The central hub to share information, effectively communicate, and to drive collaboration is, for most organizations, the intranet. But despite its importance, very few of these organizations consider whether everyone can effectively navigate and engage.
For the last two decades, Microsoft SharePoint has offered a foundation for building rich intranets but, unfortunately, out-of-the-box SharePoint accessibility capabilities fall short to provide a truly inclusive experience for all users. Typically organizations end up relying on the operating system accessibility features - like those in Windows 11 - but, in many situations, this leads to some inconsistent experiences. For example, what happens when users log in from a different device, an older infrastructure, or from a non-Windows environment? In some of these cases, what promised to be a seamless digital workplace, quickly becomes a frustrating barrier for individuals with disabilities.
The reality of inaccessible intranets
Picture this: you're trying to navigate critical company updates, access essential documents, or participate in team discussions but ... your screen reader can't interpret the layout, keyboard navigation is broken, or color contrast makes text illegible for you. This is the reality, everyday, for many users with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.
With approximately 8% of men worldwide affected by some form of color blindness, and an estimated 2.2 billion people suffering from some form of visual impairment or blindness - according to the World Health Organization (WHO) - the problem is real. An inaccessible intranet not only hurts productivity but also creates exclusion and undermines the very sense of community a well-designed intranet aims to build.
The need for SharePoint Accessibility, beyond out-of-the-box
Creating a truly accessible SharePoint intranet requires a proactive and dedicated approach that goes beyond the default settings. It demands careful consideration of design, content creation, and the implementation of tools specifically built with accessibility in mind.
There are very limited options available in the market. The Accessibility Tool for SharePoint stands out as the must-have solution to make SharePoint intranets truly accessible. This tool was designed to integrate seamlessly with any SharePoint environment, providing an extensive list of accessibility features. Its capabilities ensure a consistent, inclusive experience for all users, regardless of their individual abilities and limitations.
This solution addresses key accessibility challenges, including:
- Navigation: Ensuring logical and intuitive keyboard navigation.
- Screen reader compatibility: Providing accurate information to screen readers.
- Visual presentation: Allowing users to customize font sizes, color contrast, and other visual elements to suit their preferences.
- Content structure and semantics: Helping content creators build well-structured and semantically rich content that is easily understandable by assistive technologies.
Newham College, a case of success
Accessible solutions can have a real and transformative impact. Newham College of London recognized the importance of an inclusive SharePoint intranet. With approximately 10% of its student body in the SEND (Special Education Needs Department) program, the pandemic posed a catastrophic threat to the education of roughly 3,000 students. By implementing the Accessibility Tool for SharePoint, they were able to create an intranet that truly serves everyone. Their experience shows how to break down barriers, improve user satisfaction, and create a more equitable digital workplace. All by implementing a dedicated accessibility solution.
Read their success story here:
https://bindtuning.com/resources/case-study/newham-college-intranet-designed-for-student-success
Make SharePoint Accessibility a priority - today!
Take a critical look at the accessibility of your SharePoint intranet. Investing in tools like the Accessibility Tool for SharePoint is not just about compliance. It's about creating a digital environment where everyone feels included, and empowered to contribute. Let's move beyond basic compliance and actively build intranets where everyone truly belongs.
If you're ready to take the first step, install the Accessibility Tool for SharePoint and start building a more inclusive digital workplace today.
