WordPress is a great platform for creating websites, but it can be even better when you make it accessible to everyone. In this blog post, we will discuss ways that you can maximize your WordPress site for accessibility. We will cover everything from making sure your images are accessible to using the right plugins like accessiBe WordPress. By following these tips, you can create a website that everyone can use.

Why accessibility matters

When you make your WordPress site accessible, you open it up to a larger audience. This is important for two reasons. First, it allows more people to access and use your website. Second, it shows that you care about making your site available to everyone.

Making your WordPress site accessible is not only the right thing to do, but it can also help you reach a larger audience. Here are 11 ways that you can make your WordPress site more accessible.

Images

One of the most important things you can do to make your WordPress site accessible is to add alt text to all of your images. Alt-text is a short description of an image displayed when the image cannot be shown. This is important for people using screen readers or other assistive devices that cannot display images.

To add alt text to an image in WordPress, simply go to the “media” section and edit the image. You will see a field where you can add alt text. Be sure to add a descriptive alt text that accurately describes the image.

If you have a lot of images on your site, you can also use a plugin like WP Accessibility to add alt text to all of your images automatically.

Navigation

Another important thing to consider when making your WordPress site accessible is navigation. Navigation should be easy to understand and use for everyone. A good way to achieve this is by using clear and concise labels for your navigation items. For example, instead of using “click here,” use a more descriptive label like “read more.”

In addition to using clear labels, you should also make sure that your navigation is easy to use. This means using drop-down menus and other methods of navigation that are easy to understand. If your navigation is confusing, people will likely leave your site without exploring it further.

Plugins

Several plugins can help you make your WordPress site more accessible. One plugin we recommend is the WP Accessibility plugin. This plugin adds a number of accessibility features to your WordPress site, including alt text for images and an accessible navigation menu.

Another great plugin is the WPML Accessibility plugin. This plugin helps you create a multilingual website that is accessible to everyone. It includes features like a language switcher and automatic translation.

Themes

When choosing a WordPress theme, be sure to choose one that is accessible. This means that the theme should be easy to use and navigate. In addition, the theme should be compatible with all major browsers and devices.

One of the last things to consider regarding accessibility is your website’s design. Make sure that your website’s design is easy to read and understand. Use clear fonts and colors that are easy on the eyes. Also, be sure to use enough contrast between your background and text color.

 

Accessibility overlay is a technique used to improve the accessibility of a website or application. By adding an overlay to your site, you can make using your content easier for people with disabilities. This guide will discuss what an accessibility overlay is, how it works, and how you can add it to your website or application. We will also provide examples of using accessibility overlay on different types of websites and applications.

What is an accessibility overlay?

An accessibility overlay is a piece of software that can be added to a website or application to improve the accessibility of the content. The overlay works by providing an alternate way to access the content on the site or app. For example, if you have a site with a lot of text, you could add an overlay that would allow users to listen to the text instead of reading it.

How does it work?

Accessibility overlays work by providing an alternate way to access the content on a website or application. The overlay can provide a different view of the content or provide additional functionality that is not available in the original site or app. For example, you could add an overlay to a website to allow users to listen to the text instead of reading it. Or, you could add an overlay to an application that would provide additional features for people with disabilities.

Adding an overlay to your website or application

There are many ways to add an accessibility overlay to your website or application. The most common way is to use a plugin or extension for your web browser. However, there are also many software applications that you can use to add an overlay to your site or app.

Why use accessibility overlays on your site or app?

Accessibility overlays can improve the accessibility of a website or application. By adding an overlay, you can make using your content easier for people with disabilities. For example, if you have a site with a lot of text, you could add an overlay that would allow users to listen to the text instead of reading it.

FAQs

Q: What is an accessibility overlay?

A: An accessibility overlay is a piece of software that can be added to a website or application to improve the accessibility of the content.

Q: How does it work?

A: Accessibility overlays work by providing an alternate way to access the content on a website or application. The overlay can provide a different view of the content or provide additional functionality that is not available in the original site or app.

Q: Why use accessibility overlays on your site or app?

