Digital Accessibility is a Necessity in Today’s World

You may have heard in the news about website owners of companies of all sizes getting sued for lack of compliance. 

ADA Compliance has become a hot topic, although you may be unsure what it is, why it's so important and how it's necessary your website. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a requirement for inclusive and accessible digital technology, including websites for people with disabilities.

Learn six ways the UserWay platform can help your business grow and comply with the ADA and WCAG.  JAGmedia uses the UserWay platform for our website and for our clients.

The Power of Digital Accessibility: Six Benefits of Userway's Leading Edge Platform

Digital accessibility isn’t just an industry buzzword in today’s increasingly technological landscape. It's a necessity for millions of people with disabilities. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms for communication, commerce, and information, the importance of developing more inclusive websites will only grow. And the societal demand for a more equitable online world is on a similar upward path. 

However, achieving accessibility can be complex, requiring expertise and resources that many businesses and organizations may lack. Digital accessibility platforms like UserWay offer an excellent, cost-effective alternative for making measured improvements in accessibility and regulatory compliance. 

Theses are the key benefits of the UserWay platform, how it helps your business grow, and how it mitigates legal complications related to non-compliance with the ADA and WCAG. 

What are six main benefits of UserWay accessibility? 

1. Compliance with Accessibility Standards:

Userway helps websites comply with various accessibility standards and regulations, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By adhering to these standards, websites can avoid legal issues and demonstrate a commitment to digital inclusivity. Userway's platform automatically scans websites for accessibility issues and provides recommendations for remediation, helping businesses stay compliant with evolving regulations and content updates.

2. Improved User Experience:

Accessibility isn't just about meeting legal requirements—it's also about creating a positive user experience for everyone. The UserWay Accessibility Widget, for example, makes websites more user-friendly for people with disabilities. Features such as text resizing, keyboard navigation, and alternative text for images enable users with diverse needs to navigate and interact with the website more effectively. As a result, businesses can attract and retain a broader audience, leading to increased engagement and customer satisfaction.

3. Expanded Market Reach:

Prioritizing accessibility helps businesses tap into a sizable market segment of people with disabilities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 15% of the world's population (over one billion people) lives with some form of disability. Digital accessibility helps businesses reach this demographic and effectively cater to their needs. Moreover, accessible websites are more compatible with assistive technology, simplifying the user experience for people with various physical and cognitive conditions. 

4. Boosted SEO Performance:

Accessibility and search engine optimization (SEO) are closely intertwined. Many principles and practices that improve accessibility also contribute to better SEO performance. For instance, providing descriptive alternative text for images benefits visually impaired users and helps search engines understand the content of the images, improving overall website visibility. Userway's platform incorporates SEO-friendly accessibility enhancements, assisting businesses to improve their search rankings while making their websites more inclusive.

5. Enhanced Brand Reputation:

Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility can positively impact a brand's reputation. By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, businesses convey a message of social responsibility and empathy. Users, including those with disabilities, are more likely to view such businesses favorably and may become loyal customers or advocates. Conversely, neglecting accessibility can lead to reputational damage and alienate potential customers. Userway's digital accessibility platform enables businesses to proactively address accessibility concerns, reinforcing their brand image as inclusive and accessible.

6. Future-Proofing Against Technological Advances:

The digital landscape constantly evolves, with new technologies and platforms emerging regularly. By investing in accessibility now, businesses can future-proof their websites against technological advances and changes in user preferences. Userway's platform stays updated with the latest accessibility standards and best practices, ensuring that websites remain accessible as technology evolves. This proactive approach not only benefits users with disabilities but also helps businesses stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive digital environment. 

How can UserWay’s accessibility solution help your business?

In short, digital accessibility is almost like a modern-day Gold Rush. It’s an underserved, rapidly emerging market where 97% of the top one million sites aren’t digitally accessible.¹ So, the competitive advantage of better digital inclusion should be evident to any business owner. 

Millions of people with disabilities have substantial buying power. They love shopping and buying products online, just like any end user. Would you willingly let them walk away from your website? If it isn’t digitally accessible, this outcome is unavoidable. 

From a legal perspective, digital accessibility is the law, plain and simple. The American Department of Justice (DOJ) increasingly cites the WCAG and rules in favor of plaintiffs in disability-related lawsuits. These cases can financially damage your company’s bottom line and reputationally damage your brand identity.  Fortunately, robust solutions like UserWay can put you ahead of the technology and legal curve.  

¹ WebAIM, 2022

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UserWay has digital accessibility at its core 

UserWay takes an A-Z approach to better inclusivity and compliance. It offers numerous advantages for businesses of all sizes and backgrounds, from the AI-powered Accessibility Widget to attorney-led legal support and continual accessibility monitoring and auditing. By leveraging Userway's platform, you can meet legal requirements and create a more inclusive and welcoming online environment for all users. There’s no better way to position your company for long-term success while positively impacting society.

Answers to common FAQs

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility means websites, apps, and digital devices must be equally accessible, understandable, and usable for people with disabilities. It applies assistive technologies to eliminate user obstacles for people of all different abilities and backgrounds.  

How do digital inclusion and digital accessibility intersect?

Digital inclusion is an overarching strategy and ideology that aims to make all digital assets more accessible. Digital accessibility is critical to digital inclusivity, providing an equal playing field for all digital assets. 

What is an example of accessibility requirements?

•  Image alt text: this assistive tech feature helps people with vision-related disabilities understand website images. 
•  Keyboard accessibility: many people with motor impairments can’t navigate with a mouse. 
•  Logical content structure: use bold subheadings, brief paragraphs, and bulleted lists for maximum readability.  
•  Accessible hyperlinks: ensure links and buttons are descriptive. For instance, “Meet With a Consultant” is more effective than “Click Here.” 
•  Consistent navigation: Make your main navigation menu, buttons, and hyperlinks the same across your mobile and desktop websites. All end users, regardless of their abilities, should know what to expect from your user interfaces. 

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