The internet has changed multiple aspects of life, including healthcare, education, commerce, employment, and even government services. These days, making a purchase or attending school in a different geographical region is only through a click of a button. But have you ever wondered how people with disabilities interact with the internet and technology?
Data collected by the Centers for the Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) indicates that 61.1 million Americans live with a disability of some kind that affects their ability to perform major life activities. One of the areas adversely affected is their ability to access web content. This is why the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) dictates that web content be accessible to all, especially those living with disabilities.
With the aid of Assistive Technology (AT), this has been made possible.
What Is Assistive Technology?
These are devices, tools, equipment, or software that persons with disabilities can use to maintain or improve functional capabilities for people living with disabilities. The most common tools and equipment include wheelchairs, hearing aids, keyboard alternatives, and voice-enabled software. Other assistive technology tools are purposely for enabling access to digital content. The needs of web users with disabilities are generally categorized into four main areas:
- Audio: Deaf or low hearing capabilities where a person may encounter difficulties with web content presented without readable text.
- Visual: Persons with visual impairments who have trouble differentiating from the background colors and may require AT such as screen magnifiers and readers.
- Mobility: For persons who have difficulty using forelimbs or they lack muscle strength and control. They can use keyboard and mouse alternatives or voice recognition software to navigate web content.
- Cognitive: Persons with comprehension, attention, or memory difficulties.
Web users living with these disabilities also deserve equal access to online content. However, ADA compliant web design is something many don’t consider when creating websites, content, or mobile application. But by creating accessible web designs, people with disabilities can gain access to the digital world through the aid of AT.
Examples of Assistive Technology Tools
- Screen Magnifiers: This is software used to magnify or enlarge screen content, including graphics.
- Screen Readers: They convert text to speech for web users with visual impairment allowing them to listen instead of reading.
- Writing/Reading Assistant: The software offers assistance to people with learning disabilities. It contains specialized capability above what word processing application provides.
- Voice Recognition: A speech-to-text software but used to convert users’ speech to digital text that browsers and apps deduce into commands to perform a specific action.
Alternative input devices: Users who may be unable to use the above tools can use other assistive devices such as head pointers, single switch entry devices, and motion or eye-tracking devices.
For assistive technology to work, the web design needs to have been created to support its use as it can’t by itself make digital content accessible. You must have applied the ADA Section 508 standards for website design at the creation stage.
What Is ADA Website Compliance?
It dictates that web content, both text, and graphic, be accessible to users with disabilities who require access to websites using assistive technology. Failing to comply with these standards can lead to legal issues related to discrimination. An accessible website is termed ADA compliant. An ADA website compliance checklist can help you check if you’ve met all the requirements.
ADA compliance is essential for the following reasons, among others.
- It’s a requirement by law (ADA)
- Accessibility is a civil right for all
- It’s beneficial for business
- It’s the ethical thing to do
Why Accessibility Matters
The main aim of a digital presence in any industry or business is to pass information and interact with users. Considering the number of people living with disabilities in the US, designing and creating accessible websites is vital.
Besides, there are numerous benefits in being accessible by reaching bigger audiences, cleaner codes, and better user experience.
