The Web is, without a doubt, the most effective resource for gaining information in an instant. We now have access to more knowledge than we could ever consume in a lifetime, and that information has transformed the lives of millions of people. However, if your website is not fully accessible, people who have disabilities may find it difficult to use or could be altogether excluded.
Benefits of an accessible website
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15 percent of the global population is disabled in some way. As a result, the importance of ensuring that your website and digital information are accessible is essential to reaching a maximum audience. More benefits of accessible websites follow.
Increasing usability
An accessible website can be easily navigated and understood by everyone. An added benefit is usability, which strives to improve the user experience of a digital resource by making things simple, intuitive, and engaging.
Improving Search Engine Optimization
The purpose of Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is to drive visitors to your website by increasing its rank in search engines like Google. The practices used to build accessible websites will also help search engines crawl your pages and catalog your content. Your website page rank will very likely improve as accessibility features are included.
Avoiding potential discrimination and legal complaints
To prevent lawsuits and potential penalties, it is critical to adhere to website accessibility standards that can limit your legal liability by complying with accessibility regulations. Visit Web Accessibility Standards for more information.
Takeaways
- Aside from the apparent benefits of providing information that is accessible to all and avoiding legal consequences, embracing accessibility benefits your organization because it allows more people to participate and to actively contribute their ideas and perspectives.
- Building an accessible website benefits not only your public image and site usability, but it also increases user engagement and loyalty.