Frequently Asked
Questions

Digital accessibility ensures that products, services, and tools are usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. It enables all users to access, understand, and interact with digital content and technology effectively.

​

This practice applies to designing and developing Information and Communication Technology (ICT), including:

• Websites

• Desktop Applications

• Mobile Applications

• Documents

• Communications (Email, SMS, etc.)

• Media (Videos, Audio, etc.)

In many countries, digital accessibility is mandated by law. For example, in the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that public accommodations, including websites, be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Similar laws worldwide include:

• Canada: The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) mandates federally regulated entities ensure accessibility in websites and digital services.

• European Union: The European Accessibility Act (EAA) requires websites, apps, and e-commerce platforms to be accessible.

• United Kingdom: The Equality Act 2010 requires reasonable adjustments, including website accessibility, to avoid discrimination.

• Australia: The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) prohibits discrimination, ensuring websites and platforms are accessible.

• India: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (RPwD) mandates accessibility for government and private websites.

• Japan: The Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities encourages accessible and user-friendly websites.

• China: The Law on the Protection of Disabled Persons promotes accessible information technology and digital media.

• South Africa: The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) requires reasonable accommodations, including accessible websites.

• Brazil: The Brazilian Inclusion Law mandates accessibility for websites and digital content in public and private sectors.

• New Zealand: The Human Rights Act 1993 and Web Accessibility Standard require non-discrimination and accessible websites.

Digital accessibility laws worldwide reference the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the most widely recognized standards for digital accessibility.

 

WCAG serves as the global benchmark, providing a framework to ensure digital content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (POUR).

Referenced by laws including:

• ADA (United States)

• Accessible Canada Act (ACA)

• European Accessibility Act (EAA)

• Equality Act 2010 (United Kingdom)

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the primary standards for digital accessibility. They provide a set of recommendations to make web content more accessible. The guidelines are organized under four principles (POUR):

• Perceivable: Ensures content is available to all senses, allowing uses to perceive information.

• Operable: Focuses on making web elements usable through various input methods.

• Understandable: Content must be clear, and intuitive, facilitating easy comprehension.

• Robust: Ensures compatibility with current and future technologies.

Accessibility issues often arise when digital assets are not designed or developed inclusively. Key issues include:

1. Inadequate Text Alternatives
   Missing alt text or captions for images, videos, and audio excludes screen reader users.

2. Poor Color Contrast
   Insufficient contrast makes text and elements difficult to read for users with visual impairments or color blindness.

3. Keyboard Navigation Issues
   Interactive elements must be operable via keyboard for users with mobility impairments.

4. Lack of Responsive Design
   Non-responsive designs hinder usability, especially for mobile users and those with low vision.

5. Inconsistent Navigation
   Confusing layouts and inconsistent menus create barriers for users, particularly those with cognitive disabilities.

6. Missing Form Labels
   Forms without proper labels or instructions impede usability for assistive technology users.

7. Time Limits
   Strict time limits can disadvantage users requiring additional time. Options to extend or disable timers are essential.

8. Multimedia Accessibility
   Videos and podcasts need captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions for inclusivity.

9. Lack of ARIA Landmarks
   Proper ARIA roles improve navigation for screen reader users on complex web pages.

10. Inaccessible Error Messages
    Clear, concise error messages help users understand and resolve issues effectively.

Digital accessibility testing tools help identify and address accessibility barriers in websites, applications, and documents. These tools can automate checks, assist with manual testing, and provide insights to ensure compliance with standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Here are some of the best tools for different aspects of accessibility testing:

• Automated Testing Tools (e.g. UnifyA Nexus, WAVE, Axe, Microsoft Accessibility Insights, Google Lighthouse)

• Web Screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA for web, ) to test how content is read aloud.

• Mobile Screen readers (e.g., VoiceOver, Talkback) to test how content is read aloud.

• Color Contrast Checkers (e.g., Color Contrast Analyzer, Accessible Colors, Stark.0

• Zoom and Magnification checkers (e.g., ZoomText, browser zoom features)

• Keyboard Navigation Tools (Manual navigation with Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, and Spacebar.)

• Speech Recognition Testing (e.g., Dragon NaturallySpeaking)

Digital accessibility is essential for fostering inclusive experiences and driving innovation, benefiting both individuals and organizations.

Key Reasons Why Digital Accessibility Matters:

• Empowers a Diverse Population: Over 1.3 billion people globally live with disabilities, representing 16% of the population. Accessibility ensures they can fully participate in the digital world.

• Promotes Social Inclusion: Removes barriers, providing equal access to information, services, and opportunities.

• Improves User Experience: Enhances usability for all users, including those with temporary or situational challenges.

• Ensures Legal Compliance: Helps organizations meet accessibility laws in the U.S. and globally.

• Reduces Business Risks: Fixing accessibility issues early costs significantly less than addressing them post-production.

• Expands Market Reach: People with disabilities and their families control over $13 trillion in annual disposable income globally.

• Builds Brand Loyalty: Demonstrates a commitment to inclusion, strengthening reputation and trust.

Accessibility benefits a wide range of individuals, extending beyond people with disabilities to include everyone who interacts with digital or physical spaces. Here’s who accessibility benefits:​​

• Everyone (e.g. intuitive navigation, larger buttons, clear layouts, etc.,)

• People with Disabilities (vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive speech)

• Seniors (declining vision, hearing, or mobility)

• People with temporary impairments (e.g. broken arm)

• People with low digital literacy

• People in situational challenges (e.g., bright sunlight, noisy settings).

Digital accessibility applies to any digital asset that users interact with, ensuring equitable access and usability for individuals with disabilities. Examples include:

• Websites and Web Applications: Ensuring compliance with WCAG standards for navigability, readability, and usability.

• Mobile Apps: Designing apps with features like screen reader compatibility, proper touch targets, and accessible gestures.

• Software and Tools: Creating user-friendly interfaces and ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers or magnifiers.

• Documents and Media: Making PDFs, Word documents, videos, and audio files accessible through alt text, captions, and transcripts.

• Digital Communication Platforms: Ensuring accessibility in emails, chat tools, and virtual meeting platforms.

• Hardware Devices: Designing accessible kiosks, ATMs, and other interactive devices for people with disabilities.

To make your website accessible, consider the following best practices:

• Use semantic HTML to ensure proper structure.

• Provide text alternatives for non-text content (e.g., images, videos).

• Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background.

• Implement keyboard navigation for all interactive elements.

• Use clear and simple language to enhance understanding.

Testing for digital accessibility involves evaluating whether your digital assets—such as websites, applications, or documents—meet established accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Here’s a step-by-step approach to ensure comprehensive testing:

​

• Understand the WCAG Standards

• Perform Automated Testing

• Conduct Manual Testing

• Include Native Assistive Technology Users as it is essential to involve users with disabilities in the testing process to gain insights into real-world usability.

• Evaluate Content Accessibility

• Use Accessibility Checklists and WCAG Guidelines

• Monitor and Maintain Accessibility​

An Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) is a document that details the accessibility of a product or service, typically created using the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®). It evaluates the extent to which the product conforms to established accessibility standards and satisfies legal and regulatory requirements.

​

• ACR Requirements: These are legal or regulatory obligations that mandate accessibility. For example, in the U.S., Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to procure accessible electronic and information technology. Similarly, other countries have accessibility laws and regulations that organizations must comply with.

• ACR Standards: These are the technical benchmarks against which products are evaluated for accessibility. The most widely used standards globally are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

 

The ACR bridges the gap between legal requirements and technical standards by evaluating a product's compliance with WCAG standards, which are often referenced in accessibility laws and regulations.