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One of the things I find I’m most often fighting with my peers and competitors
is the need for your website to be accessible. An Accessible website is a website
that caters to the needs of disabled individuals and people using alternative
web browsing methods like third party browsers, PDA’s, etc. As a business
owner, it is important to have a website that meets at least the minimum Web Accessibility
Standards. If your website is accessible you stand to benefit from:
*Increased Market Share and Audience Reach,
*Improved Efficiency,
*Demonstrate Social Responsibility, and
*Reduce Legal Liability.
By having an accessible website you increase your website’s ability to
reach people, thereby helping to increase market share. In some market populations
the number of people with disabilities can be as high as 20 percent. Some countries
experience disability numbers as high as 8 to 10 percent.
An Accessible website also allows people who don’t speak the language
the website is written in have it translated to their native tongue. This, of
course, makes it easier to reach a more diverse group of people.
Search engines like accessible websites. An accessible website is text (or
content) based. Search engines only read text. Accessible websites are more
likely to be listed favorably with search engines because they provide more
content, which makes them appear more relevant.
You can improve website efficiency through satisfying accessibility standards.
Websites are easier to maintain by staff and are generally loaded faster by
web browsers.
Most businesses stress their commitment to enriching their community. An accessible
website is an example of such a commitment.
With anti-discrimination laws on the books, an accessible website can help
public institutions like university, municipalities, and other publicly operated
entity avoid legal issues as it is required to cater to the needs of all individuals.
These are but a taste of the benefits an accessible website can offer your
business. For more details, visit: http://www.w3.org/WAI/bcase/benefits.html.
About the Author:
Joel Padot is the Director of Operations at 3D Solutions for Business, LLC,
a web development and business consulting company located in Gainesville, Florida.
Joel's professional interests and, likewise, areas of expertise include website
accessibility and useability. |
