Digital Accessibility: Championing Inclusivity at Koben Digital
As we observe Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), it's an opportune moment to reflect on how digital access and inclusion shape the experiences of millions worldwide. At Koben Digital, we are not just participants but avid advocates for digital accessibility.
Understanding Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Launched in 2021, the GAAD Foundation commemorates the decade-long journey of advocating and championing digital accessibility. This movement emphasises the importance of inclusivity in technology and digital product development, advocating for accessibility to be a fundamental aspect of the design process, not an afterthought. The core message of GAAD is to encourage conversations, learning, and initiatives that enhance access for people with disabilities and impairments, ensuring they can engage fully with digital content.
Digital accessibility is the practice of designing websites, tools, and technologies in a way that people with disabilities or impairments can use them. This includes ensuring that digital content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust enough to work with various assistive technologies like screen readers, alternative keyboards, and speech recognition software.
However, it's crucial to dispel some common myths about digital accessibility. It is not just about adhering to legal standards or making superficial changes for compliance. Nor is it solely for the benefit of a small group of users. Digital accessibility benefits everyone by creating more navigable and intuitive designs, enhancing the user experience across the board.
By embracing accessibility, we don't just amend for a few; we improve for all, fostering an environment of digital inclusion that accommodates everyone's needs and preferences.
Why Accessibility Matters to Us
At Koben Digital, we understand that accessibility is not just about compliance or meeting standards; it's about real people. Over a billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. This isn't just a significant portion of the market that can be overlooked. These are individuals who could be benefiting from our services, if only they could access them as easily as others.
By integrating accessibility into our workflow, we not only enhance our service offerings but also demonstrate our commitment to social responsibility. It helps us build products that offer a better user experience for all, setting us apart in a competitive digital marketplace.
How Koben Champions
Digital Accessibility
Incorporating Accessibility from the Start
We believe that the best way to ensure products are accessible is to consider these aspects from the outset of designing digital solutions. This approach helps us anticipate and mitigate potential barriers that could prevent people from fully utilising our products.
Ongoing Education and Training
Keeping our team informed and well-versed in the latest standards and web accessibility guidelines is crucial. Regular training sessions and workshops ensure that our staff can implement the most effective accessibility features in every project.
Client Education and Advocacy
We extend our commitment to accessibility beyond our doors by educating our clients on the importance and benefits of accessible digital environments. Through our collaboration and design consults, we help businesses understand how accessibility can enhance their digital presence and connect with a broader audience.
Using Advanced Technologies
Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including AI and machine learning, enables us to create more accessible and user-friendly interfaces. These technologies help in identifying accessibility issues early in the development phase, allowing for timely corrections and adaptations.
The Impact of Embracing Accessibility
Embracing accessibility has a transformative impact on society. It allows individuals with disabilities to have equal access to information and services, thus supporting their independence and participation in society. For businesses, it opens new markets and opportunities, as products designed to be accessible tend to be more user-friendly, reaching a wider audience.
Moreover, focusing on digital accessibility can enhance brand reputation. Companies recognised for their commitment to inclusivity are often viewed more favourably, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and business growth.
Moving Forward with Accessibility
Global Accessibility Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. As digital landscapes evolve, so too must our efforts to ensure no one is left behind. At Koben Digital, we are committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously pushing the boundaries of what's possible in digital accessibility.
Join us in celebrating GAAD by reflecting on how your organisation can contribute to a more accessible digital world. Let's work together to create environments where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.
How Koben Can Help Make Your Website More Accessible.
If you are a Koben client and would like to discuss an accessibility audit or strategy, please reach out to your Koben Project Manager.
If you're new to Koben and would like help analysing your current website to determine how to make your site more accessible, feel free to contact us.
Or
If you already know you need an upgrade and you want to include digital accessibility as part of your project, we’d love to chat.
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