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Isn't it just political correctness gone mad?
Reasons for improving accessibility do include satisfying legal requirements, public pressure, management and board directives.
An accessible web site also:
But really, it's simple. A truly accessible site is easier to use, has more return visits, and widens your reader base. It's like kerb cutaway ramps. Vital for paraplegics, they help mums with prams, deliverymen, shoppers with trolleys - and skateboarders and cycle couriers!
There are tedious standards to follow, and design constraints that lead to dull sites that cater to the lowest common denominator.
Whilst orange text on a green background is not very accessible, a good designer will find no real design constraints. Websites should create a rich experience that allows easy task completion by users with a wide range of skills and (dis)abilities. Elements built for a particular impairment, for example total blindness, must also be suitable for people with poor eyesight or reading difficulties.
And highly accessible sites have won awards from marketing agencies as well as from consumer groups.
I'd rather focus on usability for all, than accessibility for only 20%+
Usability and accessibility are two sides of the same coin. If your site is not usable, bolting on 'accessibility features' just makes it equally unusable for everyone!
But working real accessibility disciplines through your site ensures true usability.
The standards keep changing, and I hear conflicting advice.
'Web accessibility', like the web, is relatively new. Many designers and developers have no personal experience of disability and how it affects web use. This can lead to them focussing on the wrong things.
That's not how AccEase relates to web accessibility. Wide experience, a methodology proven at hundreds of sites and grounded by a test team of real people with real disabilities, means accessibility is second nature to us. That understanding we share with you, and with you build it into your site.
I need the web site now, so I'll build it first, then worry about accessibility later when it becomes an issue...
It's easier, faster and cheaper for your web strategy to incorporate accessibility before project initiation. Including accessibility in specification and design stages avoids building features that turn out to be inherently inaccessible and costly to change.
With the right advice and training at the right time, there is relatively little cost in making your site accessible.
See also our Accessibility seminars and workshops.
Where - and when - do we start?
We can advise you from inception of your project, on technology, information architecture, interaction and visual design. We assist designers in creating usable and accessible designs, at the concept stage, or with wireframes or from early prototypes. Then we can help your implementation team bring these to reality.
AccEase validate the quality of each stage with accessibility checks, but our preferred approach is also giving advice and working alongside your team, during these project stages. This avoids surprises, minimises re-work and is more cost-effective.
More about Accessibility Strategic Advice and Consultancy service.
Is there anything that can be done without a complete rewrite?
An AccEase assessment of your existing site will check its accessibility, both for compliance to recognised standards and with our team of disabled testers.
Reports from our testers gives you direct insight into how real-world users with a wide range of disabilities experience your website. It's much more useful, valuable and interesting feedback than just a compliance checklist. This is complemented by technical advice from our consultants on ways to overcome any deficiencies and to build on your site's strengths.
Altogether, the AccEase accessibility assessment gives you a concise, focussed and reliable evaluation and clear practical advice on the best way forward. Our experience is that you will probably be able to make some immediate improvements, and that the report will also be an essential guide to the next website revamp.
More about our Accessibility Testing service.
What makes you different from the other accessibility consultants?
You've probably already got some idea from the above. But, in our customers' words:
You might also like to meet the team and scan our client list.
If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well it were done quickly
With a new website build, or major redesign, we've found it most effective to give focussed information, training and advice right at the start. Then our involvement at intervals will keep site accessibility on track, through to successful completion and launch.
With an Accessibility Assessment, the whole process usually takes about 3 to 6 weeks from the start of testing to the delivery of the report and recommendations. Especially extensive testing, heavy demand and holiday periods can all extend this.
Not nearly as much as not doing it! Generally the amount is modest compared to the cost of (re)development and it is found to be a very cost-effective investment.
Please contact us to discuss the type, amount and the level of testing required, and we will be pleased to give you a quote promptly.
You'll find more questions - and answers - on our FAQ page including:
If you have more questions about accessibility or how we can help your website effectively reach the largest possible audience don't hesitate to contact us. We love sharing knowledge on accessibility!
