Accessible Websites are the New Mobile-First

Legal and Ethical Imperatives

Accessibility is not just a trend but a legal and ethical requirement. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) mandate accessible websites. Organisations that ignore this risk lawsuits and damage to their reputation. This is now going to move into Europe come June 2025.

Expanded Audience Reach

Accessible websites cater to a wider audience, including people with disabilities, older adults, and those with varying technological literacy. This increases potential customers and improves brand image.

Remember companies that get ahead of accessibility aren't just checking boxes – they're accelerating their sales cycles. Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) are becoming sales tools, not roadblocks.

SEO Benefits

Search engines like Google prioritise accessible websites in search results, boosting visibility and organic traffic.

Enhanced User Experience

Accessible design principles often lead to better user experiences for everyone, regardless of ability. Clear navigation, legible text, and logical information hierarchy benefit all users.

Future-Proofing

As technology evolves, accessibility becomes even more critical. Building accessibility into the design process from the start ensures your website remains usable for years to come.

Get It Right First Time

Plus, building it right from the start costs about a third of what you'll spend retrofitting later.

Why Do It

  • Lead with VPATs in sales conversations (they're becoming door-openers)
  • Build accessibility into your development cycle early, it save you money in the long term
  • Use accessibility as your differentiator in Request for Proposal(RFP) (especially in .edu and .gov)
  • Train your sales team to talk accessibility features and educate them as to why accessibility is important (it's becoming a selling point)

How Your Organisations Can Adapt

Training and Awareness

Educate staff about accessibility best practices and the importance of inclusive design.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Adhere to WCAG standards for website development and content creation.

Accessibility Testing Tools

Utilise tools like WAVE, JAWS, and Lighthouse to identify and fix accessibility issues.

Regular Audits

  • Conduct periodic accessibility audits to maintain compliance and identify areas for improvement.
  • User Testing with Diverse Users
  • Involve people with disabilities in testing to gain insights into their experiences.

Prioritise Accessibility from the Start

Make accessibility a core part of the website development process, not an afterthought.

By being positive and embracing website accessibility design you can create a more inclusive digital experience, comply with legal requirements, and ultimately drive business success.

Together we can make the world a more accessible place one website at a time. So get intouch today and lets us help you.