You know how we sometimes build things that work for us, but then we forget they might not work for everyone? We get so focused on the design we love that we forget some people might not be able to see the font, click the buttons, or even navigate the site at all. It’s a common oversight, and it’s easy to assume that accessibility is a niche concern for a small group of people.
We’re all guilty of it. We design a website for ourselves and hope everyone else can use it, too.
The Myth vs. The Reality
The Myth: Accessibility is a niche feature for a small number of users.
This is the kind of thinking that leads to a website that works for some people but not for others. We might believe that only a few people with disabilities will visit our site, so why go to the extra effort? But the reality is that the term “disability” is much broader than we think. It can include someone with poor eyesight, a person with a temporary broken arm, or even a parent trying to navigate your site while holding a baby. When we ignore accessibility, we are unknowingly turning away a significant portion of our potential customers and community.
The Reality: Designing for accessibility makes your website better for everyone.
Think of it as simply being a good host. You wouldn’t invite people to be uncomfortable in your space on purpose or by neglect, would you? The same is true for your website. When you design with accessibility in mind, you’re not just helping a small group of people; you’re improving the experience for everyone.
Here’s how:
- Clear, Readable Fonts: Choosing a font that’s easy to read with high contrast is great for someone with a visual impairment. It’s also great for a customer reading your site in bright sunlight.
- Simple Navigation: A website with a clear, logical structure helps someone using a screen reader. It also helps a busy parent who needs to find information quickly.
- Informative Image Descriptions: Writing descriptive alt-text for images helps a visually impaired person understand what’s on the page. It also helps a customer whose internet is slow, as they can still understand the content even if the images don’t load.
These little considerations aren’t just an act of charity; they’re smart business decisions. They make your website more professional, more user-friendly, and more inclusive.
The Bottom Line: Be a Good Host
Designing for accessibility isn’t about checking a box. It’s about being a good host and ensuring your digital home is welcoming to everyone. A little bit of effort goes a long way, and the result is a better website for all of your customers in Yuma.