Did you know that persons with disabilities are the third largest economic power in the world, after the US and China? While there is an increasing awareness around physical spaces there isn’t as much around online spaces.

Accessing the internet every day, 70% of persons with disabilities will leave a website instantly if it is inaccessible.

As a result, you could be losing potential customers because of something as simple as website design.

Besides the fact that eighty percent of persons with disabilities rate accessibility above price when choosing where to purchase, creating a more accessible website helps to create a more equitable world. 

On August 19, 2021, Women’s Enterprise Centre hosted Kale Gosen, Co-Founder of Humanize Consulting, for a WECafe session where she shared her expertise about creating accessible online environments.  

Here are some key insights from her session to help you make your online presence more accessible:

What is accessibility?

Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services or environments for people who experience disabilities. 

Why does accessibility matter?

In the western world these days, you might be hard pressed to find a person who doesn’t access the internet daily. 

This is acutely true for people who’s disability affects their ability to leave their home. Using the internet widely, they not only access products and services but also use it as a platform to share voices, tackle isolation and connect with their community.   

How do people with various disabilities access the internet?

There is some very cool assistive tech out there that helps to convey information on a website in different ways. For example, screen reader software and magnifiers, to name a couple. 

How you set up your website will directly affect how well this tech is able to read and convey the information presented.    

Types of barriers, and how you can minimize them

For most people, if you can’t navigate a website or find what you want within the first few minutes, you leave.  

Here are some things to consider to avoid common accessibility barriers:  

Website design

• Be mindful of your headings and subheadings – Screen readers will differentiate between H1, H2, H3 etc. allowing the user to skip through and navigate the website efficiently. 
• Pick a responsive design – Your web pages will automatically render to suit the user’s device for a better user experience.
• Use simple language – it is easier for people to understand your message and for assistive technology to convey.  

Colour Scheme 

• Use high contrasting colours for text and background – This will benefit people with low vision. It will also help people to battle eye fatigue.
• Be aware of colour blindness – when certain colours are next to each other, they might not be visible for some people. For example, text on a call to action button.
• Use high contrast images – they’re easier to see and help to distinguish text and non-text elements.

Pop-ups 

• Do not use them – They are not accessible. Instead, try an obvious button; people will sign up if they want to, regardless of whether you use a pop-up.

ALT Text 

• Use it! – It provides a short description that will show if an image is not able to load (e.g. in case of a poor internet connection or if the image blocker is activated). It can also be read by assistive tech.    
• When to use it – Any image on your website including pictures, banners, logos, icons, links and buttons.
• How to use it – Describe the context of the image. Try to use 30 words or 125 characters for readability and user experience. 

Other things to consider

• Social media Hashtags – CapitalizeEachWord, this makes it easier for everyone to read each word without running on, including assistive tech.
• Survey forms – provide an email as surveys are not always accessible.

And remember:

The power of the web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of their disability is an essential aspect.  

Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Inventor of the internet.

Watch the Recording

Gain more tips for your website in the full webinar recording!

The post Small Changes, Big Impact: Creating an Accessible Website for All appeared first on WeBC.

Recognize Your Own Bias

We all have our bias. Your bias is a learned memory. The recognition that hunting a deer versus a bear was a safer choice is an example of a learned bias transmitted through generations.

Fast-forward a few hundred centuries and these biases are still present in our society with good and bad implications. Biases are ingrained in us to help us make every decision, without even being conscious of it. The only way to control your bias is to be aware and recognize it. The more educated you and your team become about bias the more cognizant you can be of correcting the habit.

Include Human Resources

Today’s organizational structure is segmented to produce solutions and products in the most efficient way possible.

But how often do the finance team and the human resource team talk, let alone collaborate? How often do top directors and front-line workers chat about strategic decisions?

You never know what knowledge and experience someone has until you ask them. Start to take initiative to break down the traditional structure and learn from different people in your organization. You can also seek the opinions from mentors, informal board of advisors, experts or business advisors.

Diversify Your Suppliers

Whether you are a solopreneur or a large organization, you have suppliers. Supplier diversity is a key initiative that can help to create systemic change.

For example, when we move to having a three-quote process with at least one quote from a racialized or marginalized group, we are seeking to hire for diversity of thought rather than who we know.

Make Your Marketing Inclusive

Inclusive marketing will allow access to new audiences which leads to an increase in revenues. While the representation of imagery is important, that is only one aspect of inclusive marketing. It is important to also consider:

• Language
• Targeting audiences
• Advertising methods and locations
• Who are your champions and ambassadors
• Accessibility

It may be overwhelming to think of all things that are possible to become more equitable and more inclusive as an organization, but you can start by choosing the one thing that will yield the most return.

Inclusivity is a way of life. It is a way of approaching projects and planning. It is about allowing for diversity of thought. When we just ask the question, “what viewpoint do I need to increase my impact?” then inclusion becomes easy.

WeBC has great resources for supplier diversity both to be considered a part of supplier diversity programs and to hire from them. Contact us to learn more >>

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