The purpose of web accessibility is to ensure and improve that websites, mobile and web-based applications are usable and accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

Web accessibility encompasses various disabilities, for example users with visual impairments, such as blindness, low vision, color blindness, or other visual conditions, may rely on screen readers, magnifiers, or other assistive technologies to access web content.

Here are some key reasons why web accessibility is important:

Web accessibility promotes inclusion by ensuring that users with disabilities have equal access to information and services provided on the internet. It eliminates barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in the digital world.
Accessibility features, such as clear and consistent navigation, descriptive headings, alternative text for images, and proper color contrast, improve the usability of websites for all users. These features help users quickly find information, understand content, and navigate through the site efficiently.
Making sure that users can operate and interact with the website or application using different input methods. This includes ensuring that keyboard navigation is available, providing clear focus indicators, and avoiding interactions that rely solely on mouse or touch gestures.
Accessibility practices often align with search engine optimization (SEO) guidelines. For example, using descriptive headings and alternative text for images not only helps screen readers understand the content but also aids search engines in indexing and ranking the website. By implementing accessibility features, websites can improve their visibility in search results, leading to increased organic traffic and better overall UX.
Building accessible websites ensures compatibility with emerging technologies and devices. As technology evolves, websites that adhere to accessibility standards are more likely to adapt and remain usable across different platforms, devices, and assistive technologies.
Accessibility is not just a design choice but also a legal requirement in many countries. Web accessibility guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), provide standards and recommendations for ensuring accessibility. Adhering to these guidelines helps businesses comply with accessibility laws and avoid legal consequences. It also aligns with ethical considerations by promoting equal access to information and services.

Read more

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/

What is the European Accessibility Act, who benefits from it and why do we need it?
https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1202&intPageId=5581&langId=en

EU Web Accessibility Action Plan 2022–2025
https://wikis.ec.europa.eu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=62259557

Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA
https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-guidance/

Why the private sector needs to plan for digital accessibility
https://www.siteimprove.com/blog/why-the-private-sector-needs-to-plan-for-digital-accessibility/