What is accessibility (a11y)?

Accessibility, often abbreviated as “A11y” with the “11” signifying the eleven letters omitted between the first ‘a’ and the last ‘y’, refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people who experience disabilities. The concept of accessibility is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical, cognitive, or sensory abilities, has equal access to information, technology, and environments. This includes a wide range of considerations, from creating buildings that are accessible to those in wheelchairs, to developing websites and digital content that can be navigated and understood by people who might use screen readers or other assistive technologies.

In the digital realm, accessibility involves designing and creating websites, applications, and tools in a way that considers the diverse needs of users, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities. This ensures that digital products are usable by people with a wide range of hearing, movement, sight, and cognitive ability. Making digital content accessible involves following certain standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide recommendations for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities.

Accessibility is not only a matter of social justice but is also seen as beneficial for businesses and organizations by widening their potential audience and improving user experience for a broader range of people. It’s about providing equal access and opportunities to everyone, eliminating barriers that can prevent individuals with disabilities from enjoying full participation in all aspects of society.