Accessible websites that satisfy WCAG

Hey there NDIS Providers. First of all, love your work!

My name is Shannon Towell and I'm a seasoned Experience Designer 😎

What does Experience Design mean? I work with websites of all shapes and sizes, at any stage to:

Improve accessibility by using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Optimise user experience e.g. ensure your website is easy to use, intuitive, beautiful and just makes sense so your users stay on your site and continue to come back!
Make it look visually stunning through engaging interactive elements, a clear hierarchy and banging typography

[data-wf-bgvideo-fallback-img] { display: none; } @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { [data-wf-bgvideo-fallback-img] { position: absolute; z-index: -100; display: inline-block; height: 100%; width: 100%; object-fit: cover; } }

As an NDIS provider, you need a website that does a lot - just like you!

NDIS providers have unique needs when it comes to their websites, such as:

Accessibility Compliance (WCAG): Ensuring your website is fully accessible allows your target audience to find the information they need, and feel like you understand their needs from the start
Clear information about your services and how your business fits within the NDIS scheme: Navigating the NDIS can be complicated. Providing information around eligibility, availability, service information, and funding considerations that is clear, transparent and in plain language is a necessity.
Educational resources: A lot of providers offer downloadable resources and information for clients and their families, such as brochures, guides, and frequently asked questions (FAQs). Ensuring these are easy to access, and the PDFs, videos, and other content themselves are accessible is important so your clients can get the most value from this content.
Online booking options and contact forms: User-friendly online booking systems for appointments or services offer another way to make a first great impression, and hopefully set a precedent for easy, and clear communication from day dot with you.
and more!

Who am I?

I'm Shannon, the Experience Designer of your dreams who is making the internet a better place through one website at a time.

I've helped numerous companies of all sizes improve their digital presence and accessibility, and I know what it takes to make a great website and experience for your customers.

Just some of the brilliant companies I’ve collaborated with

How can I help?

Website and app audits
Website makeovers & improvements
Shiny new websites 💎
Animation & Interactive Design (check out my logo animation package)
Internal process improvements e.g. hate the way that something is being done? Let me help fix that.

Tell me more about you!

I love connecting with people outside of the rooms and learning more about your area of expertise and how we can work together. Feel free to book a time below ↴

Shannon is able to approach information from many different lenses and provides recommendations that go beyond simple usability of products. It is this holistic approach to everything that makes Shannon’s work so much more valuable.”

Brendan Sharman
Creative Director, JTB Studios

FAQs

Does my website need to be accessible?

Accessibility is an important area of design that is only gaining more importance as time goes on. Being accessible allows everyone to have a better experience (including you with those SEO perks!).

For government organisations, it is a legal requirement to be AA compliant (or higher). However, there have been multiple Australian lawsuits for discrimination where disabled users have not been able to use a website. Coles and the Sydney Olympics are highly publicised cases.

The WCAG guidelines cover a wide variety of disabilities including ADHD and dyslexia. Many if not all can benefit by having larger text, higher contrast, and subtitles just to name a few. By not being accessible you could be missing out on more business, and potentially open yourself up to legal action. It seems like a no-brainer!

Do you have qualifications in accessible web design?

I have four years experience of working with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and over six years in UX Design. I have helped HCF, schools, and other businesses improve their web presence.

If qualifications are your thing, I am part way through a Professional Certificate in Web Accessibility through University of South Australia and set to finish in late March 2024.