*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
Web accessibility is a crucial effort to ensure that all users can access information equally. When requesting web development or updates that address accessibility, it is essential to provide clear guidelines. This article explains the basic concepts and steps for ordering web accessibility compliance and provides a step-by-step guide for successful execution.
Importance of Accessibility Compliance Orders
Ordering web accessibility compliance brings several benefits:
- Catering to diverse users: Websites can better serve a wide range of users, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and those using various technology environments.
- Reducing legal risks: By complying with accessibility laws and standards (e.g., Japan’s Disability Discrimination Act, the ADA in the U.S.), you can mitigate legal risks.
- Improving brand image: Accessible websites enhance the company’s or organization’s reputation as socially responsible.
Preparation Before Ordering
1. Setting Accessibility Goals
First, clearly define your accessibility goals. For example, aiming for compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA is a specific and measurable objective. By setting these goals, you give developers and designers clear direction.
2. Evaluating Current Accessibility
Assess the current state of your website’s accessibility and identify areas that need improvement. Using accessibility audit tools or consulting with specialists can help uncover existing issues. This assessment is essential for making your order specific and effective.
3. Building Consensus Among Stakeholders
Accessibility initiatives require collaboration between various stakeholders, including site operators, management, marketing, and IT departments. Ensure everyone understands the project’s objectives and is aligned toward the same goals.
Creating Accessibility Order Guidelines
1. Specifying Requirements
Clearly state your accessibility requirements when placing an order. For example, “all images must have alternative text,” “form labels must be appropriately linked,” and “interactive elements must be operable via keyboard” are examples of specific implementation points to list.
2. Specifying Compliance Levels
Specify the level of accessibility compliance you expect. In most cases, WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance is the standard, but depending on your audience and project needs, you may request compliance at Level A or AAA.
3. Defining Testing and Verification Methods
Clearly outline the testing and verification methods in your order. In addition to automated tools like accessibility checkers, request manual testing using assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers or magnification tools). Including user testing is also recommended.
4. Setting Deadlines and Feedback Schedules
Establish clear deadlines and feedback schedules. Since accessibility issues may not be fully addressed in one round, planning multiple feedback and revision cycles is crucial for a successful project.
5. Clarifying Responsibilities
Clearly define the responsibilities related to accessibility compliance in your order. Specify who will handle implementation, testing, and improvement proposals at each project phase to ensure accountability.
Managing the Process Post-Order
1. Monitoring Progress and Reviewing
Regularly monitor progress and conduct reviews after placing the order. Ensure accessibility compliance is progressing according to the plan, and request early fixes for any issues. Focus on reviewing whether the implementation meets WCAG standards.
2. Providing Feedback and Requesting Revisions
After testing and gathering feedback, request the necessary revisions. Even minor adjustments can significantly impact user experience, so ensure careful attention is paid to every detail.
3. Final Review and Verification
Once all changes are complete, conduct a final review and verification. Confirm that all specified requirements are met and that the test results are satisfactory. Conducting usability testing to validate the improvements from the user’s perspective is also highly recommended.
Conclusion
Ordering web accessibility compliance successfully depends on clear guidelines and effective project management. Through proper ordering and consistent follow-up, you can build websites that are accessible to all users. Accessibility is not just a requirement but a commitment to enhancing usability for everyone. Use this guide to order accessibility compliance and achieve a better, more inclusive web experience for all.
We have released the UUU Web Accessibility Widget Tool, designed to make web accessibility easy to implement. This tool helps improve the accessibility of websites quickly and efficiently, even without specialized knowledge.
If you’re interested in enhancing your website’s accessibility, please check out the details. We are here to support you in making your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.