By definition, digital accessibility refers to the practice of making your website easy to navigate for people with diverse disabilities. This includes people with visual impairment, physical disabilities, auditory loss, temporary disabilities and reduced cognitive function. In AUS, the AIHW reports that 4.4 million adults live with such disabilities.

As a business, designing your website to allow easy navigation regardless of users’ abilities is essential in creating a universal digital experience. Take it from a leading website design agency Australia, it can also boost your brand’s reputation and protect you against accessibility lawsuits.

Why is Digital Accessibility Important?

According to a study published by the DCA, the combined disposable income for working-age Australians with disabilities comes to almost $54 million. With such numbers, it is clear that Australians living with disabilities represent a considerable market prospect for organisations that cater to their unique needs.

A well-designed, accessible website is key to capturing this market opportunity and improving customer loyalty. Besides increased revenue, digital accessibility is crucial in safeguarding your business from any potential negative feedback, following the Diversity Council Australia’s suggestions. Therefore, creating accessible websites is essential for ethical reasons, positioning your brand as a proponent of digital inclusivity and extending your market reach into a relatively untapped segment.

Types of Disability-Related Barriers to Digital Accessibility

The various disabilities that impact how people interact with a website include:

• Auditory: Hearing loss from moderate to complete deafness in both ears
• Cognitive, learning, and neurological: Memory loss, difficulties concentrating or retaining information, dyslexia, autism, and others affecting people’s ability to hear, see, move, comprehend information, and speak.
• Physical disabilities: These include missing limbs, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, involuntary tremors and spasms, and repetiti