5 Best Practices for Accessible Information Management
As companies continue to expand their digital footprint, accessibility for all individuals, including those with disabilities, becomes increasingly important. Accessible information management is the practice of ensuring that information is easily accessible and usable to all individuals, regardless of disability. Companies that prioritize accessible information management reap the benefits of increased customer satisfaction, compliance with government regulations, and an expanded market for their products and services. Here are 5 best practices for accessible information management.
1. Plan for Accessibility at the Outset of Information Creation
When creating information, whether it’s a document, website, video, or audio recording, consider accessibility from the outset. This means keeping accessibility in mind as you choose colors, fonts, and images, as well as when you structure headings, subheadings, and document navigation. By planning for accessibility from the start, you can avoid the need to go back and make accessibility modifications later, which can be time-consuming and costly.
2. Use Accessible Document Formats
When sharing information, it’s important to use file formats that can be easily accessed by individuals with disabilities. For example, PDF documents should be created with accessibility in mind, ensuring that the document is tagged and able to be read by assistive technology. Likewise, videos and audio recordings should be captioned so that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can access the information. Using accessible document formats ensures that the information you share is accessible to all.
3. Use Clear and Concise Language
Using clear and concise language in your information management is not only important for accessibility, but it also ensures that the information is easily understood by all readers. Avoid using complex jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to some readers, and instead strive for plain language. This not only benefits individuals with disabilities but can also simplify information for individuals who speak English as a second language.
4. Prioritize Website Accessibility
Website accessibility is critical for businesses that want to reach as many customers as possible. This means ensuring that website content is easily accessible for individuals with disabilities, including those who use screen readers or other assistive technologies. Some key web accessibility practices include: providing alternative text for images, ensuring website navigation is keyboard-accessible, and avoiding the use of flashing or rapidly changing content that could trigger seizures in individuals with epilepsy.
5. Educate Employees on Accessibility
Finally, it’s critical to educate employees on accessibility best practices. This not only ensures that employees create accessible information, but it also encourages a company culture that prioritizes accessibility for all individuals. Providing accessibility training can be done through a number of methods including in-person, web-based training, or workshops. By educating employees on accessibility, companies can be assured that all their information is accessible and usable.
Conclusion
Accessible information management should be a priority for all companies. By considering accessibility from the outset of information creation, using accessible document formats, using clear and concise language, prioritizing website accessibility, and educating employees on accessibility best practices, companies can ensure that their information is accessible and usable to all individuals. Prioritizing accessibility not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also benefits companies by increasing customer satisfaction, compliance, and market reach.
