Sight Concern Bedfordshire sets a new accessibility standard
How we helped Sight Concern exceed accessibility benchmarks
Web accessibility is a crucial aspect of modern website design, yet it's often overlooked or considered too challenging to fully implement. Sight Concern Bedfordshire, a local sight impairment charity, aimed to change this perception. To create a truly inclusive digital presence, they needed a website that would not only serve their visually impaired users but also set a new benchmark for accessibility in the charity sector. The resulting collaboration with The Developer Society has produced a website that's not just raising the bar for accessibility – it's providing valuable lessons for organisations looking to make their online presence more inclusive without breaking the bank.
Sight Concern's vision
At the heart of Sight Concern Bedfordshire's mission is the belief that the internet should be accessible for all. They envisioned a website that would:
- Prioritise accessibility without compromising on functionality
- Serve as a model for other charities and organisations
- Provide an intuitive and enjoyable experience for users with visual impairments
Bringing the vision to life
Working closely with Sight Concern Bedfordshire, The Developer Society tackled the challenge of bringing this vision to life through a dynamic new website. Here's how they approached the project:
Accessible design
The team prioritised simplicity and accessibility over flashy design elements, focusing on creating a clear, linear structure that works seamlessly for all users.
Innovative navigation
While visually, the navigation appears at the top of the page, for screen reader users, it comes after the main content. This approach mimics how people naturally consume information.
Simplicity is key
Instead of relying on complex layouts, carousels, or excessive imagery, they focused on creating a clear structure that works for all users, regardless of how they access the web.
Testing with humans
The team emphasised the importance of testing with real users who have lived experience of visual impairments, going beyond automated accessibility checks.
Optimised performance
The streamlined, efficient code ensures the site loads quickly even on slow connections, making it more accessible to users in areas with poor internet infrastructure or those using older devices.
Key features
- Optimised colour contrast for better readability
- Keyboard-friendly navigation for those who can't use a mouse
- Comprehensive screen reader compatibility
- Simplified information architecture for easier navigation
- Fast loading times, beneficial for users with slower internet connections
Impact and feedback
The response to the new website has been overwhelmingly positive. At launch, the site achieved an impressive 95% score on the Silktide index for UK charities, surpassing a number of household name visual impairment charities. This score demonstrates that high-level accessibility is attainable from the outset.
Looking ahead
Sight Concern Bedfordshire sees this achievement as a strong foundation rather than a final destination. The charity is committed to continuously improving and adapting their digital presence to meet the evolving needs of their community.
As we continue to evolve our online communication, Sight Concern Bedfordshire's new website sets a powerful example. It shows that with the right approach, organisations of all sizes can create highly accessible online spaces that are not only user-friendly for all but also efficient and cost-effective.
Check it out for yourself!
Are you ready to make your site more accessible?
Are you interested in learning more about how we can help make your site more accessible? The Developer Society's mission is to create meaningful change, and this project was a fantastic opportunity to do just that. We're proud to play our part in setting a new standard for web accessibility and turning the vision of true digital inclusion into reality.
Reach out to us - we’d love to chat!