Introduction to Digital Accessibility

Brandon Namie:

The Benefits of Accessibility.

As we begin this lesson, let's consider: What are the benefits of accessibility?

First and foremost, accessibility benefits individuals by allowing them to participate in society. Such benefits include: major life activities such as parenting, education, and employment, which are social activities necessary for health and happiness.

Families and society benefit from the increased independence of more people, cost savings and improvements to the built and digital world that improve access and usability for everyone.

Schools, employers, groups, and organizations of all types also benefit from the increase in innovation and improvements to problem-solving that diversity through inclusion brings.

This lesson is designed to explain the potential benefits that accessibility brings. After this lesson, you will be able to discuss the return on investment in accessibility and determine if accessibility is truly worth the investment.

In Unit One, you were introduced to the concept of accessibility. This lesson will provide a deeper understanding of accessibility by answering the questions of: What is it? Why is it important? What can it do?

A term you may encounter in your journey in accessibility is A11y, pronounced al-ee or ally. A11y stands for accessibility. It is a numeronym with 11 representing the count of letters between the letters A and Y. When you hear A11y, think accessibility.

Let's define accessibility. Alistair Duggin is a vocal advocate of accessible design. He is known for leading the creation of accessibility guidance at the UK Government Digital Service. Alistair emphasizes that when he is talking about accessibility, he's referring to the fact that people with disabilities are not barred from using something. People with disabilities can do what they need to do, with the same amount of time and effort as people without disabilities. It means that people are empowered, can be self-sufficient, and are less likely to be frustrated by anything that isn't working well. Accessibility is the key to removing barriers and challenges that limit individuals.

It levels the playing field and ability among users, creating an equitable space that empowers individuals to be independent while giving them the tools to interact and participate within the world.

Let's tackle the next question: What can accessibility do? Accessibility focuses on how usable and satisfying a product or service is to people with disabilities. Web Accessibility’s main objective is for people to perceive, understand, navigate, interact, and contribute to the digital world. Unfortunately, many roadblocks prevent users with disabilities from accessing and fully utilizing the capabilities of the web.

At its core, it is designed to assist users in auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, psychological, speech, and visual abilities.

So, why is accessibility important? The beauty of accessibility is that it is multi-dimensional and benefiting those with and without a disability. In terms of usability, accessibility increases the chances of more people being able to use a product or design, regardless of their abilities.

The bottom line is that the potential for the web lies in its universality and all inclusiveness. Access by everyone, regardless of ability, is necessary. Accessibility can transform a person's life by opening opportunities that were once closed. Accessibility matters.