Making Websites Accessible: A Review of accessiBe

As a web designer, I'm always on the lookout for new tools and solutions that make accessibility a breeze. That's why I was excited when accessiBe reached out to me to review their Squarespace accessibility extension designed to make websites WCAG & ADA compliant.

What is accessibility in terms of web design?

Accessibility refers to the practice of ensuring that websites, digital tools, and other technologies are usable and navigable by people of all abilities, including those with disabilities. This includes but is not limited to visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities. Accessibility aims to remove barriers that might prevent individuals from accessing or interacting with digital content and services.

Why is it important for my website to be accessible?

When I'm crafting websites, I'm careful to design them in a way that complies with WCAG & ADA compliant standards. For example, if a client asks for pale blue text on a white background, I’ll double-check the colors using a contrast checker, as it may not be readable to those with a visual impairment. If they don't pass the test, I'll let the client know. Even after I explain how important accessibility is, some clients are insistent on their design choices. And I get it — sometimes accessible design just doesn’t fit a certain aesthetic. With accessiBe in the picture, these kinds of issues could be a thing of the past!

Making your website accessible isn’t just a moral thing; it's a legal thing too! You don't want to find yourself in hot water because your site isn't ADA compliant, trust me. Lawsuits related to web accessibility are no joke, and they can seriously hurt your business. It's not just about avoiding legal trouble; it's about being inclusive and welcoming to all users.

How does accessiBe work?

With their free trial, I was able to test accessiBe out for myself. It was super easy to install - just a simple copy/paste of one line of code. They also provide special instructions for Squarespace users.

Once I installed it, the accessiBe icon appeared on the bottom right of my website. Clicking it reveals all the accessiBe panel where visitors can select their options based on their needs. Some features include making the text on the page larger/smaller, increasing contrast, and making the font readable. They even have a toggle called “ADHD Friendly Profile” which darks the screen around a portion of the screen, to eliminate distractions. As someone who’s neurodivergent, I appreciated that they included this feature.

I took a screen video below! Pretty nifty.

How can accessiBe help you?

With accessiBe, you rest assured that your website is WCAG & ADA compliant without having to deal with the hassle of making manual adjustments. Moreover, accessiBe provides real-time updates and monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance with accessibility standards. This means that as guidelines evolve or new regulations are introduced, your website remains up-to-date and in compliance, minimizing the risk of legal repercussions and ensuring continued accessibility for all users.

In conclusion, accessiBe offers a comprehensive solution for achieving and maintaining website accessibility compliance — and it only takes a few minutes to install! I’m happy to support a company that aims to make the web accessible to all.