On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the world's first comprehensive civil rights directive for people with disabilities, was signed into law by President George Bush in a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House. The ADA, a new and revolutionary initiative, was ultimately designed and intended to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including, and certainly not limited to, jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general community.
Of course, in reality, it has done so much more. Today, thirty-four years after Congress sent the statute to President Bush for signature, the ADA touches nearly every aspect of our public infrastructure, including the way we enter buildings (push levers and ramp entrances), the way we move about inside the buildings (wider and more open bathrooms) and even the way we travel from one building to another (service animals and warning tiles on street corners). And now, with the rapid advancement of digital technology, it is time that we must consider the same level of accessibility requirements from the perspective of graphic designers and UX designers.
From a relative standpoint, we are in the very early stages of a digital revolution and, with more and more of our daily lives reliant on the use of digital tools and technologies, it is crucial that we ensure that the entire range of our end user audiences is both able and comfortable using the platforms.
In March 2022, the ADA published guidelines to assure that developers understand the challenges that some users may face, and provide specific details that would allow state and local governments and businesses that are open to the public to ensure that websites are designed for all users, regardless of abilities or disabilities. Clearly this would benefit end users facing challenges, but the fact is that a tool designed with a proper and adequate digital accessibility strategy would also open the product to a wider audience that could access and engage with the end products or services.
Worldwide, countries are starting to understand the scope and breadth of the accommodations that should be considered for those users who struggle with disabilities that would impact their experience on a website; limited vision or hearing and color blindness, for example. But overall, embracing digital accessibility as a graphic or UX designer is not just about meeting legal requirements; it's about creating a more inclusive, user-friendly, and socially responsible digital landscape. Designers who champion accessibility are better positioned to create innovative, sustainable, and impactful solutions for their clients and users.
And there is an ethical responsibility to create designs that are accessible to everyone as well. Excluding people with disabilities from accessing information or services is not in any way morally justifiable, so designers and developers who promote digital accessibility will align their products with ethical design standards and practices.
The fact is that the end product will ultimately be better served, because accessibility features often enhance the overall experience for all users, and not just those with disabilities. Clear and intuitive design, easy navigation, and consistent layouts benefit everyone, making the product more ultimately user-friendly and one that results in a more smooth and enjoyable experience for the visitor.
Certainly, there is a strong business benefit as well. Organizations that prioritize digital accessibility will be viewed positively by customers, employees, and financial stakeholders. Demonstrating both the understanding and the facility to design for all users exhibits a commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility, which will surely improve the brand's reputation and attract a broader and more accepting customer base. In addition, by developing to the needs of people with disabilities, graphic and UX designers can tap into a significant market segment that is often overlooked. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world, “…62% of adults with a disability say they own a desktop or laptop computer, compared with 81% of those without a disability.” And, considering the fact that roughly 1 in 5 adults in the United States report that they have a disability, this community represents a substantial consumer group that have very specific needs and preferences.
With every new initiative there is always a launching point, a point in time that represents a “no turning back” moment. It is hard to imagine a new building being built today that does not consider ramped entrances or wide elevators. This moment can well represent that point in time for digital accessibility design features. Building accessibility into designs from the beginning of a project will ensure that the product remains relevant and usable in the future. And, as technology evolves and new devices or assistive technologies emerge, the designs with accessibility features will adapt more easily.
Finally, from an individual perspective, and as digital accessibility gains more and more prominence, designers with expertise in accessible design principles will be highly sought after. Being well-versed in digital accessibility will open up many more career opportunities and options for graphic and UX designers with relevant experience.
End users with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments, face many barriers when accessing digital content and technology. It is imperative that we systematically and routinely assist in removing those barriers by following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines established as part of the Web Accessibility Initiative by the World Wide Web Consortium.
By adhering to these accessibility standards, designers can create a more inclusive digital environment, promote equal opportunities, and enhance the user experience for everyone.