Website accessibility refers to a website’s user experience for those that use assistive technology to browse the web, often because that person has a disability.
People with disabilities use assistive technology like screen readers, screen magnification software and other tools to help them navigate and understand the web. However, some websites are not compatible with this technology. In this case, the website is unusable for a large audience of people.
In the U.S., about one-in-four people are affected by a disability. An inaccessible website will be difficult to read or use and in some cases impossible to use. If web developers or small business owners neglect website accessibility, a large segment of users could become frustrated with their brand.
Web accessibility ensures that everyone has equal access to information and services on the web, regardless of their abilities.
The basics of web accessibility
In general, a website could be made more accessible with just a little extra attention paid during the web development process. For example, having a high contrast between background images and text or ensuring all links have descriptive text are ways to improve website accessibility.
However, given the complexity of modern websites, it’s difficult to ensure 100% accessibility. Web developers sometimes use third-party technology to provide advanced features on your website.
For example, many ecommerce businesses rely on software like WooCommerce or Shopify to provide ecommerce functionality. In this case, your web developer cannot guarantee your website is 100% accessible.
Regardless, website owners can still be targeted by lawsuits for not being compliant with laws related to website accessibility. But more advanced options can provide more comprehensive website accessibility.
Advanced website accessibility – accessWidget by accessiBe
To provide advanced website accessibility, Saltech Systems provides access to an industry-leading technology. Saltech Systems partners with accessiBe to provide clients with a 20% discount for accessWidget.
AccessWidget uses artificial intelligence to update your entire website to ensure website accessibility and compliance. The award winning software provides a public facing accessibility statement to help protect business owners from litigation. The statement acknowledges the website owners efforts to ensure accessibility.
The widget adjusts the visible elements that might need to be fixed to help some website users and the application works behind the scenes to adjust your website’s code.
The average accessibility settlement cost is around $25,000, and it only takes 1 person to decide that they want to pursue legal action against your company. A small investment of under $50 a month is worth protecting your business’s reputation in the long run. ADA compliant web design services are a cost-effective choice for your business.
If you want to learn more, visit our website accessibility program page or contact us to start a free trial with accessiBe.
