Accessibility Resources

When designing products, ensuring accessibility is a critical part of the process. When digital products including websites, apps, and software, are designed with accessibility in mind, they can be used by people of all abilities, including those with disabilities. While designers often think of people who are blind or have vision issues, we also need to account for those who are deaf or hard of hearing or have mobility or cognitive impairments. The WHO estimates that 1 in 6 people worldwide have some sort of disability, so the need is considerable.

By incorporating accessibility features, such as screen reader compatibility, closed captions, and keyboard navigation, digital products can be made usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities. This not only benefits people with disabilities, but also enhances the overall user experience and improves search engine optimization. (For example, more than half of Gen Z reports using subtitles when streaming.)

Additionally, building accessible products reduces the risk of legal repercussions associated with non-compliance with accessibility regulations. Prioritizing accessibility in digital product design is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable digital world, where everyone has equal access to information, opportunities, and services.

Here are some resources to help you understand accessibility regulations and build better products.

Regulations and Evaluation

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 outline the requirements for accessibility. In the United States the commonly used versions are either WCAG or 508.

Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) is commonly used to assess a product's compliance.

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) applies to apps and websites for government agencies and businesses with more than 50 employees.

Section 508 applies to the US government, including products purchased by the governement and in some cases entities that recieve federal funding.

For an excellent source of accessiblity news, check out Jack McElaney's Accessibility in the News weekly newsletter.

Design Tools

WebAIM offers a number of excellent tools and information, including their color contrast checker and checklists for both WCAG and US Section 508.

WAVE is a set of accessibility testing tools, including plugins for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Color blindness affects up to 8 percent of the population, and the Coblis color-blindness simulator is an excellent way to evaluate how your design appears for people with different kinds of color blindness.

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