FAQ on Digital Accessibility
As regulations like the European Accessibility Act and WCAG guidelines evolve, ensuring that your website or app is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities, is both a legal and moral responsibility. To help you navigate the complexities of accessibility, we’ve compiled this detailed FAQ section. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to fine-tune your compliance efforts, these answers will provide clarity on the most pressing accessibility questions
- What is digital accessibility? Digital accessibility ensures that websites, apps, and other digital content are usable by people with disabilities, such as visual, auditory, or motor impairments.
- Why is accessibility important for my business? It’s essential for legal compliance, improving user experience, and reaching a broader audience, including users with disabilities.
- What is the European Accessibility Act? The EAA is legislation that requires businesses in the EU to ensure their digital services are accessible by 2025.
- What is WCAG? The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of international standards for making digital content more accessible.
- What level of WCAG compliance should my website meet? Most businesses aim for WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance to meet legal requirements and provide a good user experience.
- What happens if my website is not accessible? Non-compliance can result in legal actions, fines, and damage to your brand reputation.
- How can I test my website’s accessibility? Tools like Google Lighthouse, Wave, and Axe can help audit your site for accessibility issues.
- How does accessibility improve SEO? Search engines favor accessible websites, as they provide better user experiences and more easily digestible content.
- Do I need to caption all videos on my website? Yes, videos should have captions to ensure they’re accessible to users with hearing impairments.
- What are ARIA labels? ARIA labels are HTML attributes used to improve the accessibility of web content for screen readers.
- Can I be sued for having an inaccessible website? Yes, especially under laws like the ADA in the U.S. and the European Accessibility Act.
- How long does it take to make a website accessible? The timeline varies depending on the website’s complexity and the number of issues, but it can range from a few weeks to several months.
- What industries are affected by accessibility legislation? Almost all industries, especially those offering public services, e-commerce, education, and finance.
- Does my app need to be accessible too? Yes, mobile apps are also subject to accessibility regulations.
- How often should I audit my website’s accessibility? At least once a year or whenever significant updates are made to your site.
- Can I make my website fully accessible on my own? It’s possible, but most businesses benefit from working with accessibility experts for comprehensive solutions.
- What is alt text, and why is it important? Alt text describes the content of images, making them accessible to users with visual impairments who rely on screen readers.
- What’s the difference between WCAG 2.0 and 2.1? WCAG 2.1 includes additional guidelines that address mobile accessibility, touch screen navigation, and more.
- What are the benefits of being accessible beyond compliance? Enhanced brand reputation, a wider audience, and better overall user experience are key benefits.
- How can Emarkable help my business with accessibility? Emarkable offers comprehensive accessibility audits, consultancy services, and ongoing support to ensure your website is compliant and user-friendly.
Need help implementing your accessibility plan?
Contact Emarkable today. Our experts will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your business stays compliant and accessible.