Building a new website for an organization means designing a virtual space that is available to individuals of all ability levels. Considering that more than 50 million Americans are living with a disability, it is essential that websites allow for universal usability. 

A website's success is ultimately dependent on its accessibility, an aspect that must be carefully considered and conveyed through every step of the web design process. It begins at the microcosmic level of building universal usability into the framework of the website and continues beyond the design stage, becoming an ongoing point of concern and maintenance. 

It can sound complex and overwhelming, but there are easy steps that companies can take to ensure their sites work for everyone. The first step in that path is making accessibility a central and consistent concern. 

For more helpful tips and support in implementing accessibility strategies, please visit the https://www.boia.org/blog/accessibility-from-the-ground-up-what-to-consider-when-developing-a-new-website.

About the Bureau of Internet Accessibility:

Mobile and Website compliance is a requirement, but trying to understand the WCAG 2.0 Guidelines and how they relate to ADA, ACAA, OCR, AODA, Section 508 and other compliance requirements, can be confusing. The Bureau of Internet Accessibility (BoIA) has been helping eliminate the accessibility digital divide since 2001. The organization's reports, tools, and services have assisted businesses in improving, maintaining, and proving the accessibility of their websites. With services that include self-help tools, audits, training, remediation and implementation support, BoIA has the experience and expertise to ensure that accessibility efforts are worthwhile and successful. For more information, visit www.BoIA.org.

Original article on Sys-Con Media.