Web Accessibility

Web accessibility refers to the practice of designing and developing websites and web applications in a way that ensures equal access and usability for all individuals, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. It's about making digital content and services available to everyone, including those with disabilities such as visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.

Shuvel's Web Accessibility AI Widget for your website.

Supporting web accessibility solutions for WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is paramount. Shuvel's web accessibility and ADA support product provides an inclusive and seamless experience for all users by implementing proper semantic HTML structures, providing descriptive alternative text for images, and ensuring keyboard navigation are foundational steps.

SOME SHOCKING FACTS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF

The number of web accessibility lawsuits is growing rapidly. In 2018, there were 2,258 web accessibility lawsuits filed in the U.S., nearly tripling from the 814 lawsuits in 2017. A number of recent high-profile cases, such as a lawsuit against the website of the singer Beyoncé, have also increased visibility and awareness.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 1 in 4 U.S. adults is living with a disability.

According to the Click-Away Pound survey, UK retailers lost an estimated £11.75 billion ($15.5 billion USD) in 2016 because people with disabilities were unable to purchase their products online.

In this era of digital activism, many consumers want to support companies that share their beliefs, ideals, and values. According to a recent survey by Accenture Strategy, 62 percent of consumers prefer to make purchases from a brand that is willing to take a stand on issues that matter.

47 percent of consumers are willing to walk away if they are disappointed with a company’s words or actions, and 17 percent will not return.

In 2020, over 2,500 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III website accessibility lawsuits filed in federal courts. This represented a 12% increase from 2019.

These benefits are taken directly from researched results from the Bureau of Internet Accessibility.

THE

BENEFITS OF

WEB ACCESSIBILITY

As the internet and other digital technologies become increasingly prevalent in daily life, it’s not hard to argue that web accessibility is a civil right for people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that people with disabilities can enjoy equal access to public services and “places of public accommodation” such as restaurants, movie theaters, and schools.

Improving your website’s accessibility is simply good business sense. Although it’s not possible to design a website that’s accessible to everyone on the planet, a few common-sense modifications can go a long way toward helping people with disabilities use your site. What’s more, features such as transcripts and closed captions, support for mobile devices, and a clear, simple site design will be beneficial for all users, not simply those who require them due to a disability.

Web accessibility is an important cause for people with disabilities, their loved ones, and disability rights advocates. By taking a stand on web accessibility, you’ll be building the foundation of a positive brand image for your organization. People with disabilities who have positive interactions with your business are more likely to recommend you to their family, friends, acquaintances, and social media connections.

Web accessibility recommendations improve the general usability of your site. For example, alternative text for images and objects on your website can help people with slow internet connections understand the purpose of the content before it loads. Glossaries with definitions of acronyms, rare words, and technical terms are useful for some people with cognitive disabilities, some people who speak English as a second language, and everyone at different times.