Companies are finding that ensuring that the products and services (e.g., web sites) they provide to clients and users are accessible is a cost-effective and sound business practice and may be legally required. Making web sites accessible to all users, regardless of ability or disability, is essential for organizations, commercial businesses, and government agencies alike. Web Site Optimization, LLC (WSO) can provide accessibility evaluations to ensure that your web site is accessible to your intended users.
Web site accessibility means making sure your website is accessible to all users, regardless of ability or disability. An accessible web site is one that has been designed according to standards, set out in law and in guidelines, aimed at ensuring that the web site's content is understandable and navigable for users with disabilities, in use of assistive technologies, or low-end or emerging technologies.
Companies that do business with federally funded agencies and departments must ensure that the products and services (e.g., web site design) they provide to them comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Even if you are not doing business with the federal government, you can't afford to ignore the over 20 million potential users who have disabilities in the U.S. alone. According to the Administration on Aging (2002), 44.5% of older adults from 65 to 69 have a disability and this figure increases to 73.6% for those over 80.
Our expert accessibility consulting will identify the improvements needed to ensure legal compliance with Section 508 standards. We also offer analyses based on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This will enhance the user experience of customers who use assistive technology as they interact with your site, web application, or software interface, thus increasing your ability to reach and satisfy the broadest possible audience.
Unfortunately, most website designers do not include common accessibility features in their sites, which would dramatically improve the user experience for customers using screen readers and other assistive technologies, mobile phone browsers, personal digital assistants, and even low-bandwidth connections. Common problems include a lack of:
In fact, if you've invested in developing a web site without taking into account its accessibility features you may be vulnerable to time-consuming and costly lawsuits.
Have our Website Accessibility specialists at Web Site Optimization make your web site more accessible and easier to use to ensure it meets all current standards of accessibility and can be used effectively and efficiently by more satisfied users.
Conformance with Section 508 standards will improve your audience reach by increasing your site's general accessibility and usability. Adhering to the standards and guidelines will:
We will evaluate your web site and provide you with an evaluation that includes actionable recommendations that comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and which conform to WCAG guidelines.
For more details about our Web Site Accessibility analysis services, call at or contact us.