Website Architecture Planning | Accessibility Testing

The international standard for making web content accessible to those with disabilities is called the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, WCAG for short. These requirements are known as the “success criteria”. Here, you will find some of the most basic considerations that will aid you in getting started with developing content that is accessible to those with disabilities.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the international standard needed to make website content more accessible to those individuals with any number of disabilities. These requirements are what is known as “success criteria”. Here, you will find some of the most basic actions that will help you get started to make your user interface and design absolutely accessible to those individuals with disabilities. These tips are what would be considered good practice to get you on track to meet the WCAG guidelines.

Why is web accessibility needed?

Web accessibility means opening accessibility of the Web to everyone, specifically those who have disabilities, allowing them to perceive, understand, navigate and interact with the Web. These disabilities cover all levels, including auditory, physical, speech, cognitive and neurological. Most Websites have some sort of accessibility barrier that makes it difficult for a person with a disability to use their site. Web accessibility assists making sure that people with all disabilities do not face these roadblocks when accessing the Web.

The topic of website accessibility is complicated and evolving. Many businesses have been caught off guard because of the Department of Justice's dynamic positions on the issue and delayed regulations. Because of this, the attorneys of the plaintiffs are making their money on the uncertainty. There has been an influx of lawsuits and demand letters regarding public accommodations and inaccessible websites. As have been done with Title III lawsuits, all web accessibility lawsuits are being tracked and logged to spot the trends in lawsuits.

Most people take surfing the web as a daily activity for granted. For those with disabilities, the internet can be and inhospitable place. It is very important for the Internet to be accessible for everyone- this is not only beneficial to the individuals with disabilities but also for businesses as well.