In today’s digital world, ensuring equal access and inclusivity for all users is not just the right thing to do, but the thing you must do. Unfortunately, there are several misconceptions surrounding digital accessibility that hinder its progress. So we’re going to debunk common myths and shed light on the importance of an inclusive website. Get ready to challenge your assumptions!
1. Assistive toolbars make your website accessibility compliant
False – an Assistive Toolbar alone does not make your website accessibility compliant, your website needs an accessible build.
To ensure website accessibility compliance, it is important to follow recognised accessibility guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines provide comprehensive criteria and techniques for creating inclusive and accessible websites. The guidelines and success criteria are organised around four key principles which set the foundation for anyone to access and use web content. By applying these principles, web
designers and content creators can work toward making content more accessible to users with a rangeof abilities. Find out here how the Recite Me Accessibility Checker can help you achieve your website accessibility compliance goals.
2. People with disabilities don’t use my website
False – 1 in 5 people have a disability so there is a large chance someone using your site is disabled.
Website data can provide us with a lot of information and this is something but this isn’t the full story! What data can’t and won’t tell you, is the exact number of disabled users who have visited your website. In the online world we are all hidden to some extent, so we will never know exactly how many people with disabilities use our websites but given people with disabilities make up a significant portion of the population and actively engage with websites and digital content. For a more in depth explanation of this check out our article How Many People with Disabilities Use Your Website?
By assuming that people with disabilities do not use your website, you risk excluding a substantial potential audience and missing out on valuable opportunities for engagement, sales, and growth.
3. An inclusive website only helps disabled people
False – an inclusive website benefits everyone!
In reality, an inclusive website provides advantages for a much wider range of individuals. For instance, users with slower internet connections or older devices can benefit from optimised website performance and efficient coding. Clear navigation and well-structured content makes it easier for users to find information. By implementing accessibility features, businesses can create a user-friendly website that improves the experience for all users, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.
4. I can just ignore being accessible on my website
False – in fact, Website Accessibility is a legal requirement as per the Equality Act 2010.
There are Australian laws and regulations in place that mandate website accessibility. The government has prioritised web accessibility in recent years because, in our modern-day society, we rely on the internet more than ever before in many aspects of daily life. There are two critical pieces of website accessibility legislation to be aware of:
- The Equality Act
- Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations, 2018
Both pieces of legislation make it illegal to discriminate against disabled people online. You can learn more about the laws that apply to you in our Web Accessibility Legislation Overview.
5. Accessible websites are ugly or boring
False – in fact, accessible design principles often enhance the overall look of a website.
You don’t have to sacrifice design for accessibility. Accessible websites can be aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly for all audiences. Prioritising clear and consistent layouts and well-organised content can result in a beautiful website that everyone can use. Accessibility does not limit design possibilities; instead, it encourages creative solutions that accommodate diverse needs while maintaining a visually appealing and engaging website. So, accessible websites can be both aesthetically pleasing and inclusive, ensuring that all users can access and appreciate the website’s design and content. If you’re not sure where to start with accessible website design check out these 10 Website Design Tips for an Accessible Website by Volcanic’s Senior Designer and published author, Dimitris Georgakas.
Start Your Digital Inclusion Journey
Our team is here to help you on your mission to provide more inclusive online experiences. Get started on your online inclusion strategy today by trying our accessibility toolbar or scheduling a free demonstration to see the difference it can make to your business.
