Acquia, an open digital experience software provider has added WCAG 2.2 to its Monsido web optimisation platform. WCAG 2.2 is the latest web content accessibility guidelines recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Using the Accessibility Module in Monsido, customers can automatically scan their websites, obtain an accessibility score. Customers receive actionable recommendations to help ensure the accessibility of digital content for individuals with disabilities.
“WCAG 2.2 stands as the globally recognised benchmark for digital accessibility. It marks a pivotal step toward a more accessible and inclusive digital world,” said Jennifer Griffin Smith, Chief Market Officer at Acquia.
“Keeping pace with the latest guidelines as they emerge is a major challenge but a necessary one. 51% of consumers are willing to pay more to companies committed to digital accessibility. 41% are willing to pay up to 10% more. Monsido simplifies this process, making it easy to identify and proactively fix accessibility issues, avoid penalties for non-compliance. Most importantly maximise the return on marketing investments by improving the digital experience for all users. This ensures a wider reach and more audience engagement.”
Expanding WCAG 2.1
WCAG 2.2 expands on WCAG 2.1 – which addressed accessibility issues for individuals with blindness, deafness, and mobility requirements – with new criteria to make the web more productive for those with low vision and cognitive disabilities, as well as those using tablets and other mobile devices. The Monsido platform addresses common accessibility issues against these latest guidelines. It enables errors to be filtered by the desired level of compliance (e.g. A, AA, or AAA) for easy prioritisation. Comprehensive reports explain how to resolve issues. The Accessibility Fast Track feature empowers teams to instantly fix repetitive errors across multiple pages. For additional support, teams can access the Accessibility Help Centre, which breaks down the more technical WCAG 2.2 checks in plain language.
Spotlighting the importance for digital accessibility
Acquia says its mission is to help customers build a better digital future that is more inclusive and accessible and sets new benchmarks for performance and innovation. Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is set for May 16th. Acquia is making May “Digital Accessibility Month” to spotlight digital accessibility as a critical element of every organisation’s digital practices.
Throughout the month, Acquia will offer opportunities for technology and marketing professionals to learn about the state of digital accessibility. To get marketers inspired to make meaningful improvements through:
- Informative webinars on The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Digital Accessibility, The Digital Accessibility Dilemma, and Achieving Near Perfect Web Accessibility.
- Collaborative workshops at Acquia Engage London and Paris, as well as DrupalCon Portland. Attendees will learn accessibility fundamentals, how to apply them in website design and development, and more.
- Educating and engaging their communities with accessibility facts shared daily on Acquia’s social channels. It is also a downloadable animated American Sign Language emojis for Slack and social media.
Enterprise Times: What this means for businesses
Enterprises responsible for apps, websites, or social media sites that cater to various audiences mean more than creating great content. It requires ensuring that every visitor is able to access, understand, and use it. Accessibility is an issue that many organisations have at the lower end of their long checklist. However, site owners can never forget their legal responsibilities and have to ensure their digital real estate is fully compliant.
Acquia’s Monsido solution should make it easier for enterprises to provide fully accessible digital experiences. Such experiences can only empower consumers, particularly those with disabilities and ensure everyone has the opportunity to engage with their brand. Smart solution and platform providers are looking to ensure their tools are fully W3C compliant. Acquia is well down this particular path. The Monsido platform now supports WCAG 2.2 digital accessibility guidelines is only good news in the world of digital commerce.
