What Is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility is the practice of designing websites so that everyone, including people with disabilities, can access and use online content. An accessible website allows people with visual, hearing, physical, cognitive, or other disabilities to navigate webpages, understand information, and interact with digital content using a variety of devices and assistive technologies. Making websites accessible helps ensure that everyone has equal access to information, services, and opportunities available online.
Why Accessibility Matters
Web accessibility is important because the internet has become an essential part of everyday life. People use websites for education, employment, healthcare, shopping, banking, and communication. If a website is not accessible, many individuals may be unable to complete important tasks or access valuable information. Creating accessible websites promotes inclusion, provides equal opportunities for everyone, and allows people with disabilities to participate more fully in society. It also improves the overall user experience by making websites easier to navigate for all visitors (University of North Carolina at Greensboro, n.d.)
Common Accessibility Features
Many accessibility features help people interact with websites more effectively. Alternative text (alt text) allows screen readers to describe images for users who are blind or have low vision. Captions and transcripts make videos accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Keyboard navigation allows users who cannot use a mouse to move through webpages using only a keyboard. High color contrast, readable fonts, descriptive headings, and properly labeled forms also improve accessibility by making content easier to understand and navigate for a wide range of users.
Reference
University of North Carolina at Greensboro. (n.d.). Why accessibility is important. https://accessibility.uncg.edu/for-all/why-important/