An accessible website via a standard template for everyone
Websteen does it! Websteen develops standard template websites in addition to custom-made websites and web applications. Recently, they have been working on obtaining the Drempelvrij.nl certificate. Making their standard website template compliant with the WCAG 2.1 level AA guidelines. We were allowed to help them with it! But as a web builder, why get started developing a digitally accessible template?
Benefits of an accessible website
As a (future) web builder, communications specialist, front-end developer or UX designer, you will probably have heard of it before: digital accessibility. Haven't you? Just a quick explanation for you: digital accessibility is making all websites, apps or online documents accessible to everyone. What are the benefits of digital accessibility? And why, for example, is a company like Websteen ahead of others?
Socially engaged
Everyone has the right to use digital tools. You and me, but also those who have more difficulty with everyday activities. Think of someone who has ended up in a wheelchair after a car accident, someone who has become bad-sighted to nearly blind due to an illness such as diabetes. The one who was deaf born. Or the one who has a bit more difficulty with incentives from outside. When you include digital accessible in your design and development process, you are consciously improving the digital world. Then you can safely say you are socially engaged. Something to be proud of!
More user-friendly
When you as a "creator of the internet" apply digital accessibility in your online creations, you can eliminate a lot of frustration. For example, you can help those who have ended up in a wheelchair to navigate a website more comfortably, without the need for a mouse, because your code is designed to be accessible for tab navigation. You can help those who are visually impaired or nearly blind by choosing the right high-contrast colour combinations. Help those who are hard of hearing or deaf by adding subtitles under your videos. And make sure your page contains clear information, thus avoiding information overload.
There are plenty of benefits to be named about digitally accessible websites. But what does digital accessibility mean to you as a "creator of the internet"?
Being a leader?
As mentioned earlier, we say a company like Websteen is a frontrunner on others. "It is time to remove barriers and have a digitally accessible website created. Reach and engage everyone and give your website an edge in usability and inclusivity." Inclusivity is not only a trend, but from 2025, the European Accessibility Act will also be around the corner. Which means making it easier for everyone in Europe to use online services and products. Think of online banking services, public transport apps, online shops, e-readers and other telecommunication services. If you, as a web agency, invest in developing your accessibility skills now, you will be well prepared for the European Accessibility Act in 2025.
At Websteen, we understand the importance of digital accessibility. That is why we have developed a standard website that complies with WCAG 2.1 level AA guidelines.
Pien van Twillert
We'd love to help!
We helped Websteen with extensive testing of the technique of their developed template. Which now allows them to get started building accessible websites for their clients. We are only too happy to carry out this kind of research, but we also enjoy giving various trainings to increase knowledge about digital accessibility anywhere. Need a sparring partner? That is also possible, we are happy to give you advice. Want to know more? Feel free to contact us about investing in digital accessibility.
