Digital Accessibility in Retail Spaces: Why is digital accessibility important?
By Katie Link • Feb 07, 2021
Blog Content
Accessible websites provide a seamless, user-friendly experience while driving growth, increasing customer loyalty and reaching a wider audience. 61 million people, or 1 in 4 adults, have a disability in the United States. Businesses that neglect this community leave $490 billion in market opportunity on the table. Having an accessible website also increases Search Engine Optimization (SEO), making your company easier to find as well as broadening your audience reach.
So how does a business or organization ensure its website is accessible? Simple, there are really two methods for conducting these accessibility audits. The first step is to perform an audit using an automated software driven program. The second is through manual testing by individuals using the same assistive technology that people with disabilities use when on-line. From a technological standpoint, automated testing only detects 25-40 percent of accessibility issues. Manual testing is much more effective because an actual user navigates the website to check for legal compliance and overall usability of the website’s functions. While some companies may choose the automated testing route, industry leaders and those that value inclusion use a mix of both automated and manual testing.
Ensuring your website is accessible will not just help avoid expensive litigation fees; it will better equip your business for long-term success in a growing digital world.
At the end of the day, the customer is what matters. Taking the time to give all of your customers’ equal access to your website will create positive experiences for everyone.
To check the accessibility of your website, please contact Emily Hurst, Senior Director, Envision Workforce Innovation Center, by emailing emily.hurst@envisionus.com or calling (316) 440-1514.
