When attending WordPress Accessibility Day, we heard the staggering statistic that, as of February 2023, less than 4% of websites are accessible. In today’s digital age, ensuring that your website is accessible to all users isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a business necessity. The recent WebAIM Million 2023 report provides a view into the current state of web accessibility, and it’s clear that there’s still much work to be done.
Understanding the WebAIM Million 2023 Report
WebAIM, a leading authority in web accessibility, recently analyzed the top 1,000,000 home pages for accessibility. Here are some key takeaways:
- Progress is Evident: Starting with the good news, the number of detected accessibility errors has decreased slightly since 2022. This decrease indicates a positive trend towards more accessible websites.
- Volume of Errors: Despite the progress, the sheer volume of errors is concerning. With nearly 50 million distinct accessibility errors across the one million home pages, the average stands at 50 errors per page.
- Common Accessibility Barriers: The report highlighted recurring issues like low-contrast text, missing alternative text for images, and empty links. Addressing these common barriers can significantly enhance a website’s accessibility.
- WCAG Conformance: WebAIM found that 96.3% of home pages detected WCAG 2 failures during testing. This deficit underscores the importance of adhering to recognized accessibility standards.
| WCAG Failure Type | % of home pages in 2023 | % of home pages in 2022 | % of home pages in 2021 | % of home pages in 2020 | % of home pages in 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low contrast text | 83.6% | 83.9% | 86.4% | 86.3% | 85.3% |
| Missing alternative text for images | 58.2% | 55.4% | 60.6% | 66.0% | 68.0% |
| Empty links | 50.1% | 49.7% | 51.3% | 59.9% | 58.1% |
| Missing form input labels | 45.9% | 46.1% | 54.4% | 53.8% | 52.8% |
| Empty buttons | 27.5% | 27.2% | 26.9% | 28.7% | 25.0% |
| Missing document language | 18.6% | 22.3% | 28.9% | 28.0% | 33.1% |
96.1% of all errors detected fall into these six categories. These most common errors have been the same for the last five years. Addressing just these few types of issues would significantly improve accessibility across the web.
Does My Website Need to Be Accessible?
It’s a question many businesses grapple with: “Does my website need to be accessible?” The short answer is a resounding “Yes.” Let’s delve into the specifics of why:
- Legal Obligations: In many countries, web accessibility is not just a recommendation—it’s a legal requirement. For instance, in the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been interpreted by courts to apply to websites, leading to a surge in litigation against businesses with inaccessible online platforms. Ensuring your website is accessible can help you avoid potential legal complications.
- Inclusivity and Brand Image: An accessible website sends a powerful message about your brand’s commitment to inclusivity. It shows that you value all customers, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. This inclusiveness can significantly enhance your brand’s image and reputation in today’s socially-conscious business environment.
- Economic Sense: People with disabilities represent a significant portion of the global population. As reported by the CDC, up to 1 in 4 (27 percent) adults in the United States have some disability. By making your website accessible, you’re tapping into a broader audience, potentially leading to increased sales and revenue.
- Improved SEO: Many web accessibility practices, such as providing alternative text for images and ensuring a logical content hierarchy, will boost your website’s search engine optimization (SEO). An accessible website can rank higher on search engines, driving more organic traffic to your site.
- Future-Proofing: As technology evolves, there’s a growing emphasis on creating digital platforms that cater to everyone. By investing in web accessibility now, you’re future-proofing your website, ensuring it remains relevant and user-friendly in the years to come.
In light of these specifics, the question isn’t really, “Does my website need to be accessible?” but rather, “How can I ensure my website is as accessible as possible?” And that’s where Matchbox can assist.
How Matchbox Can Elevate Your Web Accessibility Game
At Matchbox, we believe in creating digital spaces everyone can access and enjoy. Here’s how we can assist:
- Comprehensive Accessibility Audits: Our team will meticulously evaluate your website against the latest accessibility standards, providing actionable insights and recommendations.
- Hands-on Remediation: We don’t just identify issues; we help you fix them. Our remediation services ensure that your website meets and exceeds accessibility standards.
- Empower Through Education: We offer tailored training sessions to equip your team with the knowledge and tools to maintain an accessible website.
In Conclusion
Web accessibility is more than just a checklist—it’s a commitment to inclusivity and a recognition of the diverse needs of all users. As businesses, we have a moral and commercial responsibility to ensure our digital platforms are accessible.
If you’re ready to embark on your web accessibility journey, the Matchbox team is here to guide and support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to make the web a more inclusive space for all.
