By:
Grace Williamson 
"Inaccessible software excludes those who need it the most, creating a digital divide and leaving far too many people behind." - Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web.
Accessible software is designed to meet the needs of all users, regardless of their abilities, and provide them with an equal opportunity to interact with technology. The software considers the various requirements of individuals with disabilities, including those with hearing, visual, cognitive, physical, and speech limitations. It guarantees that they can utilize and access the software without any difficulty.
One potential downside of accessible software is that it can be more expensive to design and develop than traditional software. Accessible software may require more training for users unfamiliar with its features and interface and may require additional support for users with disabilities.
In this blog, we will look at how software accessibility standards can enhance your brand's growth and the potential of your business in the coming future. Accessible software often needs to be regularly updated to comply with current standards. Let's learn more about these standards and how they can benefit your business.
There are several accessibility standards for software and guidelines businesses can use to make their products or services reach every individual despite their various abilities and disabilities.
Bonus Read: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
Bonus Read: What is Section 508?
Compliance with these software accessibility standards, your software can reach a global audience and create a more inclusive environment and better future for all.
Software Accessibility Requirements aim to remove barriers and provide equal opportunity and access for differently abled to use and benefit from software products and services. Software accessibility requirements cover various aspects, including visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments, and they are designed to make software usable for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
These accessibility requirements ensure that software is compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers and alternative input devices. It also involves suggestions for alternative text for images, video captions, readability, and keyboard navigation options to accommodate different user needs.
For example, a software developer may incorporate screen reader compatibility by including descriptive alt text for images and providing keyboard shortcuts for navigation. They may ensure that the software has adjustable font sizes and colors to improve readability for users with visual impairments.
Following these seven strategies, software developers can create products that are more accessible and easier to use for a wider range of users:
Before starting the development process, it is crucial to understand the needs and preferences of users with diverse abilities. Conduct extensive research, engage with potential users, and seek feedback to identify specific accessibility requirements.
For example, a software developer working on a mobile banking app could conduct research and engage with visually impaired users to understand their accessibility needs. Based on this research, the developer may implement features such as html5 accessibility, visibility, readability, high-contrast options, and voice commands to ensure that visually impaired users can easily navigate and use the software app.
Incorporate inclusive design principles from the beginning to ensure that accessibility is considered at every stage of the software development lifecycle. It includes designing for various devices, screen sizes, input methods, and assistive technologies.
For example, a creative way to incorporate inclusive design principles into the development process is by conducting user testing with individuals who have visual impairments. It can help identify any accessibility issues early on and allow the developers to make necessary adjustments to improve the user experience for visually impaired users.
Ensure to provide alt-text for images, graphs, and other visual elements. It helps users with visual impairments to understand the content. Similarly, adding captions to videos and audio content is essential for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. Imagine a website that includes a slideshow of images showcasing different travel destinations.
To ensure accessibility for visually impaired users, the developers could add alt-text to each image describing the location and its highlights. This way, visually impaired users can understand and appreciate the content just as much as sighted users. If the website contains videos of travel experiences, adding captions would allow deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals to fully engage with the content and understand any dialogue or narration.
Design intuitive and easy-to-use navigation menus that are clearly labeled. Use consistent placement and formatting to help users with cognitive disabilities or visual impairments navigate the software efficiently.
By incorporating clear and consistent navigation menus, websites can ensure that users with cognitive disabilities or visual impairments can navigate the software efficiently. It can greatly improve their user experience and allow them to access and engage with content just as easily as sighted users.
Including captions on videos of product features allows individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to fully understand any dialogue or narration, further enhancing their overall engagement with the website.
Keyboard accessibility is crucial for individuals who cannot use a mouse or have limited mobility. Ensure only the keyboard can access and operate all interactive elements and functions. Avoid relying solely on mouse or touch interactions.
