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Here is why you should consider website accessibility from the beginning!  

Posted on 24 November 2022 A lit lightbulb, floating in the air. 4 unlit lightbulbs lie on the floor below it

Starting a new development

I have just started consulting on a new project. It is the development of a search tool from one of the UK’s regional parliaments. This tool is to replace the one that is already there, which is rather old and not at all accessible for disabled people.

The emphasis from the client has been that they wanted accessibility to be at the forefront of the development of this new tool so my initial meeting with the developers was before anything had been designed at all.

Analysis of previous tools

We looked at the existing tool and then at tools that were on the other parliament websites. I was able to show the developers the strengths and (mostly) weaknesses that were apparent and give guidance on the sort of functionality to include that did not exist on the other tools.

I have to say it was one of the most productive meetings I have ever had! It is up to the developers to design it as they prefer. I will never make a comment on how something looks aesthetically, I will only ever comment from an accessibility point of view.

Function over form

For me, it is always about how a tool functions. People have many different types of disabilities: visual, physical, cognitive and it can be a challenge to strike a balance between them all.

One of the great things about having a meeting at this stage was the fact we could take a step back and look at what the journey was going to be like for disabled people. There are so, so many possible permutations and options that, no matter how well coded, it was not going to be possible to make it fully accessible. It is akin to trying to explain a very complex graph to someone who is visually impaired.

An inclusive, alternative approach

It became readily apparent that two versions of this tool would be needed. A simple search and a complex search. The simple search would allow any visitor to get information quickly in an accessible format whilst the complex search would allow anyone to choose from literally hundreds of different possible combinations.

Taking this approach ensures that both the needs of disabled people and people requiring more complex searches, such as researchers, are met.

The entire process took one hour and has set the project on a firm footing. The tool will, I hope, then set the standard for the other ones to follow.

Getting it right from the beginning

It has been brilliant to be involved in a project from the outset! I know there will be fewer challenges, very little remedial and a great experience with my amazing audit team!

Follow this link to visit our website about accessibility audits
 
Follow this link to watch my TEDx Talk on website accessibility for disabled people:
 
Follow this link to download my free pdf on making your website content more accessible
 
Follow this link to book a 1-hour consultation with me
 
Clive Loseby
 
Access by Design
 
Accessible Websites, Beautifully Designed
Outstanding Website Accessibility Audits
Award-winning web design, Chichester

 

 

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