100 Days of A11y

Benefits of Accessible Design

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Accessible designs often benefit everyone. The most obvious group to benefit is people with disabilities. Independence and access is possible when public and digital spaces are built with accessibility in mind.

Organizations benefit from accessibility in several ways:

In addition to people with disabilities gaining more independence, and businesses increasing engagement with their product, other groups in society often benefit from accessibility.  Some examples of accessible designs that have benefited people without disabilities:

  1. Curb cuts
  2. Elevators
  3. Dual height water fountains
  4. Automated doors

I would venture to guess that you have used most of the "features" I've listed. On a more dramatic note, independence for people with disabilities:

  1. Relieves a dependency burden from family and friends, and
  2. Increases interaction between people with and without disabilities, allowing for more friendships and meaningful companionship.

Accessible design creates better access for everyone, but that shouldn't be our motivation. Access is a human right. Public and digital spaces should be accessible to people with disabilities. Accessible design isn't a nice-to-have, it's a must-have because it makes things possible for people with disabilities.

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