Web accessibility refers to the practice of making Web pages accessible to people using a wide range of user agent software and devices, not just standard Web browsers. This is especially important for people with disabilities such as visual impairment. In order to access the Web, some users require special software or devices in addition to a standard web browser, or specially designed web browsers. Design for accessibility is a sub-category of good design for usability.
Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can use the Web. More specifically, Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web. Web accessibility also benefits others, including older people with changing abilities due to aging.
Web accessibility is about making your website accessible to all Internet users (both disabled and non-disabled), regardless of what browsing technology they're using.
Broad and succinct!
Benefits – Who?
Those with disabilities
Blind, colorblind
Deaf, hard of hearing
Mobility Cognitive
Neurological (seizures)
Those with different levels of web savviness
Those using different user agents (browsers)
Those using different devices
Those with limited technologies
Benefits – Business
Increases potential use by more people; expands potential market share
Accessible web sites general download faster
Better for usability
May result in lower hosting costs
Increases positive image
Possibly avoid significant legal costs
Decreases cost of having to provide information in alternative media formats such as alternative web sites, print publications, embossed Braille, computer disks
Increases usability, which improves success rate of user (ex: better able to purchase a specific product or service)