According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 56 million (19%) people in the United States have a disability. Are you sure your documents are reaching everyone, including those with disabilities? Imagine receiving an error every time you open a document. Frustrating?
This is the experience disabled people have every time they attempt to open an inaccessible document.
Do you have a plan to confirm conformance to accessibility standards today and in the future so your users are not frustrated? Your company has a business plan, a financial plan, a marketing plan, an operational plan, a sales plan, and every other type of plan your human resources department tells you is necessary for a successful business. However, have they failed to recognize one of the most important plans your business needs to achieve complete success in today’s digital world? If you do not have a current accessibility plan, it is vital to create one today.
If you ’re wondering why you need accessible documents, our Document Accessibility…But Why? article will help answer some of your questions. Learn how document accessibility is a win-win for everyone. Aside from the obvious benefits of inclusion and meeting legal requirements explained in the article, document accessibility also provides business benefits. The customers you empower through your accessible content may also share their experience. Whether by word of mouth to a friend or to the world through social media, the online impression you make will reap abundant benefits for your business.
Are you ready to be an accessible business?
Accessibility is important—a legal requirement—and you are ready to be an accessible business. Create your plan, and make it a priority. The most important part of the plan is to start now. Here are a few tips to help you decide what to include in your plan:
- Include accessibility planning in all steps of document creation.
- Learn accessibility standards, and train your employees.
- Audit current documents for accessibility barriers.
- Remediate inaccessible documents.
Let us help you perfect your plan. As your document accessibility partner, we will help you provide open access to the audience you may not even realize you are ignoring.
In addition to providing documents everybody can read, we can also ensure your website will allow everyone access to the accessible documents you provide. We do it all! Check out our Civic Webmasters website to learn how you can provide a beautiful, user-friendly, accessible website today!