Everyone Benefits from Accessibility
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) were created to make websites usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. These guidelines help ensure that online spaces are inclusive.
Website owners are responsible for making their sites accessible. Any website that sells or promotes products or services must be usable by all people.
However, accessibility isn’t just for those with disabilities. Any of us could face situations where we need better online access—whether due to age, a slow internet connection, or temporary impairments like an injury. Making websites easier to use improves the User Experience (UX) for everyone.
By adding accessibility features, websites become more inclusive. This helps students, older people, those in rural areas, and anyone using different devices or internet speeds. Modern, affordable technology makes it easier than ever to ensure access for all.
Let’s explore some key features that make websites more accessible, such as image alt text, captions, colour contrast, and simple navigation.
The Four Principles of Accessibility
The WCAG is based on four key principles, known as POUR:
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Perceivable – Information must be available in different formats so everyone can access it. For example, images should have text descriptions, and videos should have captions.
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Operable – Websites must be easy to navigate and work with different devices and assistive tools, such as screen readers or keyboard navigation.
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Understandable – Content should be clear and well-organised so users don’t get confused. This includes using simple language and predictable layouts.
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Robust – Websites should work on different platforms, browsers, and devices, even as technology changes over time.
You can find more details on accessibility at the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) website, part of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
Examples of Web Accessibility Features
Making websites accessible benefits everyone – let’s build a more inclusive web!
