Author: Gokulnath B

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Do you use the terms accessibility compliance and accessibility conformance synonymously? If so, then you should know that a difference exists between them.  While compliance refers to mandatory adherence, conformance is all about voluntary adherence. In other words, accessibility compliance refers to compulsorily following all the web accessibility standards. On the other hand, accessibility compliance refers to a formal or informal commitment of a company to web accessibility standards.  Purpose Of Accessibility Compliance And Conformance  As far as purpose is concerned, website accessibility compliance and website accessibility conformance share an overlap. The main purpose of both of these concepts is to make websites accessible to all people, including those who live with disabilities.  Fulfilling this purpose keeps you away from potential lawsuits and helps you comply with the ADA (the Americans with Disabilities Act). Accessibility conformance is a civil rights law that forbids discrimination against those who have disabilities in all facets of life, especially while utilizing electronic and informational technology. Besides this, it also helps you meet the requirements of accessibility standards like – Section 508: This law came about in 1988 with the amendment of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974. It’s a US federal law that requires federal agencies to ensure that their electronic and information technology is accessible to people who live with disabilities. Apart from the federal agencies, it applies to companies associated with them or doing business with them. In 2017, Section 508 was modified to mandate that agencies adhere to WCAG 2.0 Level A/AA.  WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines): These guidelines were created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) with the intention of making content accessible to people, especially those who have deafness, blindness, cognitive limitations, speech deficits, etc. The latest version of these globally accepted web accessibility guidelines is called WCAG 2.1. Applications Of Accessibility Compliance There are many practical applications of being compliant with web accessibility standards, with one of them being that your website will be accessible to everyone because of having – Properly styled and coded headings Good image descriptions with alt-text Subtitles and captions for videos  Presence of high color contrast The feature of autofill for forms Well-written table of contents and glossaries Error-free and readable language The consistent layout of web pages Easy to navigate with a keyboard  User-friendly web interface Besides this, you will also be able to enjoy having the following: Increased Reach To New Audiences When your website is accessible, people with disabilities will spend time on your website instead of clicking away. And word of mouth will only increase this and make new people flock to your website.  When your website is easy to navigate and use, people with access needs will keep coming back to use your website rather than going to another one. Such a website will eventually build a sense of trust and reputation for your brand. This will, in turn, lead to the retention of customers and add to loyalty towards your brand.  Improved SEO Score WCAG website compliance will easily increase your SEO score. Accessibility standards and search engines require you to produce quality content with great structure and functionality. Taking measures to avoid empty headers, providing appropriate link text, etc., will satisfy your users. And it will likely persuade search engines like Google that the content and user experience on your website is inclusive to everyone. This will increase your likelihood of ranking higher on Google.  Inclusive Work Environment Diversity in the workplace is very important in creating an inclusive work environment. When your website is accessible, people with disabilities can easily use the website. It also lets them know that you care about them and are mindful of their access needs. This will increase the loyalty of your employees to your company and motivate them to take it to new heights. Apart from businesses, people with disabilities will also be able to enjoy benefits such as: Independent living: They will be able to access whatever information they want in its complete form without feeling limited by technology and without requiring assistance from others.  Increased participation in society: An accessible website will allow people with disabilities to participate more in society. It will also allow them to engage in activities like online banking, online shopping, online booking, etc.  Increased employment opportunities: Accessibility will increase the access of people with disabilities to training materials, job postings, and other job resources. As a result, their employability will increase, and so will the employment opportunities for them.  Enhanced mental health: Being able to carry out activities without having to rely on others and having access to mental health resources online will have a positive impact on the mental health of people with disabilities.  Applications Of Accessibility Conformance  You won’t be sued or have to face lawsuits if you don’t conform to web accessibility standards. But it’s always a better idea to adhere to WCAG criteria. This is because it has many practical applications, one of them being that it helps you retain more customers. Some other applications and benefits include: Building better connections with your customers Upholding your moral responsibility to the society Reduction in the long-term web development costs  Reaching new demographics of the population The End Note  Accessibility compliance and accessibility conformance are different in terms of legal requirements: the former is mandatory, while the latter is voluntary. Yet, they are pretty similar in terms of their purpose – making websites accessible for everyone, especially 16% of the global population living with disabilities.  Regardless of their differences, web accessibility is crucial for your business. So, if you want to check whether your website is compliant with accessibility standards, reaching out to web accessibility consultants like Hurix can help.  Hurix offers the combined services of software tools and IAAP-certified experts for checking accessibility according to the WCAG compliance checker. Besides an accessibility audit, Hurix also provides VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) report.  Hurix helps you adhere to accessibility laws and aids you in enhancing the usability of your

