Content accessibility is ensuring that content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, by following web accessibility standards. In doing this, companies can create an inclusive environment where everyone has the same access to digital content without facing any barriers or limitations.
What is accessibility?
There are four aspects of accessibility that need to be taken into account:
- The ability for people with disabilities to access websites, applications, and digital content.
- Creating an inclusive environment where everyone can access a website without facing any barriers.
- Designing and developing websites so that they are accessible to all users, regardless of their disability.
- Following the web accessibility guidelines (WAI) established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure websites are accessible to everyone.
- Making sure that the text is formatted correctly and that images have alternative text descriptions so that screen-reading software can read them aloud.
Why is content accessibility important?
Everyone should be able to access content, regardless of physical or mental abilities. Accessibility helps ensure that all users can.
Making content accessible can help people with disabilities find and use your application. Accessible content can also benefit those who don’t have disabilities, such as users with slow internet connections. More users means more market share — that’s just good business.
Be aware that content accessibility is a legal requirement in many countries and organizations. So, if nothing else, ensuring accessibility reduces the risk of litigation.
On the upside, making sure that your content is accessible can improve your website’s search engine visibility.
Why does a content strategist need to know about content accessibility?
Content accessibility focuses on making sure that everyone can access and understand digital content, regardless of their technical abilities. There are several factors, such as user interface design, readability, navigation, and more that come into play.
Content strategists need to understand how to create this type of content to ensure it reaches the widest audience possible. In creating accessible content, they must also take into account any assistive technologies that their users may be using.
Finally, content strategists must be aware of various laws and regulations in order to create compliant content.