For example, your website can ensure keyboard accessibility by allowing users to navigate different sections and select services using only the keyboard. They can also provide keyboard shortcuts for common actions, such as purchasing a product or filling their cart for future buying, making it easier for individuals with limited mobility to browse and interact with the website.
Test your software with various assistive technologies. It helps identify any compatibility issues and ensures that the software is fully accessible to users who rely on such technologies. We have implemented several features to ensure our website is accessible and user-friendly for individuals with limited mobility.
In addition to providing keyboard shortcuts for common actions like contacting us or searching for accessibility solutions, we have also tested our software with various assistive technologies. This rigorous testing helps us identify compatibility issues and ensures that our software is fully accessible to all users who rely on such technologies.
Create accessible documentation and support materials, such as user guides and tutorials, to assist users in understanding and utilizing the software effectively. Ensure the documentation is available in multiple formats, including plain text and accessible PDFs.
For example, a software company developing a voice recognition application can conduct rigorous compatibility testing by using different voice input devices, such as microphones and headsets, to ensure the software works seamlessly with various hardware options.
For the software to be truly accessible, it must be intentionally designed and developed to ensure that all users, regardless of disability, can easily access the platform. The key elements of software accessibility include:
Making accessible software helps people with disabilities use it more easily. Keep reading to discover how complying with software accessibility standards can benefit everyone.
Complying with software accessibility standards is a legal and ethical obligation and a way to create an inclusive digital environment. This blog discussed seven strategies developers can use to create software accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. By implementing these strategies, the software can become more inclusive and user-friendly.
Prioritizing accessibility from the early stages of development will enhance the user experience and expand your software's reach and impact. You can use our digital accessibility solutions to create accessible software for your company.
Our web accessibility audit and testing will also assist you in finding the possible errors your website or digital resources may possess. Contact us today to create an inclusive and accessible digital space for all.
Share
Acadecraft has been an invaluable partner in our journey towards excellence in certification. Their commitment to delivering exceptional service, coupled with their unwavering dedication to timeliness and quality, has truly set them apart.
From the outset, their team has demonstrated a keen understanding of our needs, consistently delivering reports with meticulous attention to detail. Their responsiveness is commendable; whenever we've reached out with queries or requests, they've always been prompt and accommodating, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience.
One of the standout aspects of Acadecraft's service is their ability to deliver reports in a timely manner without compromising on quality. This has been instrumental in our decision-making processes, allowing us to make informed choices based on accurate and insightful data.
Acadecraft has consistently exceeded our expectations with their exemplary service, timely responsiveness, and unwavering commitment to quality.
Acadecraft's Voice-Over service was amazing! The team provided accurate and culturally relevant recordings for what we expected. They showed true professionalism and expertise. We highly recommend Acadecraft for their excellent Voiceover services.
Always impressed with Acadecraft's expertise! Their translation services play a vital role for our company to drive international growth within our team and clients.
AcadeCraft's assessment content creation team was able to understand our unique requirements and created customized assessments that fit our needs. The team was prompt and professional, and the quality of their work was good.
Acadecraft have recorded several audiobooks for us. They have a wide range of talented artists with different accents who really bring our stories to life. Their work is of high quality, with good attention to detail.
Acadecraft are reliable, efficient and friendly. Their services are highly recommended by us.
As a producer, I've had the pleasure of using Acadecraft for sourcing VO and liaising with artists for several film projects. They offer a wide range of VO profiles and the artists I have collaborated with all were talented and professional. The team at Acadecraft have supported me with great professionalism, responsiveness and creativity. I highly recommend their services.
Acadecraft has been helpful with connecting our editorial team with subject matter experts (SMEs) who help us QA assessments and create solutions for computational assessments. They have been able to find SMEs to meet our needs and our deadlines. We are happy to continue to partner with Acadecraft.
Acadecraft team is always very supportive, and we and Acadecraft corroborate to create educational contents for K12 Students in India.
We appreciate Acadecraft teams' professionality, punctuality, creation skills in each subject.
