Beyoncé’s “Best Thing She Never Had”: An Accessible Website — How Website Owners Can Learn from Beyoncé
Website accessibility is the practice of designing and developing websites, tools and technologies that people with disabilities can use. It's a way of seeing the web through new eyes.
We all know about wheelchair accessible ramps in buildings, handicap parking spots and bathrooms. However, the accessibility of digital tools – like websites – for people with disabilities has lagged behind. Website (or web) accessibility is not yet in the public awareness like the examples above, but is coming close.
The topic has more recently gained attention through publicity and law suits brought against larger companies and public figures. In this article, I aim to educate non-profits, small and mid-sized businesses about what this all means for them.
Have you heard the terms web accessibility or ADA compliant websites? Or perhaps you’ve heard about the lawsuit brought against Beyoncés official website in January for not allowing a visually-impaired visitor to purchase tickets, merchandise or learn more about the artist.
Law suits and publicity like this have brought the topic of web accessibility – the practice of designing and developing websites, tools and technologies that people with disabilities can use – into the public conversation recently. According to the US Census Bureau, approximately 19% of all Americans live with a disability. As web usage has become such an integral part of modern life, the ability for all people to access the web, including that 19%, is a topic that warrants our attention.
Large companies and organizations have been taking steps to make their sites accessible for years. As a small or mid-size business owner or non-profit, taking action to make your websites accessible may be something to consider. At the very least, knowing what’s involved and how it can affect your business gives you the knowledge you need to make an informed choice. After all, it’s part of being good stewards of the web.