To create an accessible website, the platform must meet the following criteria:

1. Supports user assistive technologies, such as screen readers, text magnification, and keyboard control. This does not mean that the system must have its own screen reader or text magnification functions, but only that it must provide the ability to use assistive technologies installed on the user's computer, tablet, or smartphone.
2. Provides content editors with the ability to publish accessible content - add alternative text to images, use headings, lists, tables when formatting text materials, add subtitles to videos, etc.
3. Provides clear instructions on the platform's special features.

Developing an accessible website is an important step towards inclusivity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can interact with your content. Choosing the right platform can make this process much easier. Here, we'll take a look at some of the most user-friendly and accessible website building platforms.

Wordpress

If you decide to use a standalone CMS, we recommend Wordpress, the most popular content management system in the world. About 40% of all websites in the world are powered by Wordpress.

Wordpress is a free content management system that supports accessibility out of the box. This means that right after installing Wordpress, you will get a fully accessible sample site. However, when you develop your site further, it is important to use only plugins and design themes that support accessibility. The "Accessibility-ready" mark is used to indicate accessible themes, but this mark is set by theme developers and no one conducts an independent assessment of accessibility, so you should not fully trust this information.

We recommend that you develop your own design theme taking into account the accessibility requirements described in sections 7.2-7.5, and test your site for accessibility throughout the development process.

Wordpress is also provided as a SAAS at wordpress.com, however, since it is a SAAS, it is paid.

Wix

Wix is a website builder that works on the SAAS model. It has a free version - with Wix ads and some limitations - and a paid version.

Recently, Wix has made significant accessibility improvements. Websites developed on Wix are now compatible with screen readers and keyboards.

However, the accessibility of a Wix site - as with any SAAS system - is almost entirely in the hands of the system developers and almost entirely out of the hands of the site owner - that is, you. So, if an accessibility problem is detected on your site, you most likely won't be able to influence it. You will have to wait until the problem is fixed at the platform level.

Webflow

Webflow is a SAAS that includes professional design tools, flexible modules, and hosting. The system supports web accessibility. However, website development requires significant resources because it is quite complex.

In our interconnected digital age, social media serve as a central platform for communication, connection and information. Ensuring that these platforms are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, is essential to promoting inclusivity and equal participation. Here, we will look at some strategies for adapting social media pages to make them more friendly to people with disabilities.

1. Use descriptive alt text for images:

   Add concise, informative alt text to every image you post. This will help screen readers describe the content for visually impaired users.

2. Provide video transcriptions and subtitles:

   Offer transcriptions for your videos and use subtitles for any spoken content. This will ensure accessibility for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

3. Choose a readable font and color contrast:

   Use fonts that are easy to read and provide sufficient contrast between text and background colors to help people with visual impairments or color blindness.

4. Create content in clear and simple language:

   Write posts in simple language, avoiding jargon and complex sentences. This makes the content more accessible to people with cognitive or learning disabilities.

5. Use emojis sparingly:

   While emojis can add flavor to your posts, overuse can confuse screen readers. Use them wisely to maintain clarity.

6. Keep multimedia content in mind:

   Provide alternatives, such as text summaries or descriptions of multimedia content, to ensure that it is accessible to those who are unable to read it.

7. Optimize hashtags:

   Capitalize the first letter of each word in the hashtag to make it more readable and understandable (for example, #LikeThisExample).

8. Interact with accessibility feedback:

   Regularly ask your audience for feedback on the accessibility of your content and respond to any suggestions or requests.

9. Raise awareness of accessibility:

   Use your platform to inform your followers about the importance of digital accessibility and inclusion.

Let's dive into an important aspect of web development: Web accessibility!
In the modern era, the Internet has become an indispensable resource for everyone, and web accessibility ensures that all users, including people with disabilities, can access and interact with web content and services without hindrance.

🌟 Definition:

Web accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of designing websites so that they can be used by all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. The focus is on ensuring equal access and opportunities for all.

