Knowledge Base

Why it matters

People may access digital content on websites, in documents and apps in different ways and digital accessibility helps to prevent these experiences from creating otherwise avoidable barriers for those users. The following are some examples of common barriers:

• A person who is blind, has low vision, or has difficulty distinguishing between certain colours may miss important information if it is poorly designed or is missing alternative text
  
• Someone that is Deaf or hard of hearing may miss digital media if they don't include captions or transcripts
  
• People who have limited dexterity or reduced reach, for instance, may encounter barriers when navigating inaccessible content without a mouse or where precision is required for interactions
  
• A person with reduced cognitive function may face confusion or frustration when accessing content with unpredictable layouts, unclear language and inconsistent instructions
  
• People may encounter situational and temporary barriers like background noise, an injury or illness which can all make accessibility features useful, even if you don’t normally need them.
  

Digital accessibility includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Using real Headings and page structure to give structure to your content
  
• Giving Alternative text for images or marking them as not important
  
• Providing Captions and transcripts for video and audio
  
• Ensuring controls can be reached and operated without a mouse
  
• Using clear labels, instructions, and error messages in forms
  
• Checking documents and pages before publishing, including manual checks
  

Digital accessibility is most effective when it is considered from the start. While a final accessibility check is important, it is much easier to prevent barriers than to fix them later. However, many of us are also working with large amounts of existing digital content that may not be accessible, and trying to figure out where to start or how to address everything at once can feel overwhelming, but we can take a practical approach.

If you are new to accessibility, Accessibility essentials will help you to understand the key principles and the changes that will have the greatest impact. You can then use the specific guidance for the content or task you are working on.

If you are reviewing an existing digital resource, the 5 minute accessibility check is a useful starting point as it can help you identify some of the most common accessibility barriers and decide where further review or updates may be needed.

For larger collections of older content, focus first on material that you use most, and improving accessibility can then become an ongoing part of maintaining and updating your digital content.