Accessibility refers to a web site that is usable (functional) for people with disabilities. Most often that means people who use specialized software, called screen readers, in place of traditional web browsers. As the name implies, screen readers look at the content of a web page and “read it” so that people can hear what the content is when they are unable to see it for themselves. With that understanding, it would be hard to find a web site owner that would knowingly choose to exclude people who are dependent upon screen readers from indulging in their web site. Unknowingly though, a large majority of sites do just that in some measure.

If a web designer (one that is aware of accessibility) brings up the issue, a client is sure to agree that the site being developed needs to be accessible. But it’s not as simple as a yes or no decision. In part, that’s due to the various validation programs that exist to determine accessibility. Often they disagree on nuances of what is acceptable. A larger issue is aesthetic design. Although the appeal of any given design is individual, there are really nice sites and really basic sites. Accessibility forces the pendulum more in the direction of basic sites.

There is a gray area between the ultimate, exotic, beautiful side and a more basic design where your accessible site is forced to reside. Flash is out. So are other script or plug-in driven aspects that don’t degrade gracefully. The means for using graphical elements may be changed slightly as well, such as limiting or eliminating some types of button roll-overs.

Some government entities are mandated by law to be compliant with accessibility standards. Some larger businesses have been on the receiving end of class action law suits regarding lack of proper accessibility too. For smaller businesses, the degree of accessibility implemented in a site often comes down to compromise.

You can choose to disregard accessibility and possibly disenfranchise part of your target market that depends on it. You can go all out and achieve “100%” accessibility, possibly losing some appeal or competitive edge with a simpler site, in an effort to be usable by all. Another option is to balance design with reasonable accessibility, where your site is still exciting, but it can degrade and be accessible in all critical areas.

Whatever your decision may be, remember, there is no way to appeal to everyone on the Internet, all their desires and all their needs. The best business decision to make is the one that first complies with any applicable laws and then satisfies the largest potential audience you can reach, considering all sides of the choice(s) you make.