It’s a common misconception that making a website accessible is too difficult or that it will ruin the design and impact the user experience. However, this isn’t true – in fact, making your website accessible can be easy and affordable (especially with tools such as accessiBe) and doesn’t have to impact the look or usability of your site. In this article, we’ll dispel some of the most common myths about web accessibility so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for your website.
Myth #1: Web accessibility is too expensive.
This is one of the most common misconceptions about web accessibility. The truth is, making your website accessible doesn’t have to be expensive. Many affordable tools and resources can help you make your site more accessible, such as accessiBe. In addition, many accessibility features can be implemented at no cost, such as adding alternative text to images and providing transcripts for audio and video content.
Myth #2: Web accessibility only benefits people with disabilities.
While it’s true that web accessibility is designed to help people with disabilities, it also benefits other users, such as those who use mobile devices or have slow internet connections. In addition, making your website accessible can improve your search engine optimization (SEO) and make it easier for people to find and use your site.
Myth #3: Web accessibility is too difficult to implement.
Another common myth about web accessibility is that it’s too difficult to implement. This isn’t the case – there are many easy ways to make your website more accessible. For example, you can add alternative text to images, provide audio and video content transcripts, and use clear and concise language.
Myth #4: Web accessibility will ruin my website’s design and user experience.
Many people believe that making their website accessible will ruin the design and user experience, but this isn’t true. Making your website accessible can improve the look and usability of your site. Accessible websites are easier to use for everyone, not just people with disabilities.
Myth #5: Web accessibility compliance is not required by law.
This myth is partially true – while there are no federal laws in the United States that mandate web accessibility, several laws provide guidance, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. In addition, many state and local governments have laws that require accessibility.
Myth #6: I don’t need to worry about web accessibility until my website is perfect.
This myth is false – you should always be working to improve the accessibility of your website, regardless of its current state. Accessibility is an ongoing process, and there’s always room for improvement.
Myth #7: Accessibility is only necessary for large, complex websites.
This myth is also false – accessibility is important for all websites, regardless of size or complexity.
Myth #8: Web accessibility is only necessary for content-heavy websites.
This myth is also false – web accessibility is important for all types of websites, including those that are image-or video-heavy.
Final thoughts on web accessibility myths
As you can see, there are many common myths about web accessibility. However, the truth is that making your website accessible is easy and affordable, and it doesn’t have to impact the look or usability of your site. If you’re still not sure whether or not web accessibility is right for your website, contact an accessibility expert for more advice.