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today it has become crucial for organizations to ensure that their websites and applications are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. However, people are often confused about the terminology and methods used in this field. Two terms that are frequently used interchangeably are web accessibility testing and accessibility audit. However, they are not the same thing. Today we will explore the key differences between accessibility testing and accessibility audit and why it is important to understand the difference between them. Whether you are a developer, designer, or accessibility specialist, this blog will provide valuable insights into the world of web accessibility and help you create more inclusive digital experiences for all your users. How Web Accessibility Testing Is Different From Accessibility Audit Accessibility testing and accessibility audits are two different methods we use to assess the accessibility of an application or website. According to the Pew Research Centre, 75% of Americans with a disability use the internet regularly. These numbers indicate the importance of accessibility compliance so that more and more people can access your content. Organizations are working towards creating more accessible content by using detailed accessibility checklists and tools. Accessibility testing and audits are both aimed at helping to identify and resolve any web accessibility issues. However, there are several key differences between them. Here are the top 8 ways in which accessibility testing is different from an accessibility audit: 1. Objectives Web accessibility testing is focused on identifying any accessibility issues, while an accessibility audit is focused on establishing objectives and requirements for creating an accessible digital platform. 2. Scope An accessibility audit assesses the entire digital platform and creates a comprehensive report, while accessibility testing focuses on a limited website or application scope. 3. Guidelines Website accessibility testing focuses on testing against specific guidelines, while an accessibility audit assesses the compliance guidelines and how they are implemented throughout the website or app. 4. Process Web accessibility testing is usually conducted manually or using automated tools, while an accessibility audit is usually conducted using a combination of manual and automated processes. 5. Cost Involved Accessibility testing is typically less costly than an accessibility audit, as it does not involve a full analysis of the digital platform. Also, third-party consultants usually perform WCAG audits. Hence, they are more expensive. 6. Tools Accessibility testing typically uses automated tools to test the application or website. In contrast, an accessibility audit may require additional tools to assess the overall accessibility of the platform. 7. Frequency Website accessibility testing is usually conducted more frequently to keep the website or app’s accessibility in check and up to date. However, a web accessibility audit is conducted less frequently to check overall compliance. 8. Depth Accessibility testing is generally a shallow analysis of the application or website, while an accessibility audit is a far more in-depth assessment of the entire digital platform. These were some of the key differences between accessibility testing and accessibility audits.  Accessibility Testing vs Accessibility Audit Accessibility Testing Accessibility Audit Testing focuses on providing feedback on how people with disabilities interact with a website or application. Audits usually feature a detailed examination of compliance with web accessibility standards, giving a thorough and detailed assessment of a website or application’s accessibility. Accessibility testing is typically done by developers or Quality assurance (QA) engineers. Professional accessibility consultants often carry out audits following a set of procedures and guidelines. Accessibility testing is more focused on usability and user experience. Audits evaluate the conformance of a website or application to accessibility standards. Testing involves interacting with a website or application from the perspective of a person with a disability. Accessibility audits are more focused on checking for compliance. Thus, it’s less interactive. Less complex and less expensive. Complex and more expensive. Accessibility testing is more flexible and generally based on user feedback. Audits are more structured and usually require a set of predetermined activities to be carried out in a certain order. Less time-consuming compared to an accessibility audit. More in-depth and time-consuming process. What Should You Choose: An Accessibility Test Or An Audit? When it comes to evaluating the accessibility of a website or application, both accessibility testing and accessibility audits can be useful tools. The choice between the two depends upon several factors, including the organization’s goals, budget, and timeline. Accessibility testing typically identifies specific accessibility issues on a website or application, such as missing alternative text for images or invalid markup. Testing is often performed using a combination of automated and manual testing tools and can be done quickly and efficiently. Accessibility testing is useful for identifying specific issues and verifying that accessibility guidelines have been met. On the other hand, an accessibility audit is a more detailed review of a website’s overall accessibility. It generally involves reviewing the website against accessibility guidelines such as WCAG 2.1. Furthermore, an audit is a more in-depth process that can take longer and be more costly, but it provides a more thorough understanding of a website’s accessibility. In general, accessibility testing is useful for evaluating specific accessibility issues, while an accessibility audit is better suited for evaluating a website’s overall accessibility. However, organizations may use both approaches to get a complete picture of their website’s accessibility. Ultimately the choice between the two will depend on your goals, budget, and time.  The End Note Accessibility testing and an accessibility audit are critical for ensuring a website or app is accessible to people with disabilities. However, web accessibility testing is focused on testing specific user flows and scenarios, while an accessibility audit is a comprehensive review of the entire system. And finally, accessibility testing is meant to evaluate usability, while an accessibility audit focuses more on compliance with accessibility standards and best practices. Hurix Digital offers various services related to e-learning and digital content solutions, including web accessibility solutions. We provide the best accessibility solutions designed to help organizations ensure that their websites are accessible to people with disabilities in compliance with international accessibility