I am thrilled to share my testimonial for Acadecraft which creates interactive and engaging content. Working with this team has been an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Not only did they create outstanding content for our project, but they also went above and beyond to ensure that it was interactive, engaging, and effective.
Throughout the entire process, the team was highly cooperative and communicative, always available to resolve any issues or concerns that arose. They truly made us feel like partners in the project, and their dedication to delivering high-quality content was evident in every interaction.
Thanks to their exceptional work, our project was a huge success, and we couldn't be happier with the results. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a team that is passionate, professional, and committed to excellence. Wishing them all the best in their future endeavors.
The team at Acadecraft has truly been an end-to-end service provider for us, providing content development services and their commitment, attention to detail and expertise have made the project a success. Their team's dedication, attention to detail, and expertise have been unmatched, making our partnership an absolute pleasure. We highly recommend Acadecraft to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient education solutions provider.
Our experience working with Acadecraft has been great. Their highly knowledgeable team of experts was always available to answer our questions, provide guidance, and ensure we were delighted with the services. Their thorough, accurate assessments provided valuable insights that helped us make informed decisions about our exam performances.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with Acadecraft and leveraging their expertise to help us achieve our business goals.
I recently used Acadecraft's Video Editing services and I am extremely impressed with the quality of their work. The team at Acadecraft was highly professional, attentive and skilled in delivering my company’s project on time and within budget.
Their attention to detail was impeccable, and they understood my needs and requirements very well. They were able to create a video that not only met my expectations, but far exceeded them.
Throughout the process, they kept me informed and updated on the progress of the project, and were always available to answer any questions I had. Their customer service was excellent, and they were always friendly and easy to work with.
I highly recommend Acadecraft's Video Editing services to anyone who is looking for a high-quality and professional video editing experience. They are truly experts in their field and I look forward to working with them again in the future.
The video creation team of Acadecraft is insightful. They understood my requirements carefully and delivered a winning video that perfectly aligned with my business needs.
With a good script, content, sound, and editing – Acadecraft helped me with the best video content to strategize my marketing and promotional campaigns. Their tremendous experience in video editing and professionalism in serving the customer before and after delivering services are commendable.
The passionate team knows great about getting into the details and providing impeccable video services. I am extremely impressed by the work Acadecraft has delivered to me.
I appreciate my collaboration with Acadecraft and look forward to availing of services again.
I required an explainer video for my business, and I am mesmerized by the work Acadecraft’s video editing team delivered to me. The perfectly aligned video elements and superb editing demonstrate the experience, knowledge, and professionalism Acadecraft has.
Acadecraft’s 3d video solutions are amazing. They used a perfect blend of art, color, shape, sound, and editing to create the video, making the video engaging and immersive.
I have always been excited to explore the opportunities of videos in business, and it was my pleasure to make Acadecraft my companion for the best video solutions. I highly recommend this organization and would love to collaborate with them again.
With a holistic approach to creating powerful blended videos, Acadecraft delivered me a well-developed video solution. I appreciate the relentless efforts of the video editing team, whose in-depth knowledge and analytical skills effectively catered to my needs.
The services Acadecraft has given me exceeded my expectations; the team was effective and listened to my requirements carefully, and went the extra mile in researching and creatively developing awesome pieces of video content.
Not only from a quality perspective but on the management and delivery front, Acadecraft’s services are prolific. They stuck to the turnaround time and were constantly in touch with me throughout the creation process.
I recommend Acadecraft for video solutions as they have great hands-on use of animation, graphics, and other creative assets.
I am thoroughly astounded by Acadecraft's proficient skills! Their exceptional voiceover and translation services were instrumental in amplifying our marketing endeavors and video promotions. They enabled us to communicate effectively with varied audiences and significantly propelled growth across numerous media platforms.
Working along with Acadecraft has been an exceptional journey. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the essence of the content in the transition from English to Arabic was truly impressive. The collaborative spirit and timely communication made the entire process smooth and enjoyable. Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly endorse their services for a remarkable translation experience.
