The Internet's Accessibility Problem — and How To Fix It | Clive Loseby | TED

Summary

Clive Loseby discusses the importance of website accessibility, sharing his personal experience with a life-changing accident that deepened his passion for inclusivity. He highlights how inaccessible websites are an invisible barrier for millions of disabled users, often failing to meet basic standards despite existing legal requirements. Using relatable examples, he urges businesses to adopt accessible web designs, including simple practices like adding accessibility statements and conducting audits. Loseby advocates for awareness, with a call to action for everyone to test website accessibility using the 'Tab Test' and make a difference, one website at a time.

Takeaways

• 😀 Accessibility is not just a legal requirement but a moral obligation to make websites inclusive for everyone, including people with disabilities.
• 😀 97% of websites have detectable accessibility failures, highlighting a significant gap in ensuring web accessibility.
• 😀 Cookie banners, though common, can be a barrier for disabled people, much like discriminatory website banners that exclude individuals based on race, gender, or ability.
• 😀 Inaccessible websites limit access for 1 billion people globally living with some form of disability, many of whom would otherwise like to engage with websites and make purchases.
• 😀 The concept of web accessibility is compared to physical accessibility, such as automatic doors in buildings, offering alternative ways to access the same content.
• 😀 Websites need to be regularly audited for accessibility issues, and accessibility statements should be clear, honest, and actionable, indicating steps taken to improve access.
• 😀 A simple test, called the 'Tab Test,' can be done by anyone to check if a website is accessible—if the navigation buttons don't highlight when pressing the Tab key, the site fails.
• 😀 Accessibility is about providing alternative ways for people with different abilities to access information on the web, just as physical spaces offer alternative entrances or facilities for those who need them.
• 😀 Businesses that prioritize web accessibility not only comply with the law but also become more inclusive, which can attract disabled customers who may spend money with them.
• 😀 An accessibility statement should not just be a formal declaration but a practical communication, acknowledging accessibility issues and offering solutions for users who may need assistance.
• 😀 By taking small actions, such as performing the Tab Test or reaching out to businesses with accessibility feedback, everyone can help improve the web and make it more inclusive for all users.

Q & A

What motivates Clive Loseby to advocate for web accessibility?

Clive Loseby is motivated by a life-changing car accident that left him with severe memory issues. This experience made him passionate about ensuring websites are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.

What is the main issue with cookie banners on websites, according to Clive Loseby?

Clive Loseby points out that cookie banners can be problematic for people with disabilities, especially blind users who rely on screen readers. These banners often block access to the rest of the website, making it difficult for them to navigate.

What statistic does Clive share regarding accessibility failures on websites?

Clive shares that over 97% of websites have detectable accessibility failures, which makes it difficult for disabled individuals to use the web effectively.

Why does Clive emphasize that websites should be accessible to people with disabilities?

Clive emphasizes that there are 1 billion people globally with some form of disability who also want to use websites and spend money. Making websites accessible increases inclusivity and opens up a larger customer base.

What is the Tab Test, and why is it important for website accessibility?

The Tab Test is a simple way to check website accessibility by using the Tab key to navigate through all pages and subpages. If the navigation buttons light up in order, it indicates basic accessibility, which is important for people using keyboards and screen readers.

What analogy does Clive use to explain the concept of accessible web design?

Clive compares accessible web design to doors in a building, where automatic doors (easy to use) are available as an alternative to manual doors (more difficult to use). Accessible websites offer alternatives that make it easier for people with different needs to access the same information.

How does Clive suggest businesses can improve accessibility on their websites?

Clive suggests businesses conduct an accessibility audit and create a real, honest accessibility statement on their websites. This shows that they are aware of accessibility issues and are working towards improving inclusivity.

What example does Clive use to illustrate the importance of providing alternatives for accessibility?

Clive uses the example of a restaurant without a lift. Although the restaurant cannot provide a lift, if they offer accessible seating downstairs and inform patrons through a sign, it shows they are making an effort to be inclusive despite limitations.

What does Clive mean by a 'real' accessibility statement?

A 'real' accessibility statement is one that honestly acknowledges the accessibility issues on the website and offers solutions, such as providing contact details for disabled users who need assistance. It should not just be a formal statement, but a genuine outreach to the disabled community.

Why does Clive believe it’s important for businesses to care about accessibility beyond legal requirements?

Clive believes that accessibility is not just about legal compliance, but about being inclusive and welcoming. Making a website accessible opens up opportunities to a larger, diverse customer base, and reflects a company's ethos of care and inclusivity.