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The web for everyone

One of the cornerstones of the web, since it's conception, has been that it is for everyone. All someone needs is a browser and an internet connection and they can access a global treasure trove of content; be it for entertainment, information, or part of their job.

But what about people who, because of a disability, cannot interact with a webpage in the same way that you or I might do? They still have the right to be able to access this wealth of information.

The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee (Inventor of the Word Wide Web)

WCAG - Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

Produced by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), these guidelines define ways in which web designers and developers can create websites that allow for those with disabilities to still use them without hinderance.

These guidelines are a living document that is constantly growing and changing to meet the needs of millions around the world who want to use the web to it's fullest potential, despite their disability.

What does an accessible website look like?

The WGAC guidelines contain three levels of accessibility compliance, from A to AAA - with A being essential, and AAA being ideal support.

Some of the items within the A group are things like:

  • Making sure content is easily read and understood by any visitor.
  • A user can access all areas of a website using only a keyboard.
  • Media such as imagery and videos have written alternatives for those with visual impairment.
  • Colours are suitably contrasted.
  • Any animations with flashing can be turned off with user preferences.

Resources such as the WCAG Website and the A11y Project support designers and developers as they build websites that comply with the guidelines.

Accessible by design

Here at Crowd we design and build websites to meet A - AA levels of compliance. This process starts at the design level and continues right through build all the way to content management. Before deploying a site we will audit its accessibility to ensure that it meets our standards.

We pride ourselves in being part of a more open and supportive web, where no-one is left out of being able to experience the amazing work we do and engage in the businesses we support.