In the vast digital landscape we navigate daily, have you ever paused to consider how someone with a visual impairment experiences the web? For millions of people worldwide, accessing online content isn’t as simple as pointing and clicking. This is where web accessibility comes into play, and it’s far more than just a technical buzzword – it’s about real people and real experiences.
Let’s start with a seemingly simple question: What’s in an aria-label? If you’re not a web developer, this might sound like technical jargon. But for someone using a screen reader, an aria-label can be the difference between understanding a website’s content and being left in the dark. These labels provide essential context for elements that might not be clear through visual design alone, allowing screen readers to convey meaningful information to users with visual impairments.
At our company, we take pride in ensuring that all our custom web builds score 90 or above on accessibility via Google’s Lighthouse metrics. But what does this really mean, and why does it matter?
Imagine trying to navigate a website when you can’t see the screen. Every button, image, and form field needs to be carefully described and structured so that assistive technologies can interpret them correctly. Our high accessibility scores mean that we’ve put in the work to make our websites understandable and navigable for everyone, regardless of their visual abilities.
This commitment impacts real people in profound ways. Consider Sarah, a college student with a visual impairment who relies on screen reader technology to complete her online coursework. When websites are built with accessibility in mind, Sarah can navigate course materials, submit assignments, and participate in online discussions just like her sighted peers. Without these considerations, she might face significant barriers to her education.
Or think about James, a retiree who’s losing his vision due to macular degeneration. He still wants to manage his finances online and stay connected with his family through social media. Accessible websites allow James to maintain his independence and stay engaged with the digital world, despite his changing visual abilities.
These are just two examples among millions. According to the World Health Organization, at least 2.2 billion people worldwide have a vision impairment. That’s a significant portion of the global population that benefits directly from accessible web design.
But the impact of web accessibility extends beyond individuals with disabilities. Well-structured, accessible websites often provide a better user experience for everyone. They tend to be more logically organized, have clearer navigation, and are often more mobile-friendly. In essence, good accessibility practices lead to good design practices overall.
There’s also a legal aspect to consider. In many countries, web accessibility is not just a best practice – it’s the law. By prioritizing accessibility in our web builds, we’re not only doing the right thing ethically, but we’re also providing our clients with a shield against potential legal liabilities.
When we talk about aria-labels, alt text, color contrast, and other accessibility features, we’re really talking about people. We’re talking about creating a digital world that’s open and usable for everyone. Our commitment to scoring 90+ on Google’s Lighthouse accessibility metrics isn’t just about ticking boxes or following guidelines. It’s about making a real, tangible difference in people’s lives.
Brem’s marketing site Google Lighthouse scores
So the next time you encounter an aria-label or any other accessibility feature on a website, remember: it’s not just code. It’s a bridge, connecting millions of people to the digital world we all share.