So What's in it for Me?

(a.k.a - The Benefits)

                You might be asking yourself "So what's the big deal?"  While it is true that a lot of companies and webmasters aren't thinking about accessibility right now, web accessibility is becoming a very big deal.  There are a number of really good reasons to make your site accessible, and all of them aren't the obvious reasons you might be thinking of.

            Believe it or not, what benefits the disabled on the Internet has a 'trickle-down' effect.  A number of things we use everyday were invented to help people with disabilities, such as the typewriter, zippers, and curb cuts.  Curb cuts are the little dips in the pavement that make it easier for wheelchairs to easily move from sidewalk to street.  The people without disabilities benefit also.  Curb cuts make it easier for anyone using an appliance with wheels (strollers, shopping carts, etc.) to move from street to sidewalk.

            The benefit of accessible web design also has a 'trickle-down' effect.  New technology is taking advantage of accessible web pages.  For example, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and cellular telephones can access web pages by using technology similar to what a blind person uses to access a website.  Websites that take accessibility techniques into consideration in their design make it easier for people with older to computers or slower Internet connections to gain access to the web (Kirkpatrick, 26).

            Other benefits include:

• Pages with better design can be used by more people, which increases the audience.

• Better design makes sites more attractive to users; which increases the audience.

• More devices can access a well designed page; which increases the audience.

• Well designed pages can sometimes be less expensive to maintain.

    Not quite convinced yet?  Need one more reason?

You could be sued if someone with a disability cannot access your site!

    Yes, it is the law.  Maybe it's time to talk about the legal issues, but first you need some history.

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