WCAG 2.1 WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible websites, audits, remediation
Web accessibility is about acknowledging and addressing accessibility challenges for people with sight, hearing, cognitive and movement disabilities. Addressing accessibility issues on your website means that barriers to interaction are lifted and your website becomes more fully inclusive.
WHY IS ACCESSIBILITY IMPORTANT?
In short, accessibility is about ensuring that your website, app or other digital products and tools are developed to be inclusive of people with disability, and that they can be perceived, understood, navigated, and interacted with.
W3C developed standards and a set of criteria by which organisations can design and develop websites to be accessible and inclusive for everyone. The criteria were created to the “POUR” model – Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust; and classified as (A), (AA) or (AAA) standards.
This is widely accepted as the global standard for accessibility. WCAG standards seek to address accessibility across a number of broad-sweep categories of disability, including visual, cognitive, auditory, neurological and physical. Approximately 18% of Australia’s adult population live with some form of disability, which means ensuring website accessibility and equal access is essential.
The business case for accessible web and digital platforms is a strong one. It improves user experience generally including cross device, IoT, and means easier interaction for users with injuries, slow internet connections, older users and a host of other situations unique to individuals. It’s great for your brand and helps reach wider audiences.
It means better access to services, products and content.
BENEFITS
For Users
- access to information
- access to services
- access to products
- access to entertainment
- social inclusion
For Business
- Improved user experience
- Reach a wider audience
- Strengthen your brand
- Higher customer retention
- Cross benefits for SEO
- Government / legal compliance (Australia)
OUR SERVICES
Audits, reviews and reports
As part of our review and audits of websites to gauge WCAG compliance, we undertake a range assessment measures. Typically, we recommend an initial assessment in order to gauge overall levels of adherence (or lack thereof) compliance to WCAG criteria.
Our audits incorporate a range of testing methodologies, including automated and manual testing. Automated testing means we use a browser-based tool to benchmark the more technical, code-based “violations”, whilst manual testing provides a more real-world view into aspects such as use of screen-readers, mobile responsiveness, browser zoom, contrast testing, keyboard use and colour contrast.
From there, based on outcomes from initial assessments, we’ll take a deeper dive via web-based and automated WCAG checks, manual checks against criteria, and where relevant, engage user audiences to provide practical feedback and reviews.
We provide reports and recommendations based on our audits and research as to how your organisation can then move towards your accessibility goals.
Website remediation
Based on reviews it may be practical, useful and relevant to undertake remediation in order to progress the website towards accessibility. Typically, there are a range of “quick wins” to make your website immediately more accessible for your audience. In some instances – and depending how the website has been implemented – it may be possible to “retrofit” a level of accessibility to the site to the standard your organisation needs.
Remediation and implementation of recommended changes is always based on a review of the existing assets, and recommendations for updates are always aligned with both your organisation and website objectives.
Accessible website rebuild
In the event your website has been implemented such that it’s not feasible to meet objectives – or that is not cost effective – it may be simpler and more effective to rebuild key aspects of the site from scratch, based on existing design and functionality.
There are often advantages to this approach (and there’s sometimes no need to throw out legacy projects).
For instance, a re-design may not be required and there may be an opportunity to re-build in a cleaner and more accessible fashion, with new features introduced, without paying a premium for a re-design and build.
WHY MAINSTAY DIGITAL?
Proven Process
Remediation and implementation of recommended changes is always based on a review of the existing assets, and recommendations for updates are always aligned with both your organisation and website objectives.
Comprehensive reporting
We’re exceptionally thorough in both our testing and reporting. We cover off both automated browser checks for benchmarking, as well as manual, replicable testing against WCAG criteria.
Experienced in-house team
With extensive experience in Accessibility projects, both new and remediation, with formal WCAG training and accreditation, our team is exceptional at assessing, implementing and testing to bring your digital assets up to standards.
Guides and training
In order to maintain accessibility standards, and remain compliant, we provide initial and ongoing training to ensure content remains to WCAG standard. Training is in the form of video recordings, in-person video conferencing, and written documentation with screenshots and mark-up.
INSIGHTS
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
We’ll happily arrange a time for a call or meet, provide you with a scope of work and estimate, or give you some expert advice.
