One of the biggest inventions of the modern world, the internet, has gone on to revolutionize basically every aspect of modern life. From entertainment and education to daily routines, there is hardly any part of modern society that this groundbreaking technology hasn’t transformed. Despite its deep integration into the daily life of the modern man, however, a significant portion of the population still lacks access to this essential technology and the many benefits it offers.
One of the largest groups of people currently affected by this issue is people with disabilities. With content on the web either being heavily visual or audio-based, in many cases both, individuals with visual or auditory impairments often encounter significant obstacles to accessing information and engaging with online content. As a result, a majority of the over 1 billion people currently living with disabilities worldwide are unable to fully participate in the digital world or access a majority of its essential services.
This is where web accessibility comes in.
What is Web Accessibility and Why Does it Matter?
To put it simply, web accessibility is the deliberate effort to make the internet and its resources more inclusive and usable for people with disabilities. It involves the design and development of websites, tools, and technologies that can be more easily accessed and used by everyone, including people with disabilities. This includes the implementation of features and solutions that make website and web-based products more accessible and usable by not just users with visual and auditory impairments, but also those with motor and cognitive impairments.
The Current Landscape of Web Accessibility
Despite the many advancements in modern technology having improved web accessibility in the past decade, significant barriers still exist that limit the experience of users with disabilities. While some of these barriers indeed stem from the lack of appropriate technologies or resources, many issues still arise from a lack of awareness or commitment to inclusive design practices. Many websites still exist with missing alt texts, poor color contrasts, overly complex layouts, and other such design flaws or oversights that make websites less accessible for users with disabilities.
This is not to say that the situation with web accessibility in 2024 is looking completely grim, however. Despite the many setbacks, significant effort is still being made to improve web accessibility across the board. Regulatory standards like the Web Content AccessibilitycGuidelines (WCAG) continue to play a key role in setting clear expectations for developers and organizations, and many companies are increasingly prioritizing accessibility in their digital products. At the forefront of these efforts is Google, which has consistently implemented and promoted accessibility features across its platforms. From voice search to screen reader compatibility and customizable displays, Google is constantly implementing features that promote website accessibility.
Google and Web Accessibility
Accessibility has always been one of Google’s top priorities. With the company’s mission being to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful”, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. This unwavering commitment to accessibility drives the company’s development of innovative tools, services, and policies.
Why You Should Care
Google’s interest in web accessibility goes far beyond just the products and services the company offers; its commitment to accessibility also greatly affects how it ranks websites.
Like the rest of the company’s products and services, Google’s search algorithm is designed with accessibility in mind. The algorithm prioritizes websites that adhere to accessibility best practices and penalizes those that don’t. Websites that use proper metadata, maintain readable text, optimize for screen readers, use alt texts, and offer seamless navigation are more likely to rank higher in search results. Conversely, websites that fail to meet these standards may see their rankings drop, reducing their visibility to users.
So to put it simply, the more accessible a website is, the higher it ranks on Google. And with Google being the biggest search engine on the planet, at least right now, ranking low on the platform is NOT something any website owner wants for their website.
Your Website’s Accessibility and the FTC
Google isn’t the only organization interested in websites becoming more accessible. Regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have also begun to emphasize the importance of website accessibility development in the digital space and businesses that fail to meet accessibility requirements now risk facing legal consequences.
The FTC and other regulatory bodies enforce compliance with governmental accessibility standards, such as those outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This legislation mandates that digital platforms ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to access essential information and online services without barriers. Failure to meet these standards can result in more than just lower search engine rankings—it can lead to lawsuits, fines, and mandatory corrective actions, underscoring the importance of adhering to accessibility requirements not only for compliance but also for fostering inclusivity.
Conclusion
Web accessibility is essential for creating a more inclusive digital connection space for individuals with disabilities. It is a fundamental concept for ensuring that everyone, regardless of their possible disabilities, has equal access to the vast resources and opportunities available online. Every website owner has a role to play in making this a reality. By creating websites and web-based tools with more accessibility features and inclusive design practices, we do our part in fostering a digital environment that is welcoming and usable for all.