Web Accessibility Basics

The web plays an important role in the work we do here at the Division of Agriculture. When we strive for web accessibility, we can be more inclusive in how we communicate with others, share knowledge, and extend our resources.

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What is web accessibility?

Web accessibility means that websites, apps, and digital content is accessible to all people, whatever their ability, hardware, software, language, or location. Web accessibility is also known as digital accessibility and sometimes abbreviated as A11y.

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Who benefits from web accessibility?

The main goal of web accessibility is to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to information and functionality on the web. This is important—and often necessary—for people with a variety of disabilities or different abilities, including those that affect a person's:

• Hearing
• Learning
• Movement
• Remembering
• Speech
• Thinking
• Vision

Web accessibility also benefits people who might experience other barriers on the web due to:

• Aging:  People whose abilities are changing as they get older.
• Different Technologies:  People using smart phones, tablets, and other devices to access the web instead of a computer.
• Language Barriers:  People who aren't fluent in the primary language being used.
• Limited Bandwidth:  People in rural areas with a slow or unreliable internet connection.
• Situational Limitations:   People in environments that are too bright, noisy, or distracting.
• Temporary Disabilities:  People with an injury, illness, or missing accessibility aid.

Beyond this, web accessibility can also make it easier to find and use the resources we share:

• Alternative Formats:  Accessible web content can easily be converted to different formats, so people can find information in a way that best meets their needs and preferences.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO):  Accessible web content is easier for search engines to crawl, which can improve search rankings.
• User Experience (UX):  Accessibility requirements improve the usability and overall user experience for everyone.

In short: web accessibility is helpful for everyone and essential for people with disabilities.

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Why is web accessibility important?

Web accessibility is important to us for many reasons:

• Inclusion:  Web accessibility helps us ensure that all people feel included, supported, and respected in the work that we do, regardless of ability.
• Integrity:  We're committed to providing high quality, trustworthy, and unbiased resources to our communities.
• Accountability:  We're required to make our web content accessible in order to comply with UA System policies, civil rights laws, and international best practices.