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Website accessibility ensures everyone can access and use your content regardless of their abilities or preferences. It’s not just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about creating an inclusive experience for all users.
As the need for accessible websites grows, many businesses wonder where to begin.
In this article, we’ll share 10 websites that offer helpful information on digital accessibility laws, guidelines for designers, developers, and marketers, and practical tips for making your website or app accessible and compliant with ADA standards.
1. W3.org
Who they are:
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is a global group that creates standards to ensure the web continues to grow and improve.
How they help:
As part of their efforts, they release guidelines to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. These standards help improve accessibility for all users.
2. Usability Geek
Who they are:
UsabilityGeek is a blog that shares useful and insightful articles on usability and user experience (UX).
How they help:
They offer resources to enhance user experience and usability, including articles, guidelines, usability testing, online UX design courses, and helpful tools.
3. WebAIM: Web Accessibility In Mind
Who they are:
WebAIM is a non-profit organization dedicated to making the web more accessible for people with disabilities.
How they help:
On their website, you’ll find services, training, accessibility evaluation tools, research, policy discussions, an active online community, and helpful resources designed to assist individuals and organizations in creating accessible and inclusive web content.
4. ADA Compliance & Web Accessibility Blog
Who they are:
Accessibility Works is a blog focused on web accessibility and ADA compliance. They provide guidance on making websites accessible by sharing best practices, recommended tools, and insights from their 23 years of experience in web development and digital marketing.
How they help:
Accessibility Works provides the latest updates on web accessibility through blogs, news, guidelines, and tools. They also offer consulting, remediation, and training services to help make websites accessible.
5. Usability.gov – Usability Basics
Who they are:
Every organization should create inclusive web, mobile, and product experiences. Essential Accessibility supports this goal by offering digital accessibility testing, evaluation, and remediation services.
How they help:
They offer resources covering accessibility basics, guides, templates, and tools to enhance usability and user experience.
6. Essential Accessibility – Digital Accessibility Resources
Who they are:
Every organization should create inclusive web, mobile, and product experiences. Essential Accessibility supports this goal by providing digital accessibility testing, evaluations, and remediation services.
How they help:
They provide free resources and valuable insights on web accessibility guidelines and the AODA compliance checklist.
7. Harvard University – Digital Accessibility
Who they are:
Harvard is the oldest institution focused on excellence in higher education. It shapes leaders who create a positive impact worldwide.
How they help:
Harvard’s Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) website offers resources to content creators and developers to make their content and applications more inclusive and accessible.
8. Inclusive Design Research Centre
Who they are:
The Inclusive Design Research Centre is a community of open-source experts, including developers, designers, and researchers. They collaborate to ensure that new technologies and practices are created with inclusivity in mind.
How they help:
Their website offers an inclusive design guide featuring insights, best practices, tools, and activities to help you create digital designs, services, and products that are accessible to everyone.
9. The Bureau of Internet Accessibility – Digital Accessibility Blog
Who they are:
The Bureau of Internet Accessibility ensures the Internet is accessible to everyone. It assists clients across various industries make their websites accessible to all users.
How they help:
They offer self-help tools, audits, training, remediation, and support to help improve and maintain your website’s accessibility.
10. Resource Library – WebAccessibility.com
Who they are:
Level Access helps government agencies, businesses, and educational institutions make their content and technology accessible and compliant with regulations.
How they help:
Web Accessibility provides easy-to-use tools and resources to ensure technologies, including websites, are accessible to everyone.
We hope this list of 10 websites helps you learn more about digital accessibility laws and guidelines and how to improve your website’s accessibility.
Conclusion
staying informed about digital accessibility is crucial for creating inclusive and user-friendly websites. The top 10 accessibility blogs we’ve highlighted provide valuable resources, expert insights, and practical tips for improving web accessibility. Whether you’re a developer, designer, or content creator, following these blogs will help you stay current on accessibility best practices, compliance guidelines, and the latest trends. By prioritizing accessibility, you comply with legal standards and ensure a better online experience for all users.
FAQs
Q1: Why is web accessibility important?
Ans: Web accessibility ensures that all individuals, including those with disabilities, can use the Internet. It involves designing websites and applications accessible to people with various impairments, such as visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities. Accessible websites provide everyone with equal access to information and services, promoting inclusivity.
Q2: What is digital accessibility?
Ans: Digital accessibility refers to the design and development of digital content, including websites, apps, and other technologies, that can be used by all people, including those with disabilities. This involves ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers, speech recognition software, and other tools.
Q3: What is ADA compliance in terms of web accessibility?
Ans: ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance ensures that websites meet legal standards for accessibility, making them usable by people with disabilities. This includes following guidelines like the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and ensuring websites are accessible to users with varying abilities.
Q4: How can blogs help with learning about accessibility?
Ans: Blogs offer expert advice, tools, tutorials, and case studies that help businesses and individuals understand web accessibility. They provide updated information on accessibility laws, guidelines, and technologies that can help you stay informed about how to make your website more inclusive.
Q5: Can I make my website accessible on my own?
Ans: Yes, many websites offer resources, guides, and tools for making their websites accessible. However, it may be beneficial to consult with accessibility experts, especially for more complex implementations like testing and remediation.
Q6: What are the benefits of following accessibility blogs?
Ans: By following accessibility blogs, you’ll stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and best practices for web accessibility. Blogs can help you learn about new technologies, gain insights into legal requirements, and gain practical tips for improving your website’s accessibility.
Q7: How often should I check my website for accessibility?
Ans: It’s a good practice to regularly check your website for accessibility, especially after making design changes or adding new content. Aim to conduct accessibility evaluations at least quarterly or whenever you update your website or app.
Q8: Are there any legal implications if my website is not accessible?
Ans: Yes, websites that fail to comply with accessibility standards may face legal actions, especially in countries with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. Legal complaints can result in fines, forced website updates, or reputational damage. Compliance helps avoid legal issues and makes your website accessible to a wider audience.
Q9: Are these blogs suitable for beginners?
Ans: Absolutely! Many top accessibility blogs cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced users. They provide easy-to-understand resources and step-by-step guides on making your website more accessible.
Q10: Why should I follow accessibility blogs?
Ans: Following accessibility blogs helps you stay informed about the latest trends, legal requirements, and best practices. It ensures that your website complies with standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and provides a better experience for all users.
