1 in 4 adults in the United States —has some form of a disability, making it difficult or impossible to use digital products.
What is digital accessibility?
Digital accessibility ensures that tools, websites and technologies are designed and implemented so those with disabilities can use them effectively. It focuses on making the web and digital products easier to use for everyone, regardless of their ability.
Some of the common types of disabilities that people may experience include:
- Vision
- Speech
- Hearing
- Cognitive
- Motor Control
How could an investment in digital accessibility positively impact a brand?
IMPROVED OVERALL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE (CX):
Taking accessibility into account from the start of a project results in an experience that not only provides equal accommodation for individuals with disabilities but also produces a better experience for everyone.
OVERLAP IN WEB BEST PRACTICES:
Accessibility overlaps with a multitude of best practices such as mobile-optimized design, performance, usability, and SEO. Generally, websites that take accessibility into account also have reduced maintenance costs.
ENHANCED BRAND REPUTATION:
Adopting a comprehensive accessibility practice can serve to enhance brand image and reputation, as well as increase sales and customer loyalty. In addition, hiring and employee retention can be improved through internal diversity and inclusion efforts.
EXTENDED MARKET REACH AND INCREASED RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI):
Equal digital access is no longer a novelty but a critical tool of modern life. From a business perspective, the spending power of individuals with disabilities in the U.S. alone is more than $300 billion.
REDUCED LEGAL RISK:
There are unnecessary legal risks involved when you don’t support accessibility. The cost and risk of inaction can be huge as well as damaging to your brand reputation.
How can O3 help?
O3’s expert accessibility team has created a downloadable e-book, “What Brands Need to Know About Digital Accessibility”, to help brands get a handle on important guidelines and laws. We are committed to creating great experiences for everyone – ensuring that all websites and products that we build consider everyone.
Join O3 for an Accessibility power hour:
Title: “Accessibility Power Hour: Why Accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought”
Date: September 22nd, 2022
Time: 12-1PM ET
Register
Register on LinkedIn or fill out the registration form below:
If you’re looking to learn more, join our experts for an Accessibility power hour on September 22nd. Bring your questions and thoughts, as we’ll open up the floor to discuss accessibility standards, how accessibility considerations could evolve in the future, and how taking accessibility into account now can pay off for your business and customers. At the end of the session, one participating company will be selected to win an O3 accessibility critical path audit.
