Category: ExceedAbility blog

The ExceedAbility blog focuses on issues relating to website accessibility and usability.

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Understanding Global Accessibility Standards

A black-and-white illustration of a globe with multiple speech bubbles surrounding it, each containing different national flags, symbolising global communication and multilingual accessibility
A visual representation of worldwide accessibility efforts, illustrating the importance of multilingual and cross-cultural web and document accessibility standards.

In today’s digital world, accessibility is no longer optional – it’s a necessity.

Organisations across the globe are required to ensure their websites, digital content, and documents are accessible to people with disabilities. Compliance with global accessibility standards not only avoids legal risks but also enhances user experience, broadens audience reach, and demonstrates corporate social responsibility.

At ExceedAbility, we help businesses align with key accessibility standards to create truly inclusive digital experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the major global standards and how we can support your organisation in achieving compliance.

Key Global Accessibility Standards

1. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Published by: W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)
Latest Version: WCAG 2.2 (2023)
Scope: Websites, web applications, mobile apps, and digital content
Key Principles: Content must be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR)

WCAG is the gold standard for web accessibility and is adopted in numerous legal frameworks worldwide. Compliance levels include A, AA, and AAA, with WCAG 2.1 Level AA being the benchmark for most regulations.

2. EN 301 549 (European Accessibility Standard)

Published by: European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)
Scope: Web content, software, mobile applications, and ICT hardware
Key Requirement: Aligns with WCAG 2.1 but includes additional specifications for ICT products and services.

This standard is mandatory for public sector organisations in the EU and influences private sector compliance as well.
🔗 EN 301 549 (PDF)

3. Section 508 (U.S. Federal Accessibility Standard)

Published by: U.S. Government (Rehabilitation Act of 1973)
Scope: U.S. federal agencies and any organisation receiving federal funding
Key Requirement: Compliance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA.

Failure to meet Section 508 standards can result in legal action and loss of federal contracts.
🔗 Section 508 Guidelines

4. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) & Digital Accessibility

Published by: U.S. Department of Justice
Scope: Public and private sector businesses
Key Requirement: The ADA does not explicitly define web accessibility standards but references WCAG in legal cases.

Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits, making accessibility a legal and financial priority for businesses operating in the U.S.
🔗 ADA and Web Accessibility

5. Accessible Canada Act (ACA)

Published by: Government of Canada
Scope: Federal agencies, organisations under federal jurisdiction
Key Requirement: Must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

The ACA aims for a barrier-free Canada by 2040, requiring compliance from various sectors.
🔗 Accessible Canada Act

6. UK Accessibility Regulations

Published by: UK Government (Equality Act 2010, Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018)
Scope: Government and business digital services
Key Requirement: Compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Failure to comply can lead to complaints to the Equality and Human Rights Commission and legal consequences.
🔗 UK Government Accessibility Guidance

7. Australian Digital Service Standard

Published by: Australian Government
Scope: Government digital services
Key Requirement: Ensures digital services are accessible, simple, and inclusive, aligning with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

This standard sets out 13 principles that guide Australian government services to be user-centred and accessible.
🔗 Australian Digital Service Standard

8. PDF/UA (PDF Accessibility Standard)

Published by: ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
Standard: ISO 14289-1
Scope: Ensures PDF documents are accessible using assistive technologies.

This standard is critical for making digital documents, including reports, brochures, and contracts, fully accessible.
🔗 ISO PDF/UA Standard

9. EPUB Accessibility 1.1

Published by: W3C
Scope: Accessibility guidelines for eBooks (EPUB format)
Key Requirement: Must align with WCAG and PDF/UA principles.

Ensuring EPUB content is accessible broadens audience reach for digital publications.
🔗 EPUB Accessibility 1.1

Why Accessibility Matters for Your Organisation

Compliance with these standards is more than just a legal requirement—it’s a strategic advantage. Benefits include:

✅ Improved User Experience – Accessibility enhances usability for all users, including those with disabilities.

✅ Legal Protection – Avoid lawsuits and penalties associated with non-compliance.

✅ Expanded Market Reach – Over 1 billion people worldwide live with disabilities; accessibility opens new customer segments.

✅ Enhanced Brand Reputation – Show commitment to diversity, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility.

✅ SEO & Performance Benefits – Accessible websites often rank higher in search engines and have better performance metrics.

