Evo is committed to building accessible websites. We don’t consider accessibility an optional feature. In addition, we provide accessibility reviews and accessibility makeovers for existing websites.
Following an accessiblity review, we submit a short assessment report which identifies specific areas of a website which are inaccessible or marginally accessible, along with recommendations for bringing the website up to Section 508 accessibility standards. Cost for a review varies according to number of pages and other site-specific factors.
Makeovers may involve a few hours of code cleanup or they may require a complete “do-over.”
Contact us to discuss accessibility issues on your website.
Why Worry About Accessibility?
Accessibility is increasingly important to website owners, though it’s a term more often associated with architecture rather than with website design. Legislation determines minimum accessibility standards for new public buildings and, as a result, wheelchair ramps, accessible lifts, and disability parking spaces are common, allowing people with disabilities to gain access to buildings.
With websites, the term refers to the development of sites that are accessible to all Internet users, including those with disabilities, such as:
- Visual – blind, impaired vision, color blind
- Auditory – deaf, hard of hearing
- Motor/physical – paraplegic, quadraplegic
- Cognitive/learning – dyslexic, learning disabilities.
As with accessible public buildings, accessible websites allow people with disabilities to access information, use services, buy products, and communicate with the people associated with the website. For some of the disabled, accessible websites provide critical access to information, goods, and services they are unable to easily obtain otherwise.
Benefits to Website Owners
Website accessibility isn’t all about altruism. Website owners benefit from accessible websites:
- Increased audience
- Improved maintainability and efficiency
- Improved search engine rankings
- Potential for repurposing content for multiple formats and devices
- Demonstrating social responsibility
- Satisfying existing and possible future legal requirements (currently, federal government websites or the websites of organizations that accept federal funding are required to meet Section 508 standards).