on many websites, whether for sign-ups, feedback, or other interactions.
- Avoid over reliance on PDF’s: traditional PDF files may not be legible to screen readers, opt for either a specific PDF accessibility function, or an alternative file format.
In today’s digital landscape, having an inclusive and accessible website is not just a legal obligation; it’s a strategic advantage that can significantly boost your website’s performance. Beyond fulfilling civil rights obligations, web accessibility positively influences bounce rates, organic traffic, and overall user experience. An optimized public facing website can make a significant difference in providing information, managing applications, and ensuring seamless communication.
Where Capital Strategic Solutions Can Help…
Our team’s experience in municipal web development services can build and maintain ADA compliant websites for all your municipal needs. Whether it’s updating your main page or building an optimized page for a specific project, our team is ready to build the information hub for your community’s needs.
Learn more about our Website Services at https://capital-strategic-solutions.com/website-graphic-and-website-design/ or email us [email protected]