May is Global Accessibility Awareness Month, a time when both the challenges and opportunities of accessibility come into sharper focus. Accessibility, whether physical or digital, is not just a niche requirement but a central aspect of user experience that impacts a vast and diverse group of people around the world. Consider this: over 1 billion people live with some form of disability. This doesn’t even account for the growing number of seniors who, though they may not identify as disabled, benefit from easier access as their physical capabilities change.
Recently, I attended a webinar by Acquia titled "The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Digital Accessibility: How to Win More Customers, Boost Retention, and Increase Loyalty." It really highlighted how much businesses stand to gain from making their digital platforms as accessible as their front doors. According to Gartner, companies overlook up to 17% of their addressable market by not having a dedicated accessibility strategy. That's a lot of people—and potential revenue—slipping through the net.
Why Should We Care About Accessibility?
It's simple. Making digital content accessible is the right thing to do. It's about making sure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can seamlessly interact with your content. It’s no longer about catering to the majority; it’s about including everyone. This approach doesn't just improve things for people with disabilities; it makes the user experience better for everyone.
Consider your own experiences—have you ever been on a plane and wished the video your friend text you had captions? This small feature can vastly improve user experience not just for those who are hard of hearing but for anyone in a noise-sensitive environment.
Accessibility Hits Home
My awareness of accessibility issues deepened following a recent trip to Central America, where I was struck by the lack of physical accommodations like ramps and elevators. Back home, while the U.S. has made more significant strides in physical accessibility, the digital realm is still lagging. This further hit home during a Mother's Day outing with my mom, who has recently begun to experience mobility issues. Despite assurances from a museum that it was fully accessible, the reality was different—non-automatic doors, narrow passageways, and poorly placed exhibits made the visit challenging and frustrating. This experience emphasized not just the necessity for comprehensive physical accessibility but highlighted a broader principle that applies equally to digital environments.
Getting Digital Right
Too often, businesses tack on accessibility measures as an afterthought within broader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Simple steps like adding alt text to images are a start, but they barely scratch the surface of what true accessibility entails. Digital accessibility needs to be a cornerstone of the design process, not a checkbox on a compliance form.
To genuinely embrace digital inclusivity, companies can adopt models such as Google’s product inclusion committee, which checks every product to make sure it’s accessible by everyone before it goes to market. Accessibility-oriented software tools like Lighthouse are also great for helping companies stay on track with accessibility.
Engage and Act
So, do you have an accessibility strategy in place? If not, consider the broader implications—not just for your brand’s image but for your bottom line. Engaging all potential users with thoughtful, inclusive design isn’t just good ethics; it’s a sound business strategy.
Inclusivity drives loyalty. Customers are not just looking for products; they seek experiences that respect their needs and reflect their values. By dialing up your focus on accessibility, you're not just opening your doors wider—you're building deeper, more meaningful relationships with consumers. Whether a digital or physical space, let’s make sure everyone can feel welcome and valued, everywhere they go.
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