How ExceedAbility Can Help

At ExceedAbility, we specialise in web and document accessibility consultancy to help organisations meet compliance requirements efficiently. Our services include:

🔹 Web Accessibility Audits – Comprehensive assessments to identify WCAG compliance gaps.
🔹 Document Remediation – Ensuring PDFs, Word documents, and other files meet accessibility standards (PDF/UA, WCAG).
🔹 Advice and Consultancy – Educating organisations on accessibility best practices and compliance strategies.
🔹 Ongoing Compliance Monitoring – Continuous support to maintain and improve accessibility over time.

Let’s Make the Digital World Accessible for Everyone!

Accessibility is not just an obligation; it’s an opportunity to create a more inclusive digital experience. Contact us today to ensure your organisation is meeting global accessibility standards and providing equal access to all users.

Together, let’s build a more inclusive digital future.

Contact us
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The Chocolate Cake Accessibility Analogy

"A monochromatic illustration of a man holding a plate with a slice of cake, gazing at it thoughtfully."
Starting with the right ingredients matters—accessibility should be baked into design, not added as an afterthought

Why Accessibility and Usability Should Be Baked In, Not Added On

Imagine you’re craving a rich chocolate cake. You gather the finest cocoa, premium chocolate, and all the ingredients needed to ensure every bite delivers pure chocolate bliss. The result? A cake that’s rich, cohesive, and exactly what you wanted.

Now, imagine starting with a vanilla cake instead. Halfway through, you realise you wanted chocolate. So, you cover it with chocolate icing and maybe even inject some chocolate syrup inside. Sure, it looks chocolatey on the outside, and it might taste close, but it’s not quite the same as a true chocolate cake.

This analogy perfectly illustrates the difference between designing with usability, accessibility, and universal design in mind from the outset versus trying to retrofit these principles later. The end result might seem similar on the surface, but the experience—and the cost—will tell a different story.

Upfront vs. Retrospective Design: The Pros and Cons

1. Cost Efficiency

  • Upfront: Building accessibility and usability from the beginning saves significant costs. Design decisions are intentional, and costly rework is avoided.
  • Retrospective: Retrofitting accessibility features often requires reworking designs, rewriting code, and rethinking workflows—all of which are costly and time-consuming.

2. Time to Delivery

  • Upfront: Projects stay on schedule as accessibility and usability are part of the initial scope.
  • Retrospective: Redesigning to address accessibility issues can delay timelines, sometimes significantly, especially if third-party audits uncover non-compliance.

3. User Experience

  • Upfront: A product designed with universal design principles delivers a seamless and enjoyable experience for all users.
  • Retrospective: Patchwork fixes may address functional gaps but often leave the overall experience feeling disjointed.

4. Brand Reputation and Compliance

  • Upfront: Proactive accessibility design enhances brand reputation, reduces legal risks, and ensures compliance with regulations.
  • Retrospective: Addressing compliance only after issues arise can result in reputational damage, legal challenges, and loss of user trust.

5. Testing and Validation

  • Upfront: Usability and accessibility testing are part of the standard development cycle, allowing early identification and correction of issues.
  • Retrospective: External audits and retroactive testing often reveal deep-rooted problems that require extensive redesign and validation.

The Lesson: Try to build it right from the Start

Whether designing documents, websites, or apps, the principle remains the same: building with accessibility, usability, and universal design in mind from the start creates a stronger, more effective product. Like a well-made chocolate cake, everything aligns perfectly, delivering satisfaction without unnecessary rework.

On the other hand, retrofitting accessibility after the fact may result in a product that looks correct but doesn’t fully deliver on usability or inclusivity.

At ExceedAbility, we believe in baking accessibility into every stage of design and development. Whether you’re working on a document, website, or app, starting with the right ingredients ensures your end product isn’t just ‘good enough’—it’s exceptional.

Ready to create a seamless experience for all users from the start? Get in touch with us today.

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Exceeding Expectations: How Paralympians Inspire Us

An animated GIF featuring an athlete with intellectual impairments celebrating while holding a medal, accompanied by the text 'Exceeded Intellectual Impairment' and the ExceedAbility logo.
Showcasing the triumphs of athletes with intellectual impairments, this animation highlights resilience and the power of inclusion.

ExceedAbility Helps You Do the Same

On December 3rd, we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day dedicated to recognising the achievements, contributions, and abilities of individuals living with disabilities.

At ExceedAbility, we take inspiration from the exceptional achievements of Paralympians, who not only defy odds but consistently exceed expectations in their respective sports. Just as they push the boundaries of what’s possible, we empower businesses to do the same by meeting and exceeding accessibility standards across websites, applications, and digital documents.

