AccessiBe Discusses the Perceivable Accessibility Aspect of Websites
When a website is accessible, its information tends to be presented through several sensory channels to extend the possible ways users can interact with and navigate the web content. In case the channels go beyond a typical point-and-click interface, keyboard-based control and voice-based navigation would be available for those who need them, whenever the need arises. Companies like AccessiBe are dedicated to equipping its users with the knowledge, tools, and skills required to improve web accessibility for all. The CEO of this company believes that to make the web accessible by 2025, which is their ultimate goal, there has to be developments in many different aspects simultaneously, including education, automation, technology, and training.
While there are multiple laws in place that protects the rights of people with disabilities in homes, education institutions and public places, website accessibility does not have any universal set of guidelines to follow. However, there are standards that can unify the development of websites taking into consideration the principles of web accessibilities. These standards have been provided by World Wide Web Consortium or W3C and are considered to be universally-accepted protocols that make websites accessible for all potential users
Web accessibility is broken down into multiple categories, perceivable information and user interface being one of the most important ones. It refers to the ability of the online users to identify content and interface elements through their senses. A number of users depend on their visual senses to perceive this information. But so is not the case for all. There are others who may perceive information through touch or sound. There also are certain emerging technologies that may facilitate sensory cues for smell and taste.
One of the tenets of perceivable accessibility is to make sure that there are text alternatives provided for all non-text content on the webpage. This is the ideal way to provide content to users who depend on large print, speech, Braille, symbols or simpler language. It must ultimately be concise and be able to evoke the same experience as non-text content. For instance, a picture of a mouth-watering chocolate cake should have an alternative text that can depict how sumptuous and irresistible it would be. When non-text content is used for navigation or controls, such as using an arrow to navigate forward in text, it must also have a name to describe its purpose. If text content is just for formatting or decoration, it has to be implemented in a manner that can be ignored by the assistive technology some users depend on. An alternative should always be available to present equivalent information of audio and video content so that it is available to everyone who needs to access it. This can include captions, descriptive text, or even sign language. AccessiBe is a popular company that was established as an innovative AI-powered web accessibility solution that makes websites accessible, automated, and affordable. Through them, companies can seek out solutions to make their website accessible.