Let's Talk about Web Accessibility

Beginning next week, we’re rolling out a multi-part series focusing on accessibility in social media and ecommerce.

Before we dive into some platform-specific issues and ideas, let’s talk a little bit about what is legally required. On social media? There really isn’t a requirement that your content be accessible. (Though we think it ought to be.)

But there are some requirements and guidelines for your website. According to the ADA and subsequent court findings, your website is required to be accessible to those with disabilities. And it makes good business sense – the easier your site is to use, the more likely you are to make a sale.

While there are no comprehensive federal regulations in terms of website accessibility, there is a great guideline – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 – and we think it's where you should start. Chances are high that if the federal government does come out with legislation or regulation, it's going to look like this.

Joseph C. Dolson, writing for Practical Ecommerce has laid out the legal picture for website accessibility pretty clearly and it’s worth a read-through.

Other resources to ponder are listed below.

Accessibility is one of those things that we tend not to think about until specifically confronted with difficulty. No one wants that first confrontation to be via lawsuit. It’s time to start really thinking through how your business can make itself as accessible and user-friendly as possible—both on your site and in your marketing.

Stay tuned for more on social media and accessibility in the coming weeks.

Need more info?

What is web accessibility?
Why Accessibility Matters from Vox
10 Tips to Make Your Website Accessible
The Dominos Accessibility Ruling in the 9th Circuit
Most Common Web Accessibility Issues to Avoid
Tools for Testing Website Accessibility
What 2018 Wed Design Trends Mean for Accessibility