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you’ve ever hesitated to let a specially-abled person use the mobile app you’ve created, this article is for you. Why? Because there are 1.3 billion people with some disability, about 16% of the world’s population. And 91% of people with disabilities use a smartphone. A study revealed that accessibility issues were massive in apps, and most developers were not aware of different kinds of disabilities. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with a thorough checklist for mobile app and web accessibility testing. This checklist that we have created in this article could be your go-to resource for creating digital experiences that are inclusive and for all. It is comprehensive and covers all the crucial aspects of accessibility testing so that you can develop and optimize your mobile apps and websites for maximum reach and impact.  What Is Mobile Accessibility?  Not everyone interacts with their mobile devices in the same way. Some people might have visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments, making using certain apps or websites a real challenge. So, what are mobile app and web accessibility? It is about adapting the mobile app/website for everyone to have a seamless experience. This could include using assistive technologies like magnifying the text, allowing text-to-speech functions, color adjustments, etc.  Why Is Mobile Accessibility Important? Firstly, mobile app and web accessibility are about equal opportunity and inclusivity. Everyone has the right to use digital tools to advance in life or make life easier. Secondly, it can drastically improve user-friendliness and navigation of your mobile app. Thirdly, it can be good for business as it caters to a broader audience. And lastly, just like accessibility for website functions, to meet legal and ethical compliance with acts and regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).  What Can You Achieve Through Mobile Accessibility Testing? Through mobile app and web accessibility testing, you can do wonders for your app and organization.  Get greater reach by allowing a larger audience to access the app. This means more potential leads. Stay clear of hassles with legal regulations and compliance.  Build a better brand reputation that is ethical and promotes inclusivity.  Increase loyalty and customer retention. Gain a competitive advantage.  Enhance user experience for everyone. The Ultimate Checklist To Follow For Mobile App And Web Accessibility Once you take care of these parameters on your mobile app, it will automatically become accessible.  1. Titles And Text Make sure your app has a title. Implement an ARIA (Accessible Rich Internal Applications) which is in HTML and shows the structure of the app or a page, mentions roles or properties on the app like search, navigation, banners, etc. Maintain hierarchy in the headings. Choose easily readable fonts and make the text size adjustable. 2. Touch Events Don’t use the touch down-event for any activity. If the up-touch starts an action, offer the choice to stop or undo it. It can also have the option to reverse any event due to the down action right after such an unwanted event has occurred. Keep the touch targets like buttons and links large enough (minimum 9 mm height and width each) for the users to avoid accidentally touching something else.  The interactive elements should be placed so anyone can access them (the same for left and right-handers, for example). For example, buttons could be at the center. You can also add accessibility options to use the app. For example, there are hands-free technologies now where users can use audio to interact. Or allow users to navigate through the keyboard or other external devices. 3. Color Contrast  Use sufficient color contrast between the foreground (think text) and background, as well as for interactive elements, to accommodate users with low vision or color blindness. Keep the foreground-to-background color contrast ratio at 4.5:1 for standard text and 3:1 for large text and icons. When the contrast ratio is low, it becomes difficult for specially-abled users to read. 4. Screenreader Compatibility  Test your app with popular screen readers like VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android) for visually-impaired individuals. You can ensure all elements are correctly labeled and the content is read in the correct order. If not, you can make changes. 5. Screen Sizes Optimization To allow the users to get the maximum out of the screen and not lose out on features because of zooming in, offer preset screen sizes to choose from that are designed specially. You can also reduce the amount of data present on each app page. Change the link text size according to the width of the app view. 6. Checking Time-Based Interactions Any app interactions should not be time-based to accommodate the needs of everyone. Instead, offer them the option to extend time if such interactions are necessary.  7. Consistent Layouts And Navigation Maintaining consistent navigation throughout the app will make it easier for users to familiarize themselves with the interface and predict where elements will be located. It can overwhelm many to readjust themselves to new layouts and adapt constantly.  8. Simplifying Data Entry Allow users to enter data using methods other than text, like speech or multiple-choice questions. Information that can be auto-entered, like dates, can also help make the app more accessible. Using tools like auto-correct and autofill also goes a long way. 9. Test To Scale Up Your Accessibility  The most important part is to test your app with specially-abled individuals and get feedback from real people. This can give incredible insight that automated tools might miss. Get Started Now! Now that you understand how to do mobile accessibility testing, you can use some of the best accessibility solutions available online to get started.  Accessibility Inspector (iOS) VoiceOver (iOS) Color Contrast Analyzer (iOS) TalkBack (Android) Accessibility Scanner (Android) WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) (Android) You can do one another thing to make it hassle-free. We can do the accessibility for you! Unlock the power of inclusive mobile app experiences with Hurix Digital! Discover how our accessibility testing, helmed by

