This two-part series discusses the significance of digital accessibility audits. Part one, introduces accessibility audits and highlights the benefits they offer. The second part focuses on the important parts of an accessibility audit, with practical examples and a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Introduction to Digital Accessibility Audits
When we look at change in an organization, one concept comes up frequently. Awareness is the important first step of any change. Knowing whether the problem is perceived or real helps with motivation. Also, before we commit any people or resources to the problem, we want to know how severe it is.
This is where Accessibility Audits come in. Accessibility audits are comprehensive evaluations of digital assets to ensure they meet accessibility standards. These audits uncover and tackle barriers that prevent disabled individuals from reaching digital content. These audits are done with a standard. That standard is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The best part is that it is a global standard. The measurement remains constant regardless of your location. These standards will guide you in making your digital assets accessible to people with disabilities.
Benefits of Conducting Digital Accessibility Audits
Conducting accessibility audits has various benefits, including meeting regulatory requirements, enhancing the user experience, reaching a wider audience, and boosting the company’s reputation.
Meeting Regulatory Requirements
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is the international legal standard. As well as other nations, the United States of America does not include WCAG in its legal systems. The courts use the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as a benchmark to decide whether a service has accommodated. Although the legislature has not officially declared it to be a law, the court continues to use it as a measuring stick.
Enhancing the user experience
Accessibility audits identify barriers hindering user experience. For example, keyboard navigation is crucial for accessibility. Many users, including those with mobile, visual, or cognitive disabilities, rely on it. Design teams often overlook this, not realizing the importance of keyboard accessibility. The principle is if a task can be done with a mouse, it should be doable with a keyboard. Inaccessible navigation affects customer satisfaction. Audits help identify and fix issues, and may even reveal new navigation methods. Conducting an audit ensures a better experience for all users.
Reaching a Wider Audience
When I train, I stress the importance of accommodating multiple ways people access information on digital devices, from desktops to mobiles. Participants often think this is obvious, but I do this to prove this is something we already think about. We just alter our thinking slightly to consider disabilities. Some people use screen readers, others need captions for videos, and many rely on keyboard navigation. Just like the devices we use to access to content, these are different ways to interact with content. Consistent, user-friendly navigation ensures clarity. When designing interfaces, consider different devices and user needs. Ensuring digital materials are accessible creates an inclusive environment for all users.
Boosting the Company’s Reputation
Conducting an accessibility audit and creating a roadmap leads to significant changes in your application. Improving digital assets enhances accessibility, benefiting people with and without disabilities. This inclusivity boosts customer interaction and satisfaction. The interaction between customers and businesses becomes easier. Something they struggled with doing online becoming a task they can complete. I am part of a couple of discussion groups, which include people with disabilities. When a popular application improves their accessibility, people start talking about it. Rich Donovan’s book, Unleash Different, states that people with disabilities and their networks comprise over half of the global marketplace. Prioritizing accessibility strengthens your brand with this vast audience.
Conclusion
Accessibility audits are essential in organizations to ensure that digital assets meet accessibility standards. These audits follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a global standard that applies everywhere. They help identify barriers that prevent disabled individuals from accessing digital content. For example, keyboard navigation is crucial for users with mobile, visual, or cognitive disabilities. Conducting accessibility audits has several benefits. It helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, enhances user experience, reaches a wider audience, and boosts a company’s reputation. Accessibility audits also highlight the importance of gathering information from various devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. Consistent and user-friendly navigation is crucial for a clear understanding of the page’s purpose. Businesses can reach more customers and improve their brand by making accessibility a priority.
Ready to improve the accessibility of your digital assets? Contact AccessibilityFirst Solutions LLC for a comprehensive audit and expert guidance on making your content accessible to everyone.
Michael Harshbarger is an experienced project manager and accessibility consultant. He is passionate about helping businesses create inclusive digital experiences. With over ten years of experience in project management and accessibility, Michael established AccessibilityFirst Solutions LLC. Michael believes in promoting accessibility as a core business value. He thinks that inclusive design benefits not only those with disabilities but also enhances the user experience for everyone. Michael holds a Master’s degree in Project Management. He has successfully implemented accessibility programs for Fortune 100 companies. In his free time, Michael enjoys exploring the outdoors with his family and playing tabletop role-playing games.