In an ever-evolving digital landscape, wide reaching access to digital content and services has become increasingly important.
This is especially true for those with disabilities, who risk being excluded from vital information, services, and experiences due to inaccessible technology. As such, it is essential for developers to ensure that digital platforms are designed in a way that is inclusive and accessible to all users.
in this latest Knowledge Base post, we will discuss the importance of accessibility in digital platform development, as well as some strategies developers can use to ensure their platforms are as accessible as possible.
What is digital accessibility?
Digital accessibility is the practice of designing digital content and services in such a way that it can be used by people with disabilities. This includes people with physical and cognitive impairments, as well as those with different levels of literacy and technology knowledge.
The goal of digital accessibility is to ensure that all users can access and use digital content and services, regardless of their level of ability. This is not only important for those with disabilities, but also for those who may not have access to the same technology or resources as others.
Why is digital accessibility important?
The importance of digital accessibility cannot be understated. As the world becomes increasingly digital, those with disabilities are at risk of being excluded from vital information, services, and experiences due to inaccessible technology. In addition, digital accessibility is important from a legal perspective, as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all websites and digital services to be accessible to people with disabilities.
How can developers ensure their digital platforms are accessible?
There are a number of strategies developers can use to ensure their digital platforms are accessible to all users.
One of the most important strategies is to use a web accessibility framework, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG provides a set of guidelines for web developers to ensure their websites and applications are accessible to all users.
In addition, developers should also consider the use of assistive technology when designing digital platforms. Assistive technologies can help to make digital content and services more accessible to people with disabilities, such as screen readers and voice recognition software.
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Finally, it is important for developers to test their digital platforms for accessibility. This can be done using automated tools, such as WAVE and AXE, which can help to identify any potential accessibility issues.
To sum up, ensuring accessibility when developing a digital platform is essential for creating an inclusive and accessible user experience. By following the strategies outlined above, developers can help to ensure their platforms are as accessible as possible.