A: Accessibility overlays can improve the accessibility of a website or application. By adding an overlay, you can make using your content easier for people with disabilities.

Final thoughts on using accessibility overlays

Accessibility overlays can be a great way to improve the accessibility of your website or application. By adding an overlay, you can provide an alternate way to access the content on your site or app. This can be used to improve the usability of your site or app for people with disabilities. If you have a website or application that you think could benefit from an accessibility overlay, there are many ways to add one. For example, you can use a plugin or extension for your web browser or a software application. Whichever method you choose, test the overlay to ensure that it works as intended.

 

With blockchain picking up steam in today’s financial sector, investors who want to capitalize on its popularity can soon do this through Earnity—an up-and-coming crypto marketplace operated by a startup of the same name, according to Earnity Founder/CEO Dan Schatt.

 

Schatt said Earnity’s key focus is on blockchain’s future, which propelled the company to offer a marketplace where digital asset traders can learn the latest in blockchain and engage in transactions in 2022. Most of the company’s international financial technology leaders plan to continue to build industry-changing crypto products well into the future due to their strong passion for blockchain, according to Schatt.

One of the core reasons why cryptocurrencies, which operate via today’s blockchain technology, are so popular is because they have the potential to yield more benefits than sovereign currencies can Schatt said. For instance, individuals can use crypto to make contracts without requiring third parties. No extra steps considerably reduces the time required to settle transfers and cut down on the associated fees.

 

Crypto has also earned praise for being decentralized. According to Schatt, no one entity or person controls these digital assets, so they cannot be taken away or devalued according to a government’s whims. Crypto is also the core focus of Earnity because everybody can get access to it—the philosophy that drives the company’s platform. Because people worldwide have mobile phones and the internet, virtually all individuals can have crypto wallets, even if they cannot access a modern banking system. Crypto-based transactions for everyone is a major win, especially in underdeveloped nations, given the increasing push for globalization today, Schatt said.

In addition to soliciting praise from crypto traders for Earnity so far, Dan Schatt was named a top innovator in 2013 by the leaders of Bank Innovation. The Western Payment Alliance also awarded him in 2011 for his payment system innovation at PayPal. He continues to receive recognition for his successful payment industry leadership nationwide.

 

Panoramic images are becoming more and more popular across all kinds of social media networks. Whether it’s a long landscape shot or a bike ride through a city, capturing a wide view can make for truly spectacular imagery. But how do you create the best panorama possible? Photographers like Bruce Weber know a thing or two about capturing breathtaking compositions of all types. Photography has become so much more than just pointing your camera in one direction and shooting something in front of you. Today, most cameras come with an array of features that give you even more creative control over how your shots turn out – including panorama mode. But what is the best way to capture panoramic images?

Let’s take a look at how you can create unique, compelling panorama shots that help your imagery stand out!

Use the multi-row feature to create an ultra wide panorama.

The first step in creating a great panoramic shot is setting up your camera and choosing the right mode. If you’re using a modern smartphone or digital camera, the chances are that it has some panorama mode built-in. The specific name of this function depends on the device in question but will most likely be named “panorama” or simply “multi-shot.” This setting lets you take several photos (usually three to six) that are stitched together into one wide image. When using this mode, try to frame each shot to overlap with the previous one by at least 30%. This will ensure that your final panorama looks smooth and seamless.

If you’re using a digital camera, select the multi-row feature that allows you to capture several images in quick succession by holding down the shutter button and rotating the camera from left to right (or vice versa). Getting this step right is crucial, so be sure to try it out a few times before snapping any actual photos. Make sure to rotate slowly and smoothly, stopping after each rotation to capture your image fully.

Always shoot at your camera’s widest aperture for the sharpest results.

Next, you’ll want to choose an appropriate aperture setting. Since panoramas have such a wide angle of view, you need to have a very large depth of field. This means that your aperture should be set at its smallest f-stop. For example, if you’re using a DSLR with an APS-C-sized sensor, choose an aperture of f/8 or even smaller. Make sure to check your camera’s manual to see which f-stop corresponds with the sensor size.

