The Internet has become a central part of everyday life. It provides access to information, communication and services. However, this access is not equally easy for everyone. Accessible Internet provides a remedy here and enables people with a wide range of disabilities to make full use of the Internet. In this article, you will learn how to make your website accessible and why it is so important.
What is accessible Internet? #
Accessible Internet means designing websites in such a way that they can be used by all people, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations. This includes adapting web content to technologies such as screen readers for the blind, providing alternative text for images and ensuring that websites are fully keyboard accessible.
Why is accessible internet important? #
Accessible internet is not only a question of accessibility, but also of inclusion and equality. By ensuring that websites can be used by everyone, we exclude no one and provide equal access to information and services.
How do you make a website accessible? #
- Use of semantic HTML: By using HTML elements such as headings, lists and buttons correctly, screen readers can better understand the structure of a web page.
- Provision of alternative texts for images: Descriptive texts for images help visually impaired users to understand the content of the images.
- Ensuring keyboard operability: All website functions should be accessible via the keyboard to enable users to navigate without using a mouse.
- High-contrast design: Sufficient contrast between text and background improves readability for people with visual impairments.
- Avoid time limits: Provide options to extend time limits so that all users can go through content at their own pace.
FAQ #
Q: Does every website have to be accessible? A: Yes, ideally every website should be designed in such a way that it can be used by everyone. In some countries there are legal requirements for accessibility.
Q: How do I test whether my website is accessible? A: There are various tools and checklists (e.g. WAVE, axe) that can help you check the accessibility of your website.
Q: What are the most common barriers on the web? A: The most common barriers include a lack of alternative text for images, insufficient keyboard operability and a lack of contrast.
Summary #
Accessible Internet is a decisive step towards a more inclusive society. By making our websites accessible to all, we open doors to information, services and opportunities. Start making your website accessible today and contribute to a fairer world.
Sources:
[1] https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrierefreies_Internet
[2] https://lebenshilfe-bw.de/blog/barrierefreies-internet-inklusives-online-erlebnis-fuer-alle
[3] https://www.aktion-mensch.de/inklusion/barrierefreiheit/barrierefreie-website
[4] https://www.rkw-kompetenzzentrum.de/publikationen/faktenblatt/barrierefreiheit-im-web/was-bedeutet-barrierefreiheit-im-web/
[5] https://www.netz-barrierefrei.de/wordpress/barrierefreies-internet/was-heisst-barrierefreies-internet/
[6] https://de.ryte.com/wiki/Barrierefreies_Internet
[7] https://omf.ai/lexikon/barrierefrei/
[8] https://www.tenmedia.de/de/glossar/barrierefreiheit-internet