Web Accessibility is becoming an increasingly mandatory requirement for new website design and development in Australia. Web accessibility ensures that websites are designed and developed in a way that people of all abilities can use them.
Why does accessible web development matter?
Inclusivity and equal access are increasingly being seen as a key concern of both Government and broader society. Approximately 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability, including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments. Designing websites with web accessibility in mind ensures that these individuals can navigate, understand, and interact with website content. This not only upholds the values of equality and fairness but also broadens the reach of the internet, making it a more inclusive space.
As a marketing agency and website design and development company, it makes sense to us at MOO to design websites that appeal to all your potential markets. Including accessibility as a parameter in your website design automatically broadens your market appeal.
An introduction the WCAG standards, and how they impact web development projects
Web accessibility standards encompass guidelines and specifications that ensure websites, applications, and digital content are usable by people with disabilities. These standards are primarily defined by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Adhering to these standards involves practices like providing alternative text for images, creating keyboard-accessible navigation, ensuring content can be navigated without a mouse, and websites are designed for compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers.
Accessible website development benefits all
Website design that includes web accessibility improves the overall user experience for everyone, not just those with disabilities. Moreover, accessible websites often see improved search engine optimization (SEO) due to structured and semantic HTML, contributing to better visibility and usability across different platforms. Ultimately, prioritising web accessibility not only aligns with ethical considerations and any legal requirements but it also strengthens the overall user experience and inclusivity of the web.
Choose a web design agency in Melbourne with extensive experience in accessible web development
As an experienced website design company that has designed and developed websites for NDIS providers, disability employment services providers, allied health organisations and many other corporate entities, MOO provides intuitive web design features that simplify the process of creating accessible content, ensuring websites are not only compliant but also aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly across different devices and user needs.
Choosing MOO as your website design company for designing and developing a website that meets accessibility standards offers distinct advantages that are fundamental to our commitment to inclusive design and user-centred development practices. MOO designed and developed websites combine a user-friendly interface with robust accessibility features, ensuring that websites are accessible to all users. Our website design process includes responsive design, clear navigation structures, and customisable templates that adhere to WCAG accessibility guidelines.
If you’re considering designing and developing a website that meets accessibility standards, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you.