Why Accessibility Matters
It’s Our Policy
The UNC Digital Accessibility Policy requires compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and looks to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA for guidance in meeting campus accessibility commitments. More information may be obtained on the Digital Accessibility Office web site.
It’s The Right Thing To Do
The web is all about providing access, information, and opportunity to as many people as possible. It is only right that the University community fosters inclusivity, and works to ensure that all can participate.
The importance of digital accessibility goes beyond legal regulations. With nearly 25% of the population living with a disability, web accessibility has become a major focus for organizations worldwide.
Having an accessible website isn’t only about people with disabilities. While 71% of web users with a disability will simply leave a website that is not accessible, users without disabilities find accessibility features help them navigate a site more effectively. When you maintain an accessible digital presence, all site visitors will benefit.
At 1.85 billion people globally, people with disabilities (PWD) represent more than one in four on the planet— a market larger than China.
Resources
- Go through Diverse Abilities and Barriers to get a better understanding of how some users with disabilities are affected by inaccessible sites.
- Watch the videos on Web Accessibility Perspectives to see how users benefit from accessibility features.