Imagine the internet as a giant playground where we meet to talk, learn, and discover cool things. But what if this playground isn't easy for everyone to use?

Think about a building with a ramp for people in wheelchairs – it helps them get inside.

Inclusive design is like building a ramp for websites and apps, so everyone, no matter what they can do, can use them.

Let's explore inclusive design in this article – what it means, why it matters, and how we check it using something called a VPAT report.

## What is Inclusive Design?

Now to understand what inclusive design is, imagine you are walking into a library where all the books are on the top shelf, and you can't reach them. That wouldn't be fair, right? Inclusive design is about creating digital spaces, like websites and apps, that everyone can use without any barriers.

It's like building a ramp into that library so everyone can access the books. Inclusive design isn't just about people with disabilities – it benefits everyone. Think of captions on videos – they help people who are deaf understand the content, but they also help people in noisy environments or those who speak a different language.

## Why is Inclusive Design Important?

Close your eyes and imagine navigating a website using only your keyboard. For someone who can't use a mouse due to a physical disability, this is their reality. The inclusive design ensures that websites and apps can be easily used by people with various disabilities – be they visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive.

When we make digital spaces accessible, we're opening doors for everyone to participate fully in the online world. Plus, think about growing older – our abilities change over time, so what's inclusive today might be helpful for you in the future.

## The Role of a VPAT Report

Alright, now let's talk about that fancy-sounding VPAT report. VPAT stands for Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. It's like a report card that companies create to show how well their digital products adhere to accessibility standards. A VPAT report provides information about a website's or app's performance in terms of universal accessibility.

Much like a report card does for students. It's a means for developers to explain how the accessibility standards are met (or not met) by their products.

## Breaking Down the VPAT Report

A VPAT report isn't just a bunch of technical jargon. It's a guide that helps us understand how well a digital product welcomes everyone. Here are the key sections you might find in a VPAT report:

Introduction: This sets the stage. It explains what the VPAT report is about and what version of accessibility guidelines it follows.

Scope: This part tells you exactly which parts of the digital product were evaluated. Is it the whole website, just certain features, or specific platforms like mobile apps?

Support Status: Here, the report explains if the digital product fully supports, partially supports, or doesn't support certain accessibility standards.

Conformance Levels: The report breaks down how well the product meets different accessibility standards. There are levels like A, AA, and AAA, with AAA being the highest level of accessibility.

Features Tested: This section lists the various features that were evaluated for accessibility, such as navigation, forms, images, and more.

Findings: Here, the report talks about what was discovered during the evaluation. It highlights areas where the product excels and points out where improvements are needed.

## Incorporating Inclusive Design

Creating an inclusive digital space requires a bit of extra effort, but it's worth it. Here are some easy-to-follow steps:

Alternative Text for Images: When you add a picture to your website, include a description (alt text) for screen readers. This helps people who can't see the images understand what they're about.

Clear and Simple Language: Write content that's easy to read and understand.

Keyboard Navigation: Ensure that all interactive elements on your website can be accessed and used using only the keyboard.

Captions and Transcripts: Provide transcripts and captions for audio and video content. This helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those who prefer reading.

Color Contrast: Make sure while making the VPAT report the colors you use have enough contrast. This helps people with low vision or color blindness distinguish between elements.

Readable Fonts: Make sure the fonts you choose are legible even in small sizes. Avoid overly decorative fonts that might be hard to understand.

## The Power of Inclusive Design

VPAT report is more than just making sure websites and apps follow rules. Making the digital world a welcoming place for everybody is the goal. When we design with inclusion in mind, we are stating that everyone deserves a seat at the digital table.

Therefore, remember that inclusive design isn't just a buzzword. It's a method to improve the usability and accessibility of the internet for everyone, whether you're a developer, designer, or just a user.