Is your website accessible?

In the simplest terms, web accessibility means that internet users with disabilities, both permanent and temporary/conditional, can discern content on the web. Not only is an accessible web often one of the easiest ways to do business, but it can also help people with disabilities participate more actively in society. For events and venue websites, up to 20% of your traffic may come from users with a disability.

Currently, the Department of Justice’s review of web accessibility regulations is on hold. However, the ADA strongly encourages self-regulation. As the number of active enforcement, complaints and lawsuits grow, it is in organizations’ best interests to implement the WCAG 2.0 level AA guidelines for web accessibility.

While there are many barriers to total accessibility on the web, our goal at carbonhouse is to enable our clients to reach the widest audience. While we cannot offer legal advice, we have thoroughly reviewed the guidelines and established several options to help meet the unique needs of each client with that goal in mind.

Option 1: New Websites and Redesigns

As of July 2018, on every newly contracted website, carbonhouse will include the capabilities to help clients reach WCAG 2.0 AA elements. We work with clients throughout the building process to ensure they are knowledgeable about many aspects of WCAG.

• Sitemap - Review best practices for sections and content.
• Design - Ensure designs meet proper contrast guidelines.
• Development - Coding that supports an accessible web.
• Training - Training and review of website accessibility tools and responsibilities.

Option 2: Retroactive Implementation

For existing clients, we have developed a set of website accessibility implementation options to outfit their websites for WCAG 2.0 A & AA retroactively. We begin by implementing several guidelines, make adjustments to color contrast levels across the website, and follow up with site testing with screen readers and accessibility scans. We conclude with a delivery to the client in which we review client responsibilities for website content updates.

Option 3: Custom Implementations

carbonhouse has experience working with multiple accessibility consultants. We can custom quote any changes as recommended by your legal or accessibility team.  

More Information

An accessible website gives access to information and interaction for many people with disabilities, and improving the accessibility of a website does not need to be a complicated process. If you would like more information, please contact the Helpdesk through your Showtime dashboard or by emailing help@carbonhouse.com.