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Technology solutions can help make the internet more accessible for people with disabilities and enable them to overcome challenges they commonly experience. Accessibility has become a key consideration for businesses and organizations, especially given the increasing cases of accessibility lawsuits. Web accessibility technologies work with accessible content and web design to produce a more inclusive experience.  Why Is Web Browsing Accessibility Important?  Web browsing accessibility is more than just legal compliance. There are several benefits of web accessibility for your business, your website, customers, and website viewers.  It Promotes Equal Digital Access A study found that Americans with disabilities are three times as likely to say they do not use the internet compared to those without a disability. Web browsing accessibility is one of the ways to help close the gap in digital accessibility by making websites more user-friendly and accommodating.  The best accessibility solutions help make the internet a more accessible space. It also makes your website more inclusive for people with disabilities – whether they are viewers or customers.  It can also improve the scope and reach of your websites and digital content. By welcoming prospects and clients with disabilities, your organization stands to benefit from a larger range of customers.  Further, web browsing accessibility can boost your brand image. An accessible website conveys that your organization has an inclusive culture.  It Helps Avoid Legal Claims A study found that digital accessibility lawsuits rose to more than 3,500 cases in 2020. Web browsing accessibility solutions and accessibility testing help your website to meet accessibility compliance required by law consistently. This helps your organization avoid the risk of legal claims. Legal claims can result in costly settlements as well as fees and penalties.  It Makes Digital Spaces More User Friendly By making your digital content, platform, and website more accessible for web browsing, you provide a better experience for users and customers.  This allows for more customer engagement and extends the scope of your market and digital audience. In the world of digital marketing, where an organization’s online presence is increasingly important, a user-friendly website and accessible digital content can make all the difference.  4 Technology Solutions For Web Browsing Accessibility Here are some web accessibility solutions that enable people with disabilities to browse the web more easily.  1. Screen Magnification Software While web browsers allow you to zoom in on content, it is often inconvenient to continue reading with zoom-in since it affects the screen layout. Screen magnification software magnifies a section of the screen, ensuring the page layout remains the same so you can comfortably read one section after the other. This web accessibility solution is particularly helpful for people with vision disabilities or poor vision since it helps to make the content more legible and minimize eye strain. However, as a content creator, it is important to ensure from your end that the content can be “zoomed” without losing its functionality to keep it accessible.  2. Voice Recognition Software Using voice recognition software, you can dictate text instead of typing it, dictate instructions to the browser, and dictate actions or operations to websites using your voice. This is particularly helpful for people who have physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, or other health conditions that affect their ability to type out text and interact with websites through the device. For instance, you can dictate a command, “Go to the next page,” which will operate the website and take you to the next page. While certain operating systems have built-in speech recognition features, others may require additional software. As a content creator, you can help make the browsing experience more amenable to speech recognition. For example, you can use labels to mark interactive elements on your website. To submit a form, you can have the label “submit” as the speech recognition operator so the viewer can say “submit” to submit the form.  3. Hands-Free Mouse Tracking Mouse tracking technologies allow you to control the cursor without having to use a mouse or rely on keyboard commands physically. Some technologies use a web camera to track and recognize face or head movements. Head movements act as commands that direct clicks and navigate the screen. Certain software even allows you to assign particular movements specific commands. Other technologies monitor the user’s eye movement to track where they are looking and provide keyboard commands on the screen. Another technology solution comes with a device with a laser pointer that is worn on the head. The user can then control the cursor using the laser pointer.  4. Screen Reading Software With screen reading software, you can convert text into speech so that users can listen to the text without reading it. This is particularly useful for people with learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, visual disabilities, and language or reading issues such as those caused by dyslexia. People with visual disabilities or poor vision often use screen readers to make their browsing experience more accessible. Most screen readers are separate applications or software and do not come built-in with the web browser.  As a content creator or web developer, you can make your website content more accessible for screen reader users. For instance, you can provide text descriptions of non-text media. This would include alt tags for images (describing the image) and transcripts for video and audio media. You can also use clear subheadings in an ordered way, which helps the screen reader scan the page.  Summing Up Web accessibility ensures that people with disabilities can browse the web comfortably and effectively. Technology solutions like screen readers and voice recognition software can make all the difference in their browsing experience. Additionally, as a content creator, there are measures that you can take to ensure that your website and online content remain accessible and convenient to view using accessibility technology. This makes it more inclusive and widens the reach of your website and digital content by enabling more viewers. Hurix offers design solutions to help make your website more accessible and user-friendly. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]