Your aperture setting will depend on how smart your device is if you’re using a smartphone. Most smartphones give you manual control over exposure, so be sure to choose the lowest f-stop that your camera allows (or even “wide open”). Smartphone cameras are not quite as powerful as DSLRs, but they still produce great images as long as you do a bit of research.

Sharp, crisp panoramic shots require a tripod or a flat surface.

Panorama mode doesn’t always come with an in-camera stabilization feature, so your next step should be to find something to steady your camera. If you’re shooting outdoors and have a tripod handy, use it for the best results. If you’re out in nature or indoors without one, try resting your camera on a flat surface like the hood of your car or the back of a park bench.

The Big Tech revolution isn’t just changing how we work. It’s changing the entire economy, and nowhere is that more apparent than in higher education. Online degree programs are becoming more common by the day. In addition, big tech companies like Google, Facebook, Apple, Uber, and Amazon offer courses to their employees to help them stay competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.

Universities like Northwestern Polytechnic University, San Jose State University, and the University of California at Irvine are the vanguard in offering online degrees in computer science and high-demand tech skills.

Northwestern Polytechnic University (NPU) is a Silicon Valley institution specializing in offering an array of technology programs to working professionals. However, unlike many universities, NPU has always focused on providing education to students already working in the industry. And they do so by leveraging their relationships with Silicon Valley companies like Cisco, Nvidia, IBM, and more.

Meeting an Insatiable Demand

The demand for tech skills is growing at a breakneck pace. More than 70% of the fastest-growing occupations in America require technology skills.

That’s why NPU has continued to grow over the last few years, more than doubling enrollment since 2014. In addition, other institutions like SJSU, which has been around for nearly a century, have also seen their computer science enrollment increase by over 60%.

One of the greatest challenges these institutions face is how to make programs available to students who are already working full-time jobs. Many tech companies now offer tuition reimbursement through online coursework, but it comes with a catch. You can’t get reimbursed for online degrees if they aren’t from an institution accredited by the regional accreditation boards.

So while many tech companies offer tuition reimbursement, very few students qualify for their employers to pay for their degree. Not only do you have to be employed full-time at a tech company, but you also have to take courses on campus in person. That makes it nearly impossible for university administrators to meet the incredibly high demand from tech companies to get their employees trained.

That’s why NPU has been so successful in expanding its enrollment by offering online degrees in computer science and other tech-related programs. As a result, they have managed to receive huge grants from both the State of California and the U.S. Department of Labor for their efforts in meeting this global demand for tech skills.

New Opportunities Abound

There is not a single employer that can’t benefit from computer scientists on staff, whether within their IT department, among data scientists, or even at their boardroom table with C-level executives.

Demand for tech skills is rising across the board, and employers are seeking out professionals with degrees in high-demand tech fields like computer science to fill those roles. As a result, there has never been a better time for both students and working professionals to pursue tech programs than now.

As technology becomes ever more influential in our everyday lives, interest in STEM-related degrees continues to grow. While there are many ways to get a tech degree, online programs have become an increasingly popular way for working professionals to get the education they need without having to quit their jobs or start over completely fresh.

 

San Francisco Bay University is committed to career readiness. They create pipelines that connect people with jobs, careers, and advancement opportunities in the United States. Most of their students are first-generation college-goers, workers re-entering the workforce after being laid off during layoffs, or immigrants seeking new career opportunities.

By offering training programs in high-demand areas such as technology, engineering, and business administration, SFBU is able to ensure that its students attain the necessary skills and knowledge to be competitive in today’s job market.

Their curriculum blends classroom education with hands-on experiences through industry internships and employer relationships to provide real-world skills and knowledge that translate into immediate employment.

For a recent graduate of their Master of Computer Science program, a degree from SFBU translated to a career as an iOS Engineer at Apple and working on making Apple products even more impactful for their users. These are the types of jobs that SFBU students hope for and many gain access to upon graduation.

