During my research for A2S’s blog, I noticed a significant scarcity of books focusing on accessible design, specifically in relation to ADA web compliance. Although it’s not a flashy or trendy topic, it has gained prominence perhaps due to the increasing number of legal actions against celebrities and high profile businesses with non-compliant websites.
This surge underscores the importance of accessibility. It’s puzzling why businesses and celebrities wouldn’t prioritize making their sites inclusive for all users. A lack of accessibility is akin to hanging a sign on a store that says “Shop at Your Own Risk” or “Closed to Customers with Visual Impairments.”
To shed light on the factors contributing to the widespread non-compliance with ADA guidelines and the apparent oversight in making websites inclusive for all, I set out to formulate a comprehensive list of potential explanations.
- Not Realizing the Importance: Some businesses may not fully understand the significance of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance and inclusive design. They might not realize that it’s not just about legal requirements but also about creating equal opportunities for all customers, which can enhance their reputation and customer base.
- Enforcement is Low: The perception that ADA enforcement is not stringent enough could lead businesses to overlook inclusive design. If they believe the chances of facing penalties or legal action are minimal, they might prioritize other aspects of their operations over accessibility.
- Indifference: Unfortunately, some businesses may simply be indifferent to the needs of people with disabilities. This lack of empathy can result in a failure to prioritize the necessary changes for accessibility.
- Lack of Training or Skills: Implementing inclusive design requires specific skills and knowledge. If businesses lack employees who are trained in accessible design principles, they might struggle to prioritize it.
- Prioritizing Aesthetics over Accessibility: In some cases, businesses and celebrities might prioritize the visual appeal of their websites over accessibility. They may not realize that it’s possible to achieve both a visually appealing design and accessibility simultaneously.
- Underestimating the Impact of Best Practices Changes: Businesses might not fully grasp how relatively small adjustments in design and infrastructure can significantly improve accessibility. They may underestimate the positive impact these changes can have on the overall user experience.
- Unawareness of Long-Term Cost Effectiveness: While initial changes to ensure accessibility might involve expenses, businesses may not understand the long-term cost-effectiveness. Accessible design often leads to a broader customer base and enhanced user satisfaction, which can ultimately result in increased revenue and customer loyalty.
- Unawareness of Improved Brand Reputation: Having an accessible website and inclusive practices can significantly improve a business’s brand image. Those that prioritize accessibility signal a commitment to diversity, equality, and customer-centric values, which can resonate positively with the public.
- Misunderstanding Technological Advances: Some businesses might not be aware of the technological advancements that have made inclusive design more achievable than ever. Tools, resources, and guidelines are available to help integrate accessibility seamlessly
- Misconception of Audience: A common misconception is that accessibility is only relevant to a small portion of the population. In reality, web accessibility benefits a broad range of users, including those with temporary disabilities, older users, and those with situational limitations.
While my primary passion and focus revolves around promoting accessibility and inclusion, I must acknowledge that there will always exist a strong desire to enhance the inclusivity, accessibility, and engagement of Access To Symmetry’s website. Cheers, Cara Harpole
