Today, accessiBe, the global leader in web accessibility, announced the imminent launch of accessFind. This consumer-centric nonprofit initiative will provide the first-ever search engine designed particularly for disabled end-users. This effort was created for the community, by the community, in collaboration with major disability-focused nonprofit groups.
“Search is a powerful tool that empowers end-users with the ability to find what they need,” said Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer of accessiBe. “One in five Americans identifies as having a disability, and for this community, finding accessible websites has been an onerous task.”
Accessfind’s purpose is to provide people with disabilities a fast, simple way to search for websites that are accessible. Users of accessibility find can also benefit from an extensive directory of services and apps.
This new search engine provides users with detailed information about the various features of each website, including whether or not they are compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers, refreshable Braille displays, or magnifiers used by people with disabilities. In addition, businesses, web developers, and accessibility consultants can also use accessFind to determine how they stack up against the competition when it comes to making their sites accessible.
“These tools will help businesses create more accessible, marketable websites,” said Mark Riccobono, Board President of Telecommunications for the Blind and Visually Impaired. “We are also excited that the directory of services will provide users with information about accessible apps, thus creating a win-win situation for both end-users and businesses.”
AccessiBe is seeking input from people with disabilities in order to develop a comprehensive resource that best meets their needs. The feedback will be instrumental in identifying ways to improve the content and functionality of the product.
“We are committed to continually enhancing accessFind,” said Hingson. “We aim to provide a dynamic, user-friendly resource that not only provides end-users with a fast, simple way to search for accessible websites but also makes it easier for companies and developers to create sites accessible for all.”
About accessiBe
accessiBe is a SaaS service driven by AI that improves the accessibility and usability of any website. Over 20% of your website visitors with disabilities will benefit from accessiBe, which will make it easier for them to navigate your site. In addition, thousands of small businesses and industry leaders rely on it to keep them safe.
“accessiBe was designed as a service to assist companies in creating websites and applications that are accessible, allowing them to remain compliant with Section 508 and reach more customers,” said Hingson. “The accessibility market is estimated at $1.3 trillion and continues to grow exponentially as the population ages, and mobile computing becomes more popular. Today, more than one in five Americans consider themselves to have a disability. As a result, accessibility is no longer an option; it’s a necessary business practice.”
“Going forward, we believe that this new initiative will significantly contribute to the education of companies, consumers, and webmasters about how they can improve their sites to serve all better. We are even more excited that accessiBe’s technology is helping to create opportunities for people with disabilities who can provide quality input about what works best.”