Accessibility isn’t just a trend—it’s a critical necessity for your credit union’s website. As more members rely on the internet to access financial services, ensuring your site is inclusive and user-friendly for everyone, including individuals with disabilities, is both a legal obligation and a reflection of your commitment to serving all members of your community.
Failing to meet accessibility standards, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), can lead to serious consequences, including legal liabilities and reputational harm. Proactive accessibility measures protect your credit union and build trust and inclusivity among your members.
Why is website accessibility crucial for credit unions?
Accessibility ensures that all users can effectively navigate and engage with your website regardless of ability. For a credit union, this means enabling all members to access financial tools, manage accounts, or learn about services without barriers. Common accessibility considerations include:
- Providing text alternatives: For images and other non-text content.
- Video captions: Ensuring multimedia is understandable for all users.
- Keyboard navigation: Allowing seamless site interaction for those who cannot use a mouse.
Compliance with WCAG standards supports users with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. Neglecting these needs risks alienating members and exposing your credit union to legal action under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States.
The legal imperative
The legal environment around digital accessibility is increasingly strict, with lawsuits becoming more common across industries, including finance. For example, non-compliant websites have faced litigation due to inaccessibility. The stakes are even higher for credit unions, which hold a duty of care to members.
In the U.S., the ADA and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act outline requirements for digital accessibility. Failure to comply could result in:
- Legal fees and fines.
- Damage to your credit union’s reputation.
- Loss of trust from members who depend on accessible digital services.
Next steps to ensure accessibility
- Learn the standards: Familiarize yourself with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to understand best practices for making your site inclusive. Start with core principles like perceivability, operability, and robust functionality.
- Perform regular audits: Use tools to assess your site’s accessibility or find a partner who can help you. Pair these with manual reviews to address nuances that automated tools may miss.
- Include accessibility in design: Whether you’re updating an existing website or building a new one, make accessibility a foundational priority. Be sure to include semantic HTML, have a clear navigation, and include alternative text for media.
- Collaborate with experts: If your team needs extra guidance, consider consulting with web accessibility professionals or organizations that specialize in digital inclusion. They can help identify issues and create actionable plans.
- Involve real users: Engage individuals with disabilities to test your website. Their firsthand insights are invaluable for identifying barriers and improving usability.
- Stay educated: Accessibility standards and regulations evolve. Dedicate time to staying informed through webinars, industry updates, or resources from organizations like the W3C and local accessibility advocacy groups.
By prioritizing accessibility, you not only meet legal requirements but also build a more inclusive online experience that benefits all users. It’s a step forward in creating a welcoming, user-friendly website that reflects your credit union’s commitment to serving everyone equally.