Another student who obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at SFBU is currently employed as a UI Software Engineer at Citigroup. Citigroup is just the kind of company that pays great wages and offers generous benefits to their employees. These are the kinds of careers anyone would be lucky to have.

San Francisco Bay University degree programs include bachelor’s and master’s in Computer Science, bachelor’s and master’s in Business Administration and a master’s in Electrical Engineering as well as an Intensive English Language Program.

It’s a common mistake that even the most successful businesses make: not properly training their new employees, especially for highly technical or complex jobs.

Some companies believe that new employees will learn as they go, on the job, foregoing a new hire training program. While there is plenty of space for on-the-job training, knowing how to train new employees effectively means happier employees and better retention rates. SFBU knows this and weaves this philosophy into how they teach. Silicon Valley companies also utilize this approach in how they train their new employees.

Even better, students who get a job at a Silicon Valley company have access to some of the most extravagant employee perks in the job market. From remote working to catered meals and generous paid leave, Silicon Valley jobs offer graduating SFBU students the opportunity to work for a company that treats them how they truly should be treated.

Comprehensive wellness programs are also usually offered at Silicon Valley companies. Private health and dental care is a benefit that many look for in a job and is a tax-deductible business expense for Silicon Valley firms. Offering help when it comes to health, fitness, stress, and general wellbeing, can be beneficial to staff, and help to improve productivity as well as reduce absenteeism. Students graduating from SFBU who land a job at a Silicon Valley firm can expect perks just like these.

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.”

 

As a result of the continual integration of new technologies in the workplace, workplaces need to encourage their workers to continually work on increasing their digital literacy. So that their employees will be able to use the new technologies that are required as part of their everyday jobs. Especially as in a new survey, 90% of the respondents claimed that they believed that their jobs would become more digitally demanding in five years’ time.

Provide in house training:

At the moment only a small percentage of businesses offer in-house training programs for their employees. As they don’t want to financially commit to providing digital training courses for their employees. However, what businesses don’t realize is how much money they will save in the long run, if their employees are able to handle more tech tasks and they don’t have to employ as many tech experts or to rely on outside companies to handle tech-related tasks for them. For this reason, workplaces should offer in house training for their staff members.

Weekly digital training programs:

When asked about how they would like to upskill, a lot of survey respondents were interested in having weekly training sessions. That would help them retain the new knowledge which they would pick up. As most survey respondents were worried if they just only received training through short workshops, they would soon forget the new knowledge which they had picked up.

Mentoring programs:

The results of the survey also showed that employees are interested in being mentored by individuals who have the digital skills which they need to acquire for their jobs. For example, marketers may benefit from learning basic coding from a business’ IT staff, so they can update their businesses’ websites themselves from time to time. Or a manager who has experience creating professional digital presentations may want to teach their staff members how to create efficient, effective presentations.

This will increase their staff members’ confidence in giving important presentations and should drastically decrease the amount of time that their team members will need to spend creating their presentations. As they’ll no longer have to waste time trying to figure out the ins and outs of creating a professional digital presentation.

E-learning platforms:

One cost-effective way for businesses to teach a large number of employees valuable digital skills is to pay for access to highly reputable e-learning platforms. This is a particularly smart idea if you don’t necessarily have individuals in your company who have the right skill sets or the free time to train other employees. One of the benefits of opting for e-learning platforms to teach your staff digital skills is that your staff members will be able to log onto their programs as often as they’d like, in order to cement the knowledge which they pick up.

So if you realize how important your employees’ digital literacy is in the future, it’s a great idea to use e-learning platforms, mentoring programs, and weekly training sessions, in order to effectively increase your staff member’s digital literacy.

 

Computer science is a popular degree subject as it opens doors in many industries and sets graduates up for a rewarding and satisfying career. Pretty much every industry uses computers, so computer science professionals are in demand across the board.

Here are the top reasons why you should consider studying computer science:

Diverse job roles

Computer science is a diverse industry that includes a broad array of rewarding occupations – from cybersecurity managers to web developers and network architects. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a relatively new area of computer science that has developed rapidly in recent years. