Many web designers and developers forget to consider how different disabilities might affect how users see or experience a web site. Statistics show that 21% of the population has some kind of disability, whether it is being visually impaired, having hearing problems, or even having motor skills issues. Imagine a colorblind person trying to read red text over a blue image, or, a person whose hand shakes trying to navigate a complex dropdown menu.
It is so important that web designers and developers consider all audiences when creating a web presence. Otherwise, the client might be missing out on almost a quarter of their viewing audience. Addressing the accessibility of your site also significantly increases user satisfaction and usability.
When designing, consider these best practices:
1. Do not use color to make important distinctions.
2. Use sans serif and larger fonts for the visually impaired.
3. Use alt tags for images.
4. Do not make references to the position on the page, ie, "click the button below"
5. Avoid using small graphics as buttons.
6. Do not use audio or video unless you provide a transcript for the non-sighted and hearing impaired.
Before launching any site, make sure that your code and design match the standards put in place by the WC3. Your disabled users will thank you for it and it will even help your organic search results.
By: Ivy Hastings
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Ivy Hastings works for the Denver web design firm, Fusionbox. She writes for several publications and blogs on subjects such as search engine marketing, usability, web design best practices, and internet marketing techniques.
