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28 The SPiCE Magazine • September 2019 The SPiCE Magazine • September 2019 29

The Case for Website Accessibility Across all business sectors, there is a strong

By Patty Morey case for early adoption of web accessibility. How to get started

In the UK, it is estimated that people with disabilities and First, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Web
Imagine that you want to buy a new shirt from your favorite clothing store. You drive to the store, park your car,
their families spend at least £249 billion every year. In Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, which offers
and walk to the entrance. But when you arrive, you are welcomed by a 20-foot high step at the entrance, with
the US, the annual discretionary spending of people with guidelines on how to make web content accessible to
no assistance to negotiate it. There is no one to advise you, no ladder to climb, and no other point of entry.
disabilities is over $200 billion. Globally, the market is people with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive,
Now, let’s turn this into the more common scenario of a person with disability visiting your website, only to find estimated at 2.3 billion people, generating approximately
out he can’t read the content, navigate the pages, fill out forms, and perform other necessary functions due to $6.9 trillion in annual disposable income. language, learning, and neurological disabilities. WCAG
2.1 is the accepted standard around the world.
disability.
Additionally, early accessibility adoption provides signifi- Next, you should assess your current state, take cor-
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018 figures show that 1 in 4 adults (or 61
cant benefits for the future, including: rective action, and create policy to ensure that future
million Americans) in the US live with a disability that affects day-to-day activities. Globally, around 10 percent
integrations are website-accessible from the start.
of the world’s population -or roughly 650 million people – have a disability. • Drive innovation. Including accessibility in your tech-

Imagine the obstacles you would encounter online if you were sight or hearing-impaired or couldn’t use a nology plan improves overall design for all users, Website and mobile applications: Conduct a page-
mouse due to decreased fine motor control or loss of limb. including the non-disabled community, by providing a by-page analysis to identify violations of 508, ADA
The solution? Web Accessibility. more intuitive experience that can be appreciated by and WCAG 2.0 standards, such as color schemes,
everyone. page layout, and font size. Take corrective action to
Web accessibility is the practice of ensuring people
ensure compatibility.
with disabilities do not encounter barriers that • Brand enhancement. Making a commitment to incor-
prevent interaction with or access to websites on porate accessibility into all aspects of your web pres- Assistive technology compatibility: Ensure your
the web. How does web accessibility affect one’s life? ence can strengthen your reputation as a progressive, content is compatible with tools that people with
innovative company. Brands like Barclays, Google, and disabilities use to access websites and applications
According to the World Health Organization, in 2018, NPR use innovative accessibility design and have found like screen readers, voice browsers, and Braille display.
there were “125 million people aged 80 years or older. it to be an asset that is well worth the cost.
Document compatibility: Make supplemental online
By 2050, there will be 434 million people in the said
• Increased market. Accessible design can lead to documents compliant with the addition of Alt Text and
age group worldwide, with 120 million living in China alone”. As the world’s population ages and health concerns
expanded audience reach, a boost in sales, increased video and audio descriptions. Convert document for-
like vision impairment, dexterity problems, cognitive difficulties, and hearing impairment impact daily lives,
website traffic, and loyalty from an aging population mats such as PowerPoint, MS Word files, PDFs, and
accessibility will play an increasingly important role.
whose disability needs will increase over time. HTML/EPUB to ensure compatibility.
According to Pew Research Center, in 2018, 97 percent of adults aged 30 to 49 used the internet. By 2050, this
• Minimizing legal risks. Each country has its own set of Design for the future: Establish technology policies
figure will increase to 60 to 79. The internet will continue to be an integral part of their lives. It is expected that:
regulations governing web accessibility. In the US, law- to ensure that future designs and documents are
• Online interaction will increase, with users being required to access medical, insurance, retirement, and suits filed in the federal courts under ADA Title III have created with accessibility at the outset to eliminate
financial information online. increased significantly. While in the past, most of these additional costs.
• With more leisure time available, older adults will access travel and hospitality sites more often to plan trips. have been settled out of court, the recent suit against
At SPi, we are currently working with companies
• Increasingly, entertainment and game companies are developing online activities specifically designed for Winn Dixie went to full trial, where the judge concluded
across multiple industries to ensure compliance with
seniors to keep their minds active and engaged. that the supermarket chain discriminated against the
WCAG 2.0, ADA Section 508, and EN 301 549 standard
• Continued interaction through social media will allow families to stay in touch by sharing news, photographs, plaintiff - a blind man who sued more than 70 compa-
requirements. We can assess your current situation
and information. nies - because of its inaccessible website. Around the
for risks and transform your online content to be web
world, the trend leans toward enacting regulations that
accessible. Get in touch to find out more.
ensure accessibility standards are met.