Paralympians: A Legacy of Excellence

Paralympians showcase the incredible potential of human adaptability, strength, and determination. Whether it’s athletes with physical impairments conquering the slopes of the Winter Paralympics, competitors with vision impairments navigating the complexity of track and field, or individuals with intellectual impairments mastering strategic games like table tennis, their stories are a testament to resilience and the spirit of innovation.

Their success is not just an athletic feat—it’s a challenge to society to create a world where every individual, regardless of ability, can excel. These athletes perform at elite levels not because of what they lack but because of the support systems, accessible technologies, and inclusive opportunities that enable them to focus on their strengths.

Bridging the Digital Divide: The Role of Accessibility

Just as Paralympians achieve greatness through access to the right resources, businesses can achieve greater inclusion, engagement, and success by prioritising accessibility. Digital accessibility is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a necessity. It ensures that your business is open to everyone, including the 15% of the global population living with disabilities.

When websites, apps, and documents are inaccessible, it creates barriers akin to asking a Paralympian to compete without the necessary equipment or support. At ExceedAbility, we believe that with the right strategies, tools, and expertise, businesses can not only meet accessibility standards but exceed them—unlocking innovation, increasing customer satisfaction, and fostering inclusivity.

How ExceedAbility Helps Your Business Excel

Our services are designed to make accessibility seamless, effective, and a driver of growth for your organisation:

  • Advice & Strategy: We partner with you to create long-term accessibility strategies that align with your business goals, ensuring sustainability and compliance.
  • Audits & Compliance: Our comprehensive audits identify accessibility gaps and ensure compliance with WCAG, ADA, and other regulations.
  • Testing & Remediation: We provide hands-on testing using both automated tools and real users with disabilities, fixing issues to improve usability for all.
  • Accessible Document Design & Validation: From PDFs to complex reports, we ensure that your documents are universally accessible without compromising on design or functionality.

Why Accessibility is an Opportunity, Not an Obligation

Accessibility is more than compliance—it’s about building stronger, more inclusive communities. Just as Paralympians prove what’s possible when barriers are removed, your business can exceed customer expectations by fostering a digital environment where everyone can thrive.

Inclusive design leads to better products and services for everyone. It increases your audience reach, builds brand loyalty, and demonstrates corporate social responsibility in an era when consumers care deeply about these values.

Celebrate World Disability Day with Us

This December 3rd, let’s take inspiration from Paralympians and challenge ourselves to break barriers, exceed expectations, and create opportunities for all. At ExceedAbility, we’re here to help your business achieve accessibility excellence. Together, we can ensure that the digital world is a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Ready to exceed expectations? Contact us today to learn how we can help your business go beyond compliance and lead in inclusivity.

Join the Movement

ExceedAbility’s vision aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Paralympics: celebrating what’s possible when limits are redefined. Let’s make accessibility a standard—not a challenge.

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Understanding Digital Accessibility for Disabilities

A diverse group of five individuals, including one wearing headphones, gathered around a computer, actively discussing accessibility solutions
Accessibility experts brainstorming innovative solutions to ensure inclusive digital experiences for all users.

In a world where digital interaction is integral to daily life, ensuring accessibility for everyone is not just a social responsibility but a legal and business imperative. Let’s explores three key disability categories—Physical Disability, Vision Impairment, and Cognitive Impairment—highlighting their challenges and how inclusive digital design can empower individuals.

1. Physical Disability

Definition
Physical disabilities affect a person’s mobility, dexterity, or motor skills. This could include conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, or limb loss.

Examples

  • A person using a wheelchair or prosthetic limbs.
  • Someone with limited hand coordination who relies on assistive devices like a stylus or adaptive keyboards.

Challenges with Inaccessible Websites and Documents

  • Buttons or clickable elements that are too small.
  • Websites with complex navigation requiring precise mouse movements.
  • Lack of compatibility with speech-to-text tools or alternative input devices.

Opportunities with Accessible Design

  • Implementing large clickable areas and voice-activated navigation.
  • Ensuring compatibility with keyboard navigation and adaptive devices.
  • Allowing users to customise the interface to fit their needs.

2. Vision Impairment

Definition
Vision impairment includes partial sight, blindness, or colour blindness.

Examples

  • A person who is blind and uses a screen reader.
  • A person with low vision who relies on magnification tools.
  • A person with colour blindness who struggles with certain colour combinations.

Challenges with Inaccessible Websites and Documents

  • Images and graphical elements without alternative text descriptions.
  • Insufficient colour contrast between text and background.
  • Non-linear navigation that confuses screen readers.

Opportunities with Accessible Design

  • Including alternative text (alt-text) for images.
  • Providing high contrast themes and customisable font sizes.
  • Ensuring logical and descriptive navigation labels for screen readers.

3. Cognitive Impairment

Definition
Cognitive impairments affect memory, attention, comprehension, or problem-solving abilities. These can include conditions like dyslexia, ADHD, or dementia.

Examples

  • A person with dyslexia who struggles with large blocks of text.
  • An individual with ADHD who finds it hard to focus on cluttered interfaces.
  • A person with memory challenges who benefits from clear and concise instructions.

Challenges with Inaccessible Websites and Documents

  • Overly complex language or jargon.
  • Disorganised layout and inconsistent navigation.
  • Lack of visual or audio cues to aid comprehension.

Opportunities with Accessible Design

  • Using plain language and breaking content into smaller, digestible chunks.
  • Consistent layout with clear headings and intuitive navigation.
  • Including multimedia aids such as video instructions and audio cues.

The Impact of Accessibility

When websites, applications, and documents are inaccessible, they create barriers that exclude individuals with disabilities, leading to frustration, reduced independence, and lost opportunities. On the flip side, accessible design fosters inclusivity, enables greater independence, and opens up new markets for businesses by reaching a broader audience.

By embracing accessibility, organisations not only comply with legal standards but also demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Accessible digital experiences are better for everyone—improving usability and fostering innovation.

Contact Us to Build an Accessible Digital Presence

At ExceedAbility, we specialise in helping create accessible websites, applications, and documents that empower individuals and drive business success. Contact us today to learn how we can help you make your digital assets inclusive and compliant with accessibility standards.

Get in Touch

Let’s work together to make a difference!

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Boost Your Business with Web Accessibility

There are several commercial advantages to having digital products and services that are web accessible:

Increased reach: By making your digital products and services accessible to people with disabilities, you can increase the reach of your products and services to a wider audience. This can lead to increased customer base, sales, and revenue.

Improved user experience: Web accessibility can improve the user experience for all users, not just those with disabilities. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and positive word-of-mouth.

Cost savings: Making your digital products and services accessible from the start can save you time and money in the long run. If you have to retrofit your products and services to make them accessible, it can be costly and time-consuming.

Legal compliance: As mentioned earlier, there are laws in Australia that require organisations to make their websites and other online content accessible to people with disabilities. By making your digital products and services accessible, you can avoid legal action and potential fines.

Reputation: By making your digital products and services accessible, you can demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and equal access. This can improve your organisation’s reputation and potentially attract new customers and partners.

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Web Accessibility Legal Risks Australia

In Australia, there are several laws that require organisations to make their websites and other online content accessible to people with disabilities. These laws include the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (AHRCA).

Under the DDA, it is unlawful to discriminate against people with disabilities in the areas of work, education, and the provision of goods, services, and facilities. This includes the provision of online content and services. The AHRCA establishes the Australian Human Rights Commission, which has the power to investigate and conciliate complaints of discrimination, including complaints related to web accessibility.

Organisations that fail to make their websites and other online content accessible to people with disabilities may face legal action, including complaints to the Australian Human Rights Commission and legal proceedings in the Federal Court or Federal Circuit Court.

In addition to the legal risks, organisations may also face reputational risks if they are seen as not being inclusive or as not providing equal access to their online content and services. This could lead to negative publicity and damage to the organisation’s reputation.

To reduce the risk of legal action and reputational damage, it is important for organisations to ensure that their websites and other online content are designed and developed with accessibility in mind. This may involve following web accessibility guidelines and standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and conducting regular testing and evaluation to ensure that the content remains accessible.

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Helpful Web Accessibility Tools

List of web accessibility tools

What tools help identify problems which may be restricting the use of your website?

Gain the knowledge to take action and quickly resolve any accessibility issues.

