Last month WordPress Update had the pleasure of hosting Mike Gifford from Open Concept for conversation, collaboration, and thought leadership surrounding Accessibility and WordPress maintenance support plans.
Why the push for accessibility on the web?
Roughly 20% of the population has some form of disability.
There is quite a diversity of abilities. Sight and hearing are the ones people tend to give the most thought to, but there are cognitive, learning, neurological, physical, and speech abilities that can all change how a user engages with the web. As able-bodied people age, they may experience some of the same challenges as those born with disabilities: failing eyesight, diminished hearing, carpal tunnel, and loss of mobility or dexterity.
It’s the law.
Under Section 508, government funded agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information that is comparable to access available to others. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) “prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.”
“Currently, web developers are less expensive than lawyers.” ~ Mike Gifford
But, more than anything, it’s the right thing to do. Accessibility promotes inclusivity and diversity on the web.
Source: New feed