Why Accessibility Is Important
Creating an accessible website isn’t just about compliance with laws like the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act); it’s about inclusivity. Accessibility improves user experience and expands your audience, benefiting both your customers and your business.
Why New York Businesses Face Accessibility Issues
1. Lack of Awareness
Many businesses simply don’t know enough about accessibility requirements or how they impact users with disabilities.
2. Outdated Websites
Older websites weren’t built with accessibility in mind, making it harder to add features like alt text, keyboard navigation, or proper color contrast.
3. Insufficient Expertise
Accessibility requires technical knowledge. Without skilled developers, businesses often make mistakes that exclude users.
4. Budget Concerns
Small businesses, in particular, might view accessibility as an expensive or unnecessary investment. But ignoring it can lead to higher costs later, including lost customers and legal fees.
How to Improve Accessibility
Step 1: Audit Your Website
Start by running an accessibility audit using tools like Wave or Axe. These tools highlight areas that need improvement.
Step 2: Update Your Design
Simple changes can make a big difference:
- Add alt text to images for screen readers.
- Use high-contrast colors for better readability.
- Ensure buttons and links can be accessed using a keyboard.
Step 3: Follow Standards
The WCAG 2.1 guidelines provide clear steps for improving accessibility, such as making content perceivable, operable, and understandable.
Step 4: Regular Updates
Accessibility isn’t a one-time task. Regularly update your website and test for accessibility as you add new content or features.
Step 5: Get Expert Help
A website development company in New York can guide you through the entire process. They have the expertise to make your site accessible without compromising on design or functionality.
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