WAVE Web Accessibility Tool

Webaim Contrast Checker

Webaim WCAG checklist

Webaim Link Contrast Checker

WebAnywhere is a non-visual interface to the web that requires no new software to be downloaded or installed

A11Y Compliance Platformhttp://www.boia.org/?wc3
AATT (Automated Accessibility Testing Tool)https://github.com/paypal/AATT
Accessibility Checklisthttp://romeo.elsevier.com/accessibility_checklist/
Accessibility Management Platform (AMP)https://amp.ssbbartgroup.com/login.php?redir=L2luZGV4LnBocA==
Accessibility Viewerhttps://www.paciellogroup.com/resources/aviewer/
Acrobat XI Prohttps://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/create-verify-pdf-accessibility.html
aXe Chrome Pluginhttps://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/axe/lhdoppojpmngadmnindnejefpokejbdd
Bookmarklets for Accessibility Testinghttp://pauljadam.com/bookmarklets/
CKSource Accessibility Checkerhttps://cksource.com/accessibility-checker/
CommonLook PDF Global Accesshttp://commonlook.com/accessibility-software/commonlook-pdf/
COMPLYFirst Professionalhttps://www.odellus.com/
Cynthia Sayshttp://www.cynthiasays.com/
DYNOMapper.comhttps://dynomapper.com/features/website-accessibility-testing
FireEyeshttp://www.deque.com/products/fireeyes/
HTML_CodeSnifferhttp://squizlabs.github.io/HTML_CodeSniffer/
Monsido Web Governance Platformhttp://monsido.com/
Pa11yhttp://pa11y.org/
SortSitehttp://www.powermapper.com/products/sortsite/
Tenonhttps://tenon.io/
Total Validatorhttps://www.totalvalidator.com/
WorldSpacehttp://www.deque.com/products/

Screen reader software.

NVDA screen reader software – The NVDA screen reader can be downloaded free of charge by anyone.

JAWS screen reader software – JAWS, Job Access With Speech, is the world’s most popular screen reader,

Browser Extensions

Chrome Extension

WAVE Chrome Extension at the Google Web Store

Firefox Extension

WAVE Firefox Extension at Mozilla Add-ons

Platforms and operating systems

Google Accessibility https://www.google.com.au/accessibility/

Apple Accessibility https://www.apple.com/au/accessibility/

Microsoft accessibility: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility

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Why does web accessibility matter?

Web accessibility refers to the practice of making websites, web applications, and other digital content accessible to people with disabilities. This includes individuals who are blind or have low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, have mobility impairments, or have cognitive or learning disabilities.

There are several reasons why businesses, companies, and brands should care about website accessibility:

Legal considerations: In many countries, it is a legal requirement for businesses to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities. Failing to do so can result in costly lawsuits and damage to a company’s reputation.

Improved user experience: Making a website accessible improves the user experience for people with disabilities, who may otherwise be unable to access or use the site. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Increased market potential: By making a website accessible, businesses can reach a wider audience, including people with disabilities and older individuals who may have difficulty using traditional websites. This can help to expand a company’s customer base and increase revenue.

Good corporate citizenship: Making a website accessible is a way for businesses to show their commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity. This can help to improve a company’s reputation and build trust with customers and other stakeholders.

Improved search engine optimization (SEO): Following web accessibility best practices can also help improve a website’s SEO, as search engines are more likely to rank websites that are accessible and easy to use higher in search results. This can help to increase traffic to a website and boost the company’s online presence.

Web accessibility is important because it allows people with disabilities to access and use the same information and services as everyone else. It also helps to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in the digital economy and society.

To make a website or web application accessible, developers need to follow certain guidelines and best practices. This includes using semantic HTML tags to structure the content, providing alternative text for images, using colours and fonts that are legible and have sufficient contrast, and making sure that all interactive elements are keyboard-navigable. Developers also need to test their websites and web applications to ensure that they are fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Overall, web accessibility is a crucial aspect of the design and development of digital content and is essential for ensuring that everyone can access and use the internet.

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Web Accessibility defined

Web accessibility refers to the practice of making websites, web applications, and other digital content accessible to people with disabilities. This includes individuals who are blind or have low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, have mobility impairments, or have cognitive or learning disabilities.

Web accessibility is important because it allows people with disabilities to access and use the same information and services as everyone else. It also helps to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in the digital economy and society.

To make a website or web application accessible, developers need to follow certain guidelines and best practices. This includes using semantic HTML tags to structure the content, providing alternative text for images, using colours and fonts that are legible and have sufficient contrast, and making sure that all interactive elements are keyboard-navigable. Developers also need to test their websites and web applications to ensure that they are fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Overall, web accessibility is a crucial aspect of the design and development of digital content and is essential for ensuring that everyone can access and use the internet.