Why Hiring an Accessibility Designer is Crucial for Your Business

In today’s digital age, ensuring that your website or application is accessible to everyone is not just a legal obligation but also a moral one.
Accessibility design is about creating digital content that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.
Hiring an accessibility designer can help your business reach a broader audience, improve user experience, and comply with legal standards.

Understanding Accessibility Design

Accessibility design involves creating digital interfaces that are usable by people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.
This process includes:

  • Ensuring text is readable by screen readers for visually impaired users.
  • Providing captions and transcripts for audio and video content for those with hearing impairments.
  • Designing interfaces that are navigable using keyboard shortcuts for users with motor disabilities.
  • Creating clear and simple layouts for users with cognitive disabilities.

By incorporating these elements, accessibility designers ensure that digital content is inclusive and usable by everyone.

The Business Case for Accessibility

Investing in accessibility design is not just about compliance; it also makes good business sense.
Here are some compelling reasons why:

1.
Expanding Your Audience

According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability.
By making your digital content accessible, you open your business to a significant portion of the population that might otherwise be excluded.

2.
Enhancing User Experience

Accessibility features often improve the overall user experience for everyone, not just those with disabilities.
For example, captions on videos can be beneficial in noisy environments, and clear navigation aids all users in finding information quickly.

Many countries have laws and regulations requiring digital content to be accessible.
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandate accessibility for websites and applications.
Non-compliance can result in legal action and financial penalties.

Case Studies: Success Stories in Accessibility Design

Case Study 1: Domino’s Pizza

In 2019, Domino’s Pizza faced a lawsuit because their website was not accessible to screen readers used by visually impaired individuals.
The case highlighted the importance of accessibility in avoiding legal issues and maintaining a positive brand image.

Case Study 2: Microsoft

Microsoft has been a leader in accessibility design, integrating features like screen readers and voice recognition into their products.
Their commitment to accessibility has not only improved their brand reputation but also expanded their customer base.

Key Skills of an Accessibility Designer

When hiring an accessibility designer, it’s essential to look for specific skills and expertise:

  • Knowledge of accessibility standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
  • Experience with assistive technologies like screen readers and voice recognition software.
  • Ability to conduct accessibility audits and usability testing.
  • Strong understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for implementing accessible design.

How to Hire the Right Accessibility Designer

Finding the right accessibility designer for your business involves several steps:

1.
Define Your Needs

Before starting the hiring process, clearly define what you need from an accessibility designer.
Are you looking to redesign your entire website, or do you need specific features to be accessible?

2.
Look for Experience and Expertise

Check the candidate’s portfolio and past projects to ensure they have experience in accessibility design.
Look for certifications or training in accessibility standards.

3.
Conduct Interviews and Tests

During interviews, ask candidates about their approach to accessibility design and how they stay updated with the latest standards.
Consider giving them a practical test to assess their skills.

Conclusion

Hiring an accessibility designer is a strategic move that can benefit your business in numerous ways.
By making your digital content accessible, you not only comply with legal requirements but also enhance user experience and expand your audience.
Investing in accessibility is investing in the future of your business.

Looking to Hire Accessibility Designer? Contact us now and get an attractive offer!