Back in December, we wrote a blog post about an Israeli law requiring websites to meet a strict set of accessibility standards for users with disabilities. Since then we’ve been trying to find the best course of action for our clients, most of whom are individuals and small businesses. While well-intentioned, these requirements impose an undue burden on small businesses, especially when considering accessibility for small websites. We understand the challenges and are committed to finding solutions that help our clients comply without compromising their resources.
Today we spoke with a representative from the Israel Internet Association, and he said that while an exemption for businesses earning less than 500,000 NIS in revenue was approved, it did not officially pass. <Insert wry statement about delays and bureaucracy here>.
They recommend that any small business apply for an exemption from the Commission for Equal Rights for Persons With Disabilities. At WordCamp Israel on March 28, Jonathan Klinger gave a presentation about the accessibility law and suggested that it may not be the best idea to bring attention to your website by submitting it, because if it does not receive an exemption, then it makes it more of a target for fines. This is especially important when considering the growing importance of accessibility for small websites. That said, as of yet, to anyone’s knowledge, these laws have not yet been tested and no related suits have been filed.
Need help making your website accessible? Contact us to find out more about how we can help and set you up with a free 14-day trial.
There are several plugins designed to make your WordPress website more accessible, and several themes are ‘out of the box’ accessible. But what can you do if you recently built your website and don’t want to go through all of the design and development all over again? While complying with the requirements involves extensive examination, focusing on accessibility for small websites can simplify the process. There are some major things that you can do to make sure that your website is compliant.
- Alternate text for all images
- Providing text alternatives or captions for audio and video content.
- Mark up your content such that HTML tags are used correctly. This means that <h1>tags go around the very main content like the site title, followed by h2 for sub-categories and article titles. The list should use <li> tags and paragraphs should be contained in <p> tags.
- Content should be easily read and understood.
- No elements such as tickers or sliders should automatically run without the ability for a user to manually stop or pause them.
- Links should not say “click here”, but rather be linked text, providing contextual information.
- Error messages should be as specific as possible.
- The website’s layout should not break when zoomed up to 200% and the color contrast should be strong enough. This color contrast tool can help you check if it is.
- The “focus” element on links should be used so that a user can see where they are when using TAB on their keyboard.
Need help making your website accessible? Contact us to find out more about how we can help and set you up with a free 14-day trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is accessibility for small websites important?
Accessibility for small websites is crucial because it helps businesses reach a wider audience, including people with disabilities. Complying with accessibility standards not only improves user experience but also ensures your website aligns with legal requirements in certain regions, like Israel’s new accessibility laws.
How can I improve accessibility for small websites?
Improving accessibility for small websites can be done by:
- Adding alternative text for all images
- Ensuring the content is easily readable and understandable
- Using proper HTML tags for headings and lists
- Implementing color contrast that meets accessibility standards
- Providing text alternatives for multimedia content
What challenges do small businesses face with accessibility for small websites?
Many small businesses face challenges with accessibility for small websites due to budget constraints and limited resources. Implementing accessibility features often requires technical knowledge and sometimes redesigning website elements, which can be a time-consuming and costly process.
Are there plugins to help with accessibility for small websites?
Yes, there are several plugins available for WordPress that can help improve accessibility for small websites. These plugins automatically implement key accessibility features, making it easier for businesses to comply with accessibility standards without a complete redesign.
Can small websites be exempt from accessibility requirements?
In some cases, small websites may be exempt from certain accessibility requirements, especially if they earn below a specific revenue threshold. However, it’s essential to stay informed and consult with the relevant authorities, such as the Commission for Equal Rights for Persons With Disabilities in Israel, to ensure your business is compliant with the law.
