Introduction to web accessibility

In recent years, there has been a strong focus on web accessibility (Web Accessibility). This has led to a number of stricter requirements for public organisations' websites and mobile applications.

But what is web accessibility and can non-government organisations benefit from following web accessibility guidelines? We'll get into that in this article.

If you're a content editor, you may also want to read the article with our top accessibility tips.

What is web accessibility?

Web accessibility basically means making your website accessible to all people, including users with different types of disabilities.

It also means that your website must be accessible to the assistive technologies that users with disabilities use, such as screen readers, eye trackers, special keyboards, etc.

Examples of disabilities

Visual

Users with visual impairments can be partially sighted, colour blind or completely blind.

Motor

Users with reduced functionality in their arms and hands may have difficulty using a keyboard and mouse.

Auditory

Users who are hearing impaired or completely deaf may need to transcribe videos and more.

Cognitive or neurological

Users with learning disabilities may experience limited accessibility if texts are too hard to read or content is difficult to navigate.

Why is it important?

The vast majority of us experience some form of disability at some point in our lives. In most cases, it's temporary, such as when we break an arm and are unable to type on a keyboard or use a mouse for a period of time. For others, the functional impairment is permanent.

According to Ramboll, up to 15% of the population in Denmark have a disability that hinders their use of digital services.

In a digital age where the web and internet are becoming an ever-increasing part of our everyday lives - in education, work, commerce, health, etc. - people with disabilities can easily be excluded from participating in and contributing to society on equal terms with others. Therefore, the main reason for the increased focus on web accessibility is the desire to create equal opportunities for all.

Greater market potential

If we look at web accessibility from a commercial perspective, we see a market segment that can be yours if you can create a good user experience when users with disabilities visit your website.

SEO

Your website's accessibility is not a direct factor that Google evaluates you on in terms of ranking in a search result. However, many of the factors you are assessed on are closely related to user experience and the behaviour of users when they visit your website. Therefore, an increased focus on web accessibility can indirectly help boost your ranking.

SEO benefits

• A web-accessible design increases usability.

• Better page titles benefit both screen readers and your users.

• Proper use of header tags gives both screen readers and search engines a better overview of the content.

• Using image alt text is a great opportunity for keyword exposure while giving your images a concrete context.

• Video transcripts are a great way to boost your ranking for specific keywords, for example on YouTube.

How is web accessibility measured?

WCAG is an abbreviation for "Web Content Accessibility Guidelines". WCAG is an international standard for web accessibility developed by W3C, which has also developed international standards for HTML and CSS.

The WCAG guidelines include a wide range of recommendations for making web content more accessible.

At Illumi, we use tools such as SiteImprove and LambdaTest to get an overview of a website's performance - including accessibility.

You can get an overview of your digital solution's accessibility level and any challenges by using tools such as Lighthouse.

If you want to know more

Act on the accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public bodies

The Agency for Digitisation's guidelines on web accessibility

WCAG 2.2 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines