6 Helpful Ways To Promote Accessibility and Inclusivity for Small Businesses

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Website accessibility and Inclusion are important for ensuring that everyone can access information and resources online. Many websites still lack features that make it easy for those with disabilities to navigate them. 

This presents a barrier to inclusion, as many people who need information on the Internet cannot readily access them because of these limitations.

There are a number of powerful website features that promote accessibility and inclusion. Some of these features include: 

  1. Inclusive design. All content is designed with users in mind, including people with disabilities. 
  2. Multilingual support. Every page is available in multiple languages, so everyone can access the information they need without barriers. 
  3. Easy navigation. Users can easily find what they’re looking for by using common search keywords or prominent links.
  4. Website video content closed captions. Video content closed captions are an important part of any website. They help people with disabilities access information in the video, and they give those who are hearing impaired a better understanding of what is happening in the video.
    Unfortunately, there are still quite a few organizations that do not provide quality closed captions on their websites. That’s why it is important for them to ensure all their video content have closed captions for the benefit of all types of visitors.

The collective effort towards increasing website accessibility and inclusion has definitely begun, but there’s still a lot of work required to achieve an inclusive environment. Accessibility and inclusion are important–from people with varying language skills to those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. 

Inclusion allows people with disabilities to truly maximize their potential. People with disabilities often face barriers when it comes to accessing quality education, employment opportunities, and other means to improve their lives. These barriers affect not only the individual but also the entire community as a whole. 

We need to work together to give people with disabilities access to these essential resources for a chance to lead productive lives.

Making your website more accessible can be a challenge, but there are many ways to do it. Some simple steps include making sure that your site is properly labeled and using accessibility guidelines when designing it.

Additionally, you can work with a web developer and other sign language experts to make sure your website is fully accessible. These measures provide everyone that visits the website a positive experience.

Here are a few simple steps to ensure the online community is as safe and as inclusive as possible:

  • Be aware of your words and actions: When you’re writing or posting content online, be mindful of how your words and actions might affect others. If you find yourself making negative comments about groups of people or using offensive language, please avoid doing so. All voices deserve to be heard, regardless of size or gender. 
  • Consider other perspectives: When reading or watching content online, it is good to be open to other people’s perspectives while fact-checking. Don’t assume that what you see is always what is true. 

Google Trends Chart DEI

Image: Google Trends Chart on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to matters concerning diversity and inclusion. The ideal online experience will vary based on individual needs and preferences. Keep learning as you build a more accurate picture of reality for your viewers. Any strategy that is geared towards promoting empathy will always be a step closer to achieving the common goal.