In a digital world, digital accessibility is not just a good web development practice; it’s a vital necessity that ensures inclusivity and equal access. This article explores the essence of digital accessibility, its importance, legislation in Canada and Quebec, and how to implement accessibility practices on your website.
How to do it: Use HTML Tags: <header>, <nav>, <main>, <footer> to structure your page, and <article>, <section> for content segments.
How to do it: Check your color contrast with online tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker.
How to do it: Add the alt attribute to your![]()
tags, describing the content of the image concisely. If the image is decorative, use an empty attribute (alt=””).
How to do it: Use relative units (like % or em) for font sizes in your CSS.
How to do it: Test your site using only the keyboard. Ensure all interactive elements are accessible in a logical order with the Tab key.
How to do it: Use ARIA roles (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) when necessary, structure your content with a clear hierarchy of headings, and implement skip links. Don’t hesitate to test the content with a screen reader or a user! Example of an ARIA role implementation: For more tips on digital accessibility, visit the Web Accessibility Promotion Laboratory.
Article written in collaboration with:
Julie-Anne Perrault, Universal Accessibility Consultant.
What is Digital Accessibility?
Digital accessibility is the practice of making websites, mobile applications, and all forms of digital content usable by the widest possible range of people, including those with disabilities. This includes visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities. Effective accessibility removes barriers to interaction, engagement, and access to digital content.Why is Digital Accessibility Important?
Digital accessibility is crucial because it ensures that every person, regardless of ability, can fully participate in today’s digital society. For people with disabilities, this means being able to perform everyday tasks online, access education, work, and more, on an equal footing. Digital inclusion promotes equity, diversity, and innovation by opening spaces that were previously inaccessible to many people.Legislation in Canada and Quebec
At the federal level, the Canadian Accessibility Act establishes a framework for eliminating barriers in all federal areas. Information and communication technologies are one of the 7 priority areas identified. In Quebec, the standard SGQRI 008-01 specifies accessibility requirements for websites of public bodies, aligning with the international guidelines WCAG 2.0 Level AA. Nevertheless, digital accessibility is still largely voluntary.Ensuring Digital Accessibility on Your Website
Web accessibility involves a multitude of design and development practices. Here are some actions within your reach:Using Semantic HTML Tags
Why it’s important: Semantic tags help assistive technologies understand the structure and type of content on a website.How to do it: Use HTML Tags: <header>, <nav>, <main>, <footer> to structure your page, and <article>, <section> for content segments.
Sufficient Color Contrast
Why it’s important: High contrast between text and background makes reading easier for people with visual impairments or dyslexia.How to do it: Check your color contrast with online tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker.
Alternative Texts for Images
Why it’s important: Alternative texts allow people using screen readers to understand images.How to do it: Add the alt attribute to your
Flexible Font Sizes
Why it’s important: Allowing users to change the font size ensures that text remains readable for everyone.How to do it: Use relative units (like % or em) for font sizes in your CSS.
Keyboard Navigation
Why it’s important: Keyboard navigation is crucial for users who cannot use a mouse.How to do it: Test your site using only the keyboard. Ensure all interactive elements are accessible in a logical order with the Tab key.
Optimization for Screen Readers
Why it’s important: Screen readers convert text to speech or braille, making digital content accessible to blind or visually impaired users.How to do it: Use ARIA roles (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) when necessary, structure your content with a clear hierarchy of headings, and implement skip links. Don’t hesitate to test the content with a screen reader or a user! Example of an ARIA role implementation: For more tips on digital accessibility, visit the Web Accessibility Promotion Laboratory.
Conclusion
Digital accessibility is a shared responsibility that benefits everyone, creating a more inclusive and open web. By integrating accessibility practices from the start of your website development, you help build a digital society where everyone, regardless of ability, can freely access and interact with online content. Remember that accessibility is an ongoing journey, requiring constant commitment, learning, and adaptation to meet the needs of all web users.
Article written in collaboration with:
Julie-Anne Perrault, Universal Accessibility Consultant.