Web accessibility refers to the ability of people with disabilities to independently complete transactions, access data, and communicate on the internet. Most blind and visually impaired internet consumers rely on assistive tools like screen magnifiers or screen readers to make sites operable or perceivable at the very least. However, these technologies require that websites be built with accessibility in mind. Keep reading below to find out everything you need to know about non-compliant websites and why they are difficult for blind people to use:
Why Do Blind People Struggle with Non-Compliant Websites?
Evidence suggests that over 53 million people in the U.S. have some form of visual impairment, and about 18% of these are legally blind. However, many of these people are still able to access websites online. Despite having the ability to access websites, many of the websites online are unsuitable for blind individuals. accessiBe believes that there is a range of reasons why blind people struggle with non-compliant websites. Here are some of the reasons:
- The colors on the sites – most people with color blindness struggle to view sites that include the colors red and green. However, some people are unable to perceive any color whatsoever.
- Font size – if the font size on a website is too small, blind people may struggle to use the site.
- No technological assistance on the site – people with visual impairments may require technical assistance in order to navigate a site properly.
What Should Be Included on a Compliant Website?
Although lots of people think that they will have to compromise their website in order to make it compliant, this is not necessarily the case. Websites do not have to be changed a great deal in order to be made compliant. Website designers simply need to customize the interface colors on their websites, modify the sizes of objects and introduce technology like screen readers and keyboard navigation so that they are more suitable for blind people to use.
6 Other Ways to Make a Site More Accessible
Here are some of the other ways to make a website more accessible for blind individuals:
- Do not rely on color to communicate important messages
- Allow manual font size adjustment
- Limit the colors in the interface
- Use textures and colors to provide contrast on the site
- Use descriptive labels for buttons and links
- Use descriptive titles for every page
Non-compliant websites make it difficult for blind individuals to surf the internet. If you want to make your website accessible to all, you will need to think about all of your customers and their needs. Blind people may struggle to see certain parts of your site, so you will need to find ways to help them navigate it.
