What is Web Accessibility? A Clear Explanation Including Benefits and Case Studies!

Have you ever heard the term "web accessibility"? Some of you might be hearing it for the first time.

For those managing websites on the internet, it's a concept you should definitely be familiar with.

Here, we will clearly explain web accessibility, from the meaning of the term and its differences from similar words, to its benefits and examples of initiatives.

1. What is Web Accessibility?

The information barrier-free site describes web accessibility as follows:

Allowing people with physical or mental limitations, such as the elderly or disabled, to access and use information provided on the web, regardless of age or physical condition.

Source: What is Web Accessibility｜Information Barrier-Free Site

The internet is an indispensable tool in our daily lives. Information should reach everyone equally, whether they have disabilities or not.

1-1. Understanding the Basic Concept of Web Accessibility

To understand web accessibility, it's essential to grasp the basic concept.

The internet is indispensable for gathering and exchanging information, which goes without saying.

Before the internet became widespread, people had to rely on books, magazines, and dictionaries for research, which was a challenging task for those with disabilities.

With the advent of the internet, this task has become dramatically easier, but some people still struggle to gather information due to visual impairments or other disabilities.

It's crucial that everyone, regardless of their disability status or age, can access information on websites.

This initiative can be seen as a form of barrier-free access on the internet.

Reference: Basic Concepts of Web Accessibility｜Information Barrier-Free Site

1-2. How is it Different from Usability?

There's a similar term to accessibility called "usability."

Usability refers to "ease of use" in Japanese. While both terms have similar meanings, they are technically different.

Examples of websites that have implemented web accessibility include:

・Providing alternative text for images so that visually impaired users can understand what the image is through screen readers
・Ensuring a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for text and background colors to make it easier for people with cataracts or cognitive impairments to read
・Allowing users with complete blindness or paralysis to navigate using only a keyboard, without a mouse

These are some examples.

In contrast, examples of usability include:

・Displaying information about rates, services, and products prominently on a mobile carrier's website
・Providing a search bar in a prominent location on an online shopping site and displaying promotions
・Creating separate guide pages on an insurance company's website to meet the needs of various customers

These examples show many efforts to enhance usability and clarity.

Comparing these examples, while the content is similar, the objectives differ slightly.

Reference: Methods and Situations of Web Use by People with Disabilities｜Web Accessibility Promotion Association

Reference: Understand Web Accessibility in 20 Minutes｜Information Barrier-Free Portal Site

Reference: What is Usability? Differences from Accessibility and Examples｜WEB Marketing Lab by GMO

1-3. How is it Different from Universal Design?

Another question that arises is the difference from universal design.

Universal design refers to designing facilities and products that are easy for everyone to use from the start, not just removing barriers for disabilities.

Examples include:

・Creating a textured surface on shampoo bottles to distinguish them from conditioner
・Adding an indentation on the opposite side of a milk carton opening to identify it as milk
・Placing elevator buttons at a lower height to make them accessible for wheelchair users and children

These can be seen in various products and places.

Reference: What is Universal Design?｜Social Welfare Corporation Kita Ward Social Welfare Council

2. Why is Web Accessibility Necessary?

The necessity of web accessibility is extremely high. Web accessibility is not just for people with disabilities.

For example, making web pages readable for non-native speakers is also a part of web accessibility. Increasing the number of users who can access your site creates opportunities for more people to learn about you.

According to a survey by the Japan Research Center, while over 90% of companies recognize and understand web accessibility, only 25% have experience implementing web accessibility measures.

The low number is attributed to partial implementation and the difficulty of operation.

It is widely understood that each consideration leads to trust and significant benefits, but few companies are actively engaging in these efforts.

Reference: Web Accessibility Initiative Status Survey｜Digital Marketing

3. Benefits of Implementing Web Accessibility for Companies and People with Disabilities

Implementing web accessibility offers benefits to both companies and people with disabilities.
Here are some key points:

3-1. Benefits for Companies

By improving web accessibility, not only can people without disabilities access a company's web pages, but also those with disabilities and non-native users.

For companies, reaching a broader audience means:

・Acquiring new customers
・Increasing revenue
・Gaining trust

These are just a few of the many benefits.

Reference: What is Accessibility? Points for Creating a User-Friendly Website｜WEBSAS

3-2. Benefits for People with Disabilities

As awareness and implementation of web accessibility spread, information that was previously inaccessible to some becomes available to everyone.

Especially, web accessibility measures by public institutions are crucial as they can be life-saving for those affected.

However, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, about 70% of visually impaired individuals reported encountering barriers on the web, preventing them from accessing desired information or completing procedures.

More than 90% of completely blind individuals reported difficulties with PDFs and forms (such as inquiry fields) that cannot be read by screen readers.

Making web accessibility a standard practice offers significant benefits to people with disabilities.

Reference: Web Accessibility Measures Required for Public Institutions｜Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (Page 3)

4. Examples of Web Accessibility Initiatives!