We all experience moments when we find ourselves temporarily or situationally disabled. Consider instances such as when you’ve had a broken arm and struggled to use your phone, or when you were multitasking at home with a child in your arms. Have you ever tried to read something on your phone while enjoying a sunny day at the park?

These scenarios highlight that anyone can be "dis-able" or, put differently, "not able" to perform certain tasks at times.

When discussing disabilities, many people think of permanent conditions such as blindness or paralysis. However, it's crucial to recognize that disabilities can also be temporary.

“A temporarily disabled person refers to someone whose physical disability or incapacity is expected to last no longer than 180 days.” — lawinsider.com

We often overlook our own moments of being "dis-able." Here are a few examples:

• Ever tried to watch a video on public transport without headphones? A transcript of the video would be incredibly useful.
• Had your eyes dilated after a doctor's visit, making it difficult to see? Imagine how beneficial a screen reader could be in that situation.
• Suffered from an ear infection and struggled to hear for a week? You likely wished for captions on videos.
• Worn gloves and found it impossible to use your phone's touchscreen? Voice commands would provide a helpful alternative.

As remote work becomes more common, the prevalence of situational disabilities is increasing. While these challenges may not be long-term, they underscore the necessity for digital accommodations. Imagining ourselves in these scenarios can help us grasp the significance of accessibility in web development. It reveals that accessible technology aids not only those with permanent disabilities but everyone who encounters temporary obstacles.

Creating accessible websites and applications has widespread benefits—for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. High-quality products and services should be available to everyone, regardless of any disabilities. For instance, while individuals without color blindness may benefit from high contrast in bright sunlight, those who are color-blind rely on it consistently. This illustrates how accessible design enhances overall user satisfaction and experience.

According to colourblindawareness.org, “Colour blindness affects about 1 in 12 men (8%) and 1 in 200 women globally.”

Despite the potential for accessibility in the digital realm, many developers still neglect to prioritize it, leading to barriers that prevent individuals from accessing products and services. The web has the fundamental capabilities to eliminate these barriers, fostering improved communication and interaction that many people struggle with in the physical world.

As noted by developer.mozilla.org, “For many, technology simplifies life. For those with disabilities, technology enables possibilities.”

Next, I will outline the definition of web accessibility and provide initial steps to ensure your web application is accessible to everyone at all times. We will also explore how to assess your website's level of accessibility.

# Web Accessibility

“The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.” — Tim Berners-Lee

Accessibility (often shortened to A11y) refers to the creation of a globally accessible information system for all individuals. Tim Berners-Lee designed the web to be inclusive, accommodating users regardless of their hardware, software, language, location, or abilities.

Web accessibility ensures that websites, tools, and technologies are crafted to be usable by those with disabilities. This means that individuals should be able to perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the web effectively.

# How to Make Your Website Accessible

The W3C’s Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) is dedicated to enhancing web accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The WAI offers strategies, standards, and resources to help improve the web's accessibility.

In my article "4 Simple Steps to Make Your Website Accessible," I will outline some of the most straightforward and essential methods to enhance your website's accessibility. Additionally, I will demonstrate how to evaluate the level of accessibility of your site.