In case you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past two years, let me tell you, the world has changed drastically. A global pandemic almost brought the world to a standstill. We saw shops and offices, construction sites and parks, all shut down for months on end. Can you imagine if we had not had the internet during this time? Being able to use the internet meant families and friends could still see each other, even if only virtually. Business meetings could still be attended, everyone sitting in their own homes. People could still buy and sell, the economy didn’t completely crumble. Yes, the internet kept the world moving, and kept us up to date throughout. But companies, like accessiBe, are helping improve a major flaw that can occur when using the internet.

Accessibility for all

Unfortunately, even today, there are many sites out there that are not accessible to those who live with a disability. This should surprise us. We are used to seeing physical evidence when using public buildings that the disabled have been thought of. For example, we will see ramps, automatic doors, elevators, disabled toilets on every floor. And yet online, there are many websites out there that can prove impossible for some disabled internet users to access or navigate.

This needs to change. Everyone deserves, and has the right to expect, equal access to public websites. True, if you have a website, you may wonder what can be done to make it accessible. The answer is that there are many things that can be done as there are many different types of disabilities, all with unique needs. So, you may have someone with a hearing impairment who will benefit from subtitles but manages with other things. Then you may get someone who struggles to process colours who will benefit from strong colour contrasts or less colour all over the place but doesn’t need subtitles.

While this can feel like an overwhelming responsibility, it does not have to be. As mentioned above, there are companies out there that can help. There is software available that can be added to your website that will make all the needed changes for you. Sounds costly right? Nope. The great news is that it is easy, it is cheap, and it is also quick.

Especially with so much help on offer, there is no excuse for not having an accessible website so make sure your company website is there for everyone.