In today’s digital environment, creating accessible documents is a huge part of web accessibility. When we talk about creating accessible documents, what we’re referring to is making digital documents and their contents — text, images and any graphics — accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
In today’s online world, accessibility is not just a nice-to-have, but it’s a necessity. When we talk about accessibility, we’re not necessarily talking about access in the broad sense of public reach. Instead, we’re talking about disabled access, and the design of online spaces in a way so that people with disabilities can use them. This is known as digital accessibility.
Over the years, web accessibility compliance has become a key priority for businesses and website owners as they face penalties for non-compliance. And this applies to not just websites, but mobile applications as well. In short, the need for greater digital accessibility for users with disabilities is ramping up. This is where web accessibility certification comes into play. Think of it like a formal acknowledgement that your website is compliant with AODA requirements.
Beyond the moral reasons to make your website accessible for people with disabilities, there is a legal obligation as well. But the myriad of legal and regulatory requirements — spanning not just accessibility, but also privacy, data protection and other considerations — can make it difficult to navigate the complex task of making your website compliant.
There is certainly a business case to be made to ensure that your website and digital applications are accessible and meet the needs of users with disabilities. This includes the legal imperative, commercial opportunities and moral requirements. But ensuring your digital products are accessible to everyone is easier said than done. So, this is where accessibility testing comes in.
Have you tested your website recently? Not for common error pages or new customer journey maps but to see if users with disabilities can use the website as seamlessly as those without disabilities.
What can you do as a business, or organization, to ensure disabled users can access the content, products, and services they need as your business adopts new technologies?
Those with disabilities deserve the right to communicate and engage with society as easily as those without disabilities do. Although there are international laws to initiate accessibility standards, Canada has taken extra steps toward becoming a more accessible country for individuals.
The AODA refers to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act which is an accessibility law that requires both individuals and organizations to follow accessibility standards in both public and private sectors.
Over the years, the financial industry has adapted to the convenience of online banking. It has become an essential service that provides loans, checking and savings accounts, and investment opportunities that millions of people rely on at the click of a button.
