The Vital Role of Accessibility in Association Websites: Going Beyond Compliance

In our digital-first era, accessibility is not just about meeting legal requirements. It is a fundamental reflection of who you are as an organization. By crafting an inclusive user experience, associations embody their core values, prioritize member engagement, and strengthen brand integrity. When accessibility principles are thoughtfully woven into all aspects of your brand, from design details to messaging, you make a powerful statement about your commitment to serving every individual.

What Is Web Accessibility?

Web accessibility means people of all abilities can fully access and interact with your website, regardless of any visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive challenges they may face. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) serve as the gold standard for achieving this goal. They cover essentials like:

• Alternative text for images
• Clear heading structures for effortless navigation
• Keyboard-friendly interactions for those who rely on assistive technologies

In the U.S., regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandate website accessibility for public-facing organizations, including associations. Beyond the legal aspect, these measures are a testament to your respect for every member of your community.

Accessibility and Branding

A genuinely inclusive brand recognizes that user experience is about more than just aesthetics. Accessible design features, such as logical navigation, clearly readable typography, and mobile responsiveness, benefit not only people with disabilities but also those without. They enhance the experience for all users. Bonus: Many accessibility practices, including descriptive alt text and solid heading structures, also offer SEO benefits, boosting your discoverability and driving additional traffic.

Making accessibility part of your brand strategy sets a tone of empathy and inclusivity. From the moment someone lands on your home page to the time they interact with your mission, they should feel that they belong, no matter what their abilities or circumstances may be.

Typography Choices

Typography is a crucial building block of an accessible website. Legible fonts, adequate spacing, and high color contrast make text more approachable for individuals with visual or cognitive impairments. Steer clear of overly decorative fonts or insufficient color contrasts that strain readability. Tools like Contrast Checker can verify that your color palettes meet WCAG standards.

Website Design

Clean layouts, intuitive navigation, and consistent branding are not only visually appealing but also make your site easier for everyone to use. Aligning these design elements with your brand's visual identity demonstrates professionalism and a sense of inclusivity. Think of accessibility as a foundational element that supports and strengthens your association's brand reputation.

Logo and Color Palette

Logos and color schemes should be as accessible as the rest of your site. High-contrast color choices ensure your logo stands out, and any text within your logo should remain legible at various sizes. Providing alternative text for logos allows screen readers to reinforce your brand identity for visually impaired users.

The Overly Quick “Overlay” Shortcut

ADA and WCAG widgets (e.g., accessiBe) are often advertised as quick fixes for accessibility shortfalls. While they can offer some user personalization, relying on them exclusively can be a serious drawback:

1. They don’t work for many people with disabilities: Individuals typically already have their favorite screen readers, browser settings, and other assistive tools they know and trust. Introducing an unfamiliar widget for every site they visit can create new barriers rather than remove them.
2. They don’t address underlying issues: Overlays can’t fix foundational design or development problems, meaning your site may still fail to meet WCAG guidelines.
3. They do not protect from legal action: Unsurprisingly, law firms often target sites using these widgets because they know the solution is incomplete. In fact, UsableNet’s 2023 Digital Accessibility Lawsuit Report notes a 60% increase in lawsuits involving overlays, which made up 30% of all web-related accessibility lawsuits in 2023.

If you have overlays installed, removing them in favor of a thorough, well-executed accessibility plan can help build genuine inclusivity and reduce legal risks.

Moving Forward with Accessibility

Rather than relying on band-aid solutions, focus on embedding accessibility into every phase of your website. Begin with a comprehensive accessibility audit to pinpoint issues, and incorporate WCAG standards from the start of the design and development process. Routinely test your site using tools like WAVE to maintain compliance over time.

Cultivating a culture of inclusivity is equally critical. Train your team to write effective alt text, maintain proper heading structures, and consider accessibility with each content update. By weaving accessibility into the fabric of your organization, you’re ensuring that as your brand evolves, inclusivity remains a guiding principle.

Beyond Checking the Box

Accessibility is much more than a box to check for compliance. It’s a moral imperative, a sound strategic move, and a powerful expression of your association’s core values. By championing web accessibility, you not only broaden your reach and strengthen trust, but you also build a lasting brand image that welcomes everyone.

At TGD, we specialize in creating accessible, user-friendly websites that convey your brand identity and unify your entire community. Together, let’s shape a more inclusive digital landscape, one thoughtful design choice at a time.