🛠️ Main components:

Web accessibility consists of various components that work together, including:

• Content: Text, images, sounds, and code.
• User agents: Web browsers, media players, and other software.
• Knowledge and abilities of users: Diverse skills and disabilities of people.
• Importance!
• Inclusiveness: Allows people with disabilities to perceive, interact, and contribute online.
• It is a legal requirement: Many countries have laws and regulations requiring accessible web design. This includes Ukraine.
• Wider audience coverage: Покращує користувацький досвід для всіх, що може призвести до вищого рівня утримання користувачів і конверсії.

♿ Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG):

It is a set of guidelines designed to provide a common standard for web content accessibility. They are based on four principles known as POUR:

• Functionality: UI components and navigation should be user-friendly.
• Clarity: The information and operation of the interface should be clear.
• Reliable: Content must be robust enough to be reliably interpreted by a variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.

🛠️ Examples of web accessibility elements:

• Alternative text for images: Provides alternative text for images.
• Keyboard navigation: Allows users to navigate the site using the keyboard.
• Aria labels: Offers additional information for screen readers.
• Variable text: Allows users to adjust the size of the text.
• High contrast mode: Improves readability for visually impaired users.

We are committed!

In conclusion, web accessibility is a commitment to equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. It is about creating a web environment where everyone can interact and contribute without barriers.

Let's contribute to creating a more accessible and inclusive digital space!

In an era dominated by digital interaction, ensuring access to digital resources for all people, regardless of their abilities or circumstances, is crucial. Adapted digital resources play a key role in bridging gaps and promoting inclusion and equality. But who exactly needs these adapted resources and why are they so important? Let's delve deeper into this.

Who needs adapted digital resources?

• People with disabilities: People with visual, hearing, cognitive, or musculoskeletal disabilities need adapted resources to navigate the digital world effectively.
• Older people: Older people may have trouble with technology due to age-related impairments and can benefit greatly from adapted digital interfaces.
• People with temporary disabilities: People who are recovering from surgery or have temporary disabilities also benefit from accessible digital content.
• Users with low bandwidth: Those who use the Internet from areas with poor network connectivity need optimized, lightweight resources.

Why adapted digital resources?

• Increased accessibility: Adapted resources ensure that everyone, regardless of their ability, can access, understand, and use digital content effectively.
• Inclusion and equality: They play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity by enabling every user.

Adapted resources ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access, understand, and use digital content effectively.

We will check your websites for digital accessibility, tell you why you need to adapt your online resources during the war, and help you with the analysis and adaptation.
If you are interested in training, free audit and adaptation of your website, please fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/VtZjDfgBBWZspXHB8

The project is being implemented by the Institute of Innovative Governance within the framework of the UNDP project "Promoting Human Security in Ukraine through Response to the Multidimensional Crisis Caused by War", implemented with the financial support of the Government of Japan.

Creating an inclusive digital space is crucial today. Ensuring that your website is accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or limitations, is not only a moral obligation, but also a legal requirement. But the question arises: where do you start to adapt your website for accessibility? Let's take a look at the steps that will help you get started on this important journey.

1. Understand accessibility:

   Familiarize yourself with the principles of digital accessibility and understand the diverse needs of users, including people with disabilities.

2. Conduct an accessibility audit:

   Use automated tools and manual testing to identify current accessibility barriers on your website. This will give you a clear picture of the areas that need improvement.

3. Educate and train your team:

   Make sure your designers, developers, and content creators are aware of accessibility standards and best practices.

4. Follow WCAG guidelines:

   The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a detailed framework for making web content more accessible. To create an inclusive environment, prioritize the implementation of these guidelines.

5. Ask users for feedback:

   Interact with users, especially people with disabilities, to gather feedback and ideas about your website's accessibility. This user-centered approach will help make adaptations more informed and effective.

6. Update and monitor regularly:

   Stay up-to-date with the latest accessibility standards and constantly monitor your website for new barriers, making the necessary adjustments as soon as possible.

7. Implement and improve:

   Start implementing changes based on audit results and user feedback. Make regular improvements and optimizations to your website to ensure ongoing compliance with accessibility standards.

8. Promote accessibility:

   Share your experience and expertise to raise awareness and encourage others to make their websites more accessible.

9. Create a wave of inclusion:

   By adapting website accessibility, you are contributing to building a more inclusive and equitable digital world. It's a continuous process of learning, implementing, and advocating for accessibility. It's about creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.