What Is Web Accessibility (a11y)

What Is Web Accessibility (a11y)

TABLE OF CONTENT

  1. What is web accessibility?

  2. Considerations to make Web accessible for end users

WHAT IS WEB ACCESSIBILITY?

Web accessibility, often abbreviated as "a11y" (where "11" represents the 11 letters between "a" and "y" in "accessibility"), refers to the practice of ensuring that websites, web applications, and digital content are usable and navigable by all users, including those with disabilities. It involves designing and developing digital content and interfaces in a way that accommodates people with various impairments, such as visual, auditory, motor, cognitive, or neurological disabilities.

In essence, web accessibility aims to remove barriers that might prevent people with disabilities from accessing information or interacting with web content effectively. This includes considerations for:

CONSIDERATIONS TO MAKE THE WEB ACCESSIBLE TO END USERS

  1. Perceivability: Making sure that content is presented in a way that can be perceived by all users, regardless of their sensory abilities. This involves providing alternatives for non-text content (like images, audio, and video) through text alternatives, captions, and transcripts.

  2. Operability: Ensuring that users can interact with the website or web application using different input methods, such as keyboard navigation or voice commands. This helps users who may have difficulty using a mouse or touchscreen.

  3. Understandability: Making content and functionality easy to understand and use, especially for users with cognitive or learning disabilities. This involves clear and consistent navigation, labelling, and instructions.

  4. Robustness: Building websites and web applications that can be reliably interpreted by a wide range of user agents (browsers, assistive technologies, etc.), ensuring compatibility with current and future technologies.

Web accessibility is not just a matter of compliance with standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) but also a fundamental aspect of inclusive design and digital equity. By prioritizing accessibility, websites can reach a broader audience, improve user experience for everyone, and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Trust these gave you a temporary insight on the expectation for website accessibility for end users

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