Why digital accessibility is a fundamental right
In our hyper-connected world, digital accessibility is much more than an option: it's a human right. Access to the Internet and technology is recognised as essential by the UN. Every day, we use phones, computers and online services to work, learn and communicate. Imagine if some people were excluded from this digital world. This would create unfair barriers to their access to employment, health, education and services.
What is digital accessibility?
Digital accessibility refers to the design and delivery of digital technologies and services in such a way that they can be easily used by everyone, regardless of their physical, cognitive or sensory abilities.
In practical terms, this means :
- websites accessible to people using screen readers,
- subtitled videos for the deaf and hard of hearing,
- interfaces that work even without a mouse for people with reduced mobility.
The obstacles encountered by people with disabilities are often the result of design choices that fail to take human diversity into account. For example:
- An incorrectly positioned button on a virtual counter is a barrier for a person in a wheelchair.
- The absence of subtitles in a video prevents deaf people from accessing it.
- A website that is incompatible with a screen reader prevents a blind person from browsing.
With thoughtful design choices, these barriers can be reduced or even eliminated. That's why digital accessibility concerns us all:
- one person may be temporarily prevented (broken arm, forgotten glasses),
- or in a situation where an accessible design makes it easier to use (bright light, slow connection).
Thinking accessibility means creating universal experiences.
Who is digital accessibility aimed at? The 7 user profiles
When designing accessible digital products, we need to think about the needs of seven main user groups, each with specific requirements for accessing content and services.
- Blind people
This group includes people who are blind or who cannot rely on sight to use a device. They use screen readers or Braille devices to navigate and interact. The main obstacles for this group are poorly labelled content, the lack of text alternatives for images and insufficient keyboard navigation. - People with reduced vision
This includes users with blurred vision, light sensitivity or a restricted field of vision. They can enlarge content, activate a high contrast mode or use a screen reader. Common problems include low contrast, fonts that are too small and interfaces that do not adapt to custom settings. - People with impaired colour vision
Commonly referred to as colour blindness, this condition affects the way certain colours are perceived. Designs that rely solely on colour to convey information represent a major obstacle. - People with reduced mobility
This concerns people with limited strength or dexterity, tremors, reduced range of movement, or who use devices such as a virtual keyboard or voice commands. Complex gestures, small buttons and tight deadlines for completing tasks are common difficulties. - People who are deaf or hard of hearing
This group may need subtitles, transcriptions or sign language interpretation to access audio or video content. The lack of text alternatives is a major barrier. - People with cognitive or learning disabilities
This group includes people with attention deficit disorders, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia or brain damage. Complex content, overly technical language or tasks requiring a large working memory can make access difficult. - People with reduced or absent speech
These users may be temporarily or permanently unable to communicate verbally. They benefit from alternatives such as online chat, email or other written means of interacting with services.
It is important to note that each of us may join one or more of these groups during our lifetime, either permanently or temporarily, particularly as we get older.
Creating accessible digital experiences removes barriers for all these people and ensures equal access to online services and content.
The four WCAG principles: perceivable, usable, understandable, robust
To guarantee the accessibility of digital content, the W3C has defined the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), widely adopted international standards. These guidelines are based on four main principles that serve as a foundation for creating products that are accessible to all.
Perceivable
Users must be able to perceive the information presented. This means that the content must not be invisible to all their senses. For example:
- Provide text alternatives for images.
- Ensure that videos are subtitled.
- Use sufficient contrast to enable reading.
Can be used
The interface must be functional and easy to navigate. Users must be able to interact with all the elements, even without a mouse. This means that :
- Enable keyboard-only navigation.
- Avoid tight deadlines that prevent you from completing an action.
- Design buttons and interactive zones of sufficient size.
Understandable
The information and operation of the interfaces must be understandable. Users must be able to grasp the content and know how to interact with it. Here are a few examples:
- Use clear, simple language.
- Provide explicit instructions for forms.
- Ensure consistency in navigation and presentation.
Robust
The content must be robust enough to be reliably interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies. This involves:
- Designing sites that are compatible with different browsers and screen readers.
- Respect HTML and ARIA standards to ensure interoperability.
There are three levels of WCAG compliance:
- Level A: minimum accessibility.
- Level AA: good level of accessibility recommended as standard.
- Level AAA: the highest level, for optimum accessibility.
Reaching AA level is generally the objective to guarantee an accessible experience that complies with legal and ethical expectations.
The benefits of digital accessibility for your business
Investing in digital accessibility is not just about meeting legal obligations. It is also a strategic approach that offers numerous benefits to businesses and organisations. These benefits can be summarised in four points: reach, reputation, risk management and innovation.
Extend your reach
Around 15 % of the world's population live with a disability. In Europe, that's millions of people who could become your customers if your products and services are accessible. Accessibility also benefits other groups, such as :
- seniors,
- people with a poor command of French,
- users in temporary situations (injured arm, noisy environment).
By making your interfaces accessible, you open up your offering to a much wider market.
Strengthen your reputation
Companies that adopt digital accessibility build a positive and inclusive brand image. They are perceived as innovative and responsible. Conversely, organisations that neglect accessibility risk public criticism, particularly on social networks. A good reputation attracts new customers and retains existing ones.
Reducing legal risks
Many countries have laws requiring digital services to be made accessible. In Europe, the European Accessibility Act imposes precise standards. Companies such as Domino's Pizza and Target have been prosecuted for offering inaccessible online services.
Encouraging innovation
Accessibility drives innovation. Many of the features we all use today, such as voice control, dark mode and predictive keyboard, were initially developed to meet the needs of people with disabilities. We're talking here about the “curb-cut” effect: a ramp on a pavement helps people in wheelchairs, but also parents with pushchairs and delivery drivers.
By incorporating accessibility right from the design stage, your company can become more agile and competitive, while anticipating users' future needs.
Standards and legal obligations in Europe
Digital accessibility is not just good practice: it is also governed by increasingly strict regulations in many countries, including Belgium and the European Union.
The European legal framework
Le Regulation on digital accessibility (European Accessibility Act) requires companies to make their digital products and services accessible. It covers :
- websites and mobile applications,
- ATMs,
- banking and e-commerce services,
- transport, health and education platforms.
By 2025, all companies offering services to the public will have to comply with these requirements, or face penalties.
Technical standards: WCAG
The reference standard for ensuring compliance is that of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), currently in version 2.2. They are based on four fundamental principles (perceivable, usable, understandable, robust) and three levels of compliance: A, AA and AAA.
Reaching the level AA is generally recommended for companies wishing to comply with legislation and offer an inclusive user experience.
Anticipate to avoid costs
The earlier accessibility is taken into account in a project, the cheaper it is to implement. Correcting a site or application after the fact may require a complete redesign.
To achieve this, it is essential to integrate accessibility into the UX/UI design, development and user testing phases.
You want to make your websites and accessible applications ?
At Iterates, we support you in the design and development of inclusive, WCAG-compliant digital products. Offer your users a barrier-free experience and anticipate legal requirements.
7. The role of each player: UX/UI, developers, project managers, etc.
Digital accessibility is a shared responsibility that involves all the stakeholders in a digital project. Each business has a key role to play in ensuring an inclusive experience.
UX/UI Designers
They are at the forefront of integrating accessibility into the design phase. Their mission:
- Choose sufficient colour contrasts.
- Create clear, consistent interfaces.
- Ensure that navigation is intuitive, even for users of screen readers or keyboards.
Developers
The developers translate the mock-ups into accessible code. This involves :
- Respect good HTML and ARIA practices.
- Make sure that the site can be navigated using the keyboard.
- Testing compatibility with assistive technologies.
Project managers and decision-makers
They ensure that accessibility is an integral part of the project objectives, and not just a step added at the end. This means:
- Plan accessibility audits.
- Allocate the necessary time and resources.
- Monitoring regulatory developments.
Testers and end users
Involving people with disabilities in the test phases is essential to identify real obstacles and refine the user experience.
By working together, these different profiles can ensure real accessibility, going beyond simple technical criteria to offer a product that can be used by everyone.
Conclusion: Digital accessibility, an investment in the future
Digital accessibility is not just a legal obligation or a gesture in favour of inclusion. It's an approach that benefits all users, strengthens your brand image and opens up your business to new markets.
By integrating accessible practices into your web and mobile projects today, you'll be one step ahead of your competitors and contributing to a fairer digital world.
Contact Iterates to make your digital projects accessible to all
Make an appointment now to discuss your needs for creating accessible, WCAG-compliant web, mobile or SaaS applications. Together, we can build inclusive solutions that make a difference.
