Digital Accessibility: Removing Barriers Online
Digital accessibility is about making sure websites, apps and online content are usable for everyone – including disabled people. Whether you’re designing a website, posting on social media, or running an online event, small changes can make a big difference.
Why Digital Accessibility Matters
1 in 5 people in the UK has a disability – if your digital content isn’t accessible, you could be excluding potential employees, customers and followers.
Inaccessible websites cost UK businesses £2 billion a month – because disabled customers take their business elsewhere.
Good accessibility benefits everyone – clear layouts, easy navigation and captions improve usability for all users.
How to Improve Digital Accessibility
🌍 Websites & Online Content
✅ Use Alt Text – Add descriptions to images so screen readers can describe them to blind or visually impaired users.
✅ Check Colour Contrast – Make sure text stands out against the background for people with visual impairments.
✅ Make Websites Keyboard-Friendly – Some users can’t use a mouse. Ensure everything can be navigated with a keyboard alone.
🎥 Videos & Social Media
✅ Add Captions & Transcripts – Helps deaf and hard-of-hearing users and benefits those watching without sound.
✅ Use Plain Language – Avoid jargon and complicated sentences so content is easier to understand.
✅ Use #CamelCase Hashtags – e.g. #DisabilityInclusion instead of #disabilityinclusion, so screen readers can pronounce them correctly.
💻 Virtual Meetings & Events
✅ Enable Live Captions – Platforms like Zoom, Teams and Google Meet offer built-in captions.
✅ Share Materials in Advance – This helps attendees prepare, especially those with cognitive disabilities.
✅ Offer Multiple Ways to Interact – Some participants may prefer typing in the chat, while others speak or use video.
Accessibility is an Ongoing Process
Improving digital accessibility isn’t about making a few changes and stopping there – it’s about continuously learning, reviewing and refining. Even small adjustments can remove barriers and have a big impact.
Next up in this series:
Disability & Neurodiversity Inclusion in the Workspace – how to create a culture where everyone can thrive.
Let’s Make Inclusion Happen!
Get in touch – I’d love to help:
📧 Mail: andrew@sendme2work.com
🌐 Visit: sendme2work.com
📲 Scan the QR code below to connect with me on LinkedIn!
