{"id":53014,"date":"2024-05-08T08:00:19","date_gmt":"2024-05-08T15:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clearvoice.com\/?p=53014"},"modified":"2024-07-08T15:39:00","modified_gmt":"2024-07-08T22:39:00","slug":"content-accessibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clearvoice.com\/resources\/content-accessibility\/","title":{"rendered":"Content Accessibility"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is content accessibility?<\/h2>\n

Content accessibility<\/a>\u00a0is the practice of ensuring that the content you create \u2014 across all platforms \u2014 is not just accessible to able-bodied individuals but also inclusive of individuals with disabilities.<\/p>\n

The ADA defines disability as \u201ca physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.\u201d The\u00a0Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)<\/a>, part of the\u00a0World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)<\/a>, advocates for accessible content in digital spaces, providing \u201cstrategies, standards, and supporting resources\u201d to help \u201cmake the web more accessible to people with disabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

The goal of content accessibility \u2014 and especially content accessibility in digital spaces \u2014 is to ensure that all users of all abilities have equal access and opportunity to interact with your content.<\/p>\n

\"By<\/p>\n

Why is content accessibility so important?<\/h2>\n

First and foremost, it\u2019s considerate! You and\/or the people who create your content may not be individuals with disabilities, but you can bet that a not-insignificant portion of your audience does navigate their day-to-day lives with some form of impairment. By only creating content for able-bodied individuals, you could limit the number of people who can see (or have access to) your brand and content.<\/span><\/p>\n

Secondly, it\u2019s the law. Content accessibility is a requirement for many digital experiences, and not complying with those requirements could mean that you\u2019re leaving yourself open for accessibility-related lawsuits. (Think: costly litigation.)<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you make your content accessible?<\/h2>\n

You can create accessible content by utilizing these tips:<\/p>\n

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  1. Understand your audience.<\/strong>\u00a0This is true of all content creation, but especially so when you\u2019re focused on making your content accessible. Conduct some research to see what people are saying about your brand and others (remembering that negative feedback is also useful). Are there gaps in your content and accessibility?<\/li>\n
  2. Include individuals with disabilities in your\u00a0buyer personas<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0If your personas are not inclusive, the content you create will very likely fail to consider accessibility.<\/li>\n
  3. Consult guidelines that establish industry standards.<\/strong>\u00a0Style guides will help you adhere to these standards, but you may also wish to look for large brands whose style guides specifically address content accessibility.<\/li>\n
  4. Create content designed for assistive technologies (AT).<\/strong>\u00a0Many individuals with disabilities utilize tools such as screen readers and communication programs to help them access content.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"Be<\/p>\n

    Will content accessibility affect your SEO?<\/h2>\n

    Absolutely not! As it turns out, both humans and the machines they use to assist them appreciate content that is easy to read and navigate. Be sure the content you create is clear, concise, and written in plain language. (Avoid the temptation to load your content with jargon!)<\/p>\n

    Additionally, you can satisfy both\u00a0SEO and accessibility requirements<\/a>\u00a0by following these guidelines:<\/p>\n