In this episode of The Boost, hosts Leon Hitchens and Pablo delve into internet accessibility. They discuss the significant gap in accessible web content and the impact of this shortfall on individuals with disabilities. With a special guest, Alexandra Britez from AccessiBe, they explore solutions and the importance of making the web more inclusive.

Hosts & Guest: 

Pablo Calvo: Linkedin

Leon Hitchens: Linkedin & X

Alexandra Britez from Accessibe: Accessible Website 

Find Us:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm 

Key Points Discussed:

Introduction to the Issue of Accessibility:

• The internet's accessibility rate is alarmingly low, with only 2-5% of websites being accessible.
• Approximately 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability, making web accessibility a significant concern.

Personal Impact and the Importance of Keyboard Navigation:

• Leon shares his personal experience with web navigation due to his physical disability, emphasizing the need for keyboard navigation and accessible web design.

Legal and SEO Implications:

• The podcast touches on the legal implications for businesses not adhering to accessibility standards, including potential lawsuits.
• Accessibility improvements can lead to better SEO performance, with up to a 12% impact on SEO results.

AccessiBe's Role in Enhancing Web Accessibility:

• Alexandra Britez discusses AccessiBe's mission to make the internet more accessible through AI and machine learning technologies.
• AccessiBe provides tools and solutions to address a wide range of disabilities, including vision impairments, cognitive disabilities, and motor impairments.

The Business Case for Accessibility:

• Making websites accessible can increase market reach and ensure compliance with legal standards.
• Accessibility is not only a social responsibility but also a smart business decision, with potential financial incentives for small businesses.

Success Stories and the Future of Accessibility:

• The conversation highlights success stories of businesses that have improved their web accessibility, benefiting from increased customer engagement and legal protection.

Final Thoughts and Resources:

• The hosts conclude by encouraging listeners to consider the broader impact of web accessibility and to explore tools like AccessiBe to make their websites more inclusive.

Resources Mentioned:

• AccessiBe Website: accessibe.com
• Free website audit for accessibility compliance available at AccessiBe's website.

Closing Remarks: 

This episode underscores the critical need for web accessibility and the role businesses, and developers can play in creating a more inclusive digital world. With insights from Alexandra Britez and the discussion on the importance of accessibility for all users, we encouraged all website owners to take actionable steps toward making their online content accessible to everyone.