Accessibility

Inaccessibility isn't well known for most, but for some it dictates every part of life. Discover the importance of addressing inaccessibility, and see what you can do.

Accessibility What is it?

Accessibility means making sure that everyone can use and enjoy things equally, regardless of their abilities. It's about removing barriers and making things easier to understand, see, hear, and use. By considering different needs, we create a world where everyone has a fair chance to participate and be included.

A group of friends is posing for a picture on the beach. One of them is in a wheelchair

A person in a wheelchair is driving over the sidewalk. He is being held back because there are garbage containers blocking the path.

A woman is trying to read a paper while on the phone with customer service. She is having difficulties because her arm is in a cast.

a blind woman is sitting at the table, reading a braille book

Understand the impact ofinaccessibility

Inaccessibility can have terrible impact on the lives of people with disabilities. It breeds frustration as they face constant barriers that hinder their participation and independence. Confronted by their disabilities, they grapple with frustration, fatigue and failure. Stripped of autonomy, they become reliant on others, diminishing their sense of self. The toll is profound, affecting mental and physical health, often leading to the depths of depression.

16% or about 1.3 billion people

Suffer from disabilities and the challenges that come with it.

Inaccessibility causes

Dependancy
Exclusion
Limited job opportunities
Frustration
Fatigue
Sedentary behaviour

Which leads to

Decreased social contact
Seclusion
Loneliness
Mental health problems
Physical health problems
Depression
Pain
Higher risk of premature death

“To design for disability is to design for everyone”

Accessible Design What can we designers bring to the table?

Almost everything in the world has been designed. We as designers stand at the front of every design process and set the tone for the rest of it. We determine how accessible a design or product is going to be. To battle inaccessibility, we designers must take our role seriously and strive for inclusivity and accessibility in everything we make. By embracing accessible design, you empower individuals of diverse abilities to engage with and benefit from your products, services, and digital experiences. It's not just about meeting legal requirements; it's about reaching a wider audience, fostering inclusivity, and making a positive impact on people's lives.

A man in a wheelchair is driving over a road surrounded by trees. It is sunny and the man is spreading his arms.

The advantagesof accessible design

Ride the trend

Staying on top of societal trends ensures your relevance as a designer.

Pass legislation

From 2025 onwards most Dutch commercial websites are required to meet the WCAG 2.1 standards. If you can design accessible, you're in hot demand!

Improve your skills

Accessible design is essentially good user friendly design. Help yourself get more professional.

Get a bigger reach

About 16% of society suffers from disability, often preventing them from using inaccessible services. Make your designs accessible and gain 16% audience.

Tackle situational disabilities as well

Inaccessibility isn't just caused by disabilities. Glare on your screen limits your vision and watching a video in a library means no sound. It'd be nice if there were a text alternative.

Design for all

While accessibility requirements can feel creatively restrictive, they provide criteria to make your designs better in the end. Including edge cases makes your designs more user friendly over all.

Start learning today

Our purposeTo promote accessibility by making it approachable

Start learning today About BiteSized

Accessible

By writing in short and simple language, understanding accessibility becomes effortless.

Motivating

Using multiple forms of media makes learning more engaging and fun.

Imaginable

Using examples and concrete scenarios makes accessiblity less vague and theoretical.

Tools & Resources

Our collection of tools, resources, inspiration and communities helps designers solve any accessiblity issue.