The importance of digital accessibility and how to implement it

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Accessibility is the condition that allows all people, especially those with disabilities or reduced mobility, safe, autonomous and facilitated access to spaces, services and opportunities.

Accessibility facilitates equal participation in all spheres of society, promoting access to work, education, leisure, culture and communication and information services.

What is digital accessibility?
Digital accessibility involves the development and design of content and interfaces that are accessible to all people , even those with physical, sensory or cognitive limitations. It is what enables the creation of a fairer and finland whatsapp database accessible internet , expanding its reach and usability for everyone.

Why is it important?
Digital accessibility is an important tool for eliminating barriers that limit the use of technologies and improving the browsing experience , ensuring access to content and services independently and effectively for all people.

Currently, more than 1 billion people in the world live with some type of disability , representing a significant audience with different accessibility needs.

In Brazil, according to the IBGE, this number exceeds 18 million people , including people with visual, hearing, motor and neurodiverse disabilities, who face barriers to accessing content that is not adapted.

What is the main objective?
The goal of promoting web accessibility is to provide autonomy and equitable access to digital content and services. These measures comply with legal requirements and contribute to an inclusive user experience, reinforcing brand images and expanding their user base.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
WCAG ( Web Content Accessibility Guidelines ) is the main international guide for digital accessibility, with recommendations based on four principles:

Perceivable: Content and interface components need to be presented in a way that users can perceive them through their senses.
Operable: Interface elements must be usable by all users, regardless of how they navigate.
Understandable: Content should be easy to understand and use.
Robust: Content must be robust enough to ensure it works across browsers and devices, and can be interpreted by assistive technologies.
Below are some examples of WCAG guidelines for different levels of conformance:

Level A: Ensures basic accessibility requirements, such as captions on videos and alternative descriptions on images.
Level AA: Requires intermediate practices, such as adequate color contrast and easy-to-read texts.
Level AAA: Offers maximum accessibility, adapting content to a wide range of needs.
What are the types of digital accessibility?
There are different types of web accessibility, each aimed at meeting the specific needs of people with disabilities. Understanding these types is essential to creating a digital strategy that includes all users:

Visual impairment: Involves people with blindness, low vision, or color blindness. Visually impaired users often navigate with screen readers and may face challenges on websites without adequate image descriptions or contrasts.
Hearing impairment: People who are deaf or have low hearing can use subtitles and translation windows in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) to consume video content.
Motor disabilities: These include limitations in mobility or use of the hands, which can make it difficult to use conventional mice or keyboards. These people often navigate using adapted keyboards, eye-tracking devices, or voice commands.
Neurodiversity: This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia, which affect the interaction and understanding of digital information. More objective and low-distraction content helps these users' experience.
Accessibility for seniors : While not a disability, many older adults face visual, auditory, and motor difficulties associated with aging. Adapting design and content to ensure readability, simplicity, and easy-to-navigate interfaces improves accessibility for this audience as well.