We can all agree that digital accessibility is now a critical aspect of fair and inclusive web development. Technology waits for no one, so online platforms should continually make their content and services accessible to everyone, regardless of disabilities. Digital accessibility monitoring plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. Think of it as a watchful eye that helps people of different abilities use and enjoy the web equally.
Of course, empathy helps us understand the importance of any principle, so we start with a look at digital accessibility as it relates to inclusivity. We also discuss how accessibility monitoring plays a critical role and the related business/legal impacts.
The Human Side of Web Inclusivity
Digital accessibility involves designing and developing websites and apps that equally accommodate disabled people, enabling them to understand, navigate, and interact with related content. And it’s important to note that this critical population segment is over one billion-strong worldwide. People with disabilities come from every background, contribute significantly to the world economy, and need online assets as much, if not more, than non-disabled people.
The Crucial Role of Accessibility Monitoring
Accessibility monitoring is a continuous and proactive process that regularly checks and assesses digital content for related violations. It’s an early warning system, allowing developers and content creators to identify and remove accessibility barriers. Monitoring can be automated or manual. See the description of both below:
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Automated Monitoring
Automated tools quickly scan websites and applications for common accessibility issues, such as missing alternative text for images, inadequate color contrast, and improper heading structures. This process allows developers to address issues promptly. However, automated tools may not catch all accessibility issues, and manual testing should help drive results.
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Manual Monitoring
Manual monitoring involves human testers who evaluate websites and apps using assistive technologies like screen readers and voice recognition software. Human testers can provide valuable insights into the user experience of disabled people, uncovering issues that automated tools may overlook. Additionally, manual testing allows for a more nuanced understanding of complex interactions and user journeys.
Accessibility Evaluation: A Deeper Dive
Accessibility evaluation uses Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to assess a website’s accessibility comprehensively. These internationally recognized guidelines help you create accessible web content and cover various issues, including text alternatives, keyboard accessibility, and content structure. Evaluating a website against WCAG standards ensures a systematic and comprehensive approach to inclusivity. It provides a detailed analysis of strengths and weaknesses, which helps developers prioritize and address accessibility issues.
Accessibility Analysis Drives Decision Making
Analysis interprets accessibility monitoring and evaluation results for meaningful insights that inform decision-making. Through analysis, your organization can identify patterns, trends, and recurring issues that may reveal system-wide accessibility barriers. This continuous improvement cycle matches the rapidly evolving digital landscape and helps you stay ahead of the curve.
But digital accessibility doesn’t magically happen in a vacuum. It should be a collaborative effort that involves various stakeholders, including developers, designers, content creators, and users with disabilities. Regular collaboration between these stakeholders can lead to more informed decisions, better design choices, and a more inclusive online experience. That’s why training and awareness are also critical. They help your teams understand the impact of their decisions on users with disabilities so they can produce accessible content.
Business Impacts of Accessibility Monitoring
Web inclusivity isn’t just an easy call to make morally. It’s also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) globally require that digital content be accessible to individuals with disabilities. That said, never take non-compliance lightly. Failure to comply excludes a massive part of your user base and could expose your organization to legal liabilities.
Beyond legal obligations, there are compelling business reasons to prioritize web inclusivity. A more accessible website expands your potential audience, reaching people with disabilities who might not otherwise engage with a particular service or product.
Disabled people have roughly half a trillion dollars in disposable income. Would any responsible business owner willfully turn them away? That’s precisely what you’re doing if your website is inaccessible. Did you know that over 70% of disabled people abandon websites they have difficulty using?Inclusive design also creates a better user experience for people of all abilities. So, accessibility monitoring, evaluation, and analysis can significantly improve your online business.
Keeping A Watchful Eye On Digital Accessibility
Digital accessibility monitoring, evaluation, and analysis drive a comprehensive strategy to enhance web inclusivity. By implementing systematic monitoring processes, evaluating digital content against established standards, and analyzing the results to drive continuous improvement, your organization can create online experiences that are accessible to everyone.
UserWay: Accessibility Monitoring and So Much More
UserWay’s mission is to make websites and digital assets more accessible and compliant worldwide. We’re making the web a more inclusive place through AI-powered tools, attorney-based legal support services, enterprise business solutions, and commission-driven partnerships. Won’t you join us?
Go with UserWay today.
Answers to Common FAQs
What Does Accessibility Monitoring Asses?
It checks your digital assets to find barriers for people with disabilities and violations of accessibility regulations.
What Are The Most Common Challenges in Accessibility Monitoring?
- Insufficient awareness
- Accommodating end-user diversity
- The website code complexity
- Prohibitive time/cost factors
- Continually evolving tech and legal compliance standards
Why is Automated Accessibility Testing Important?
Manual testing is subject to human errors, and time and cost-prohibitive. Automated Accessibility Testing, on the other hand, identifies accessibility violations quickly and efficiently, saving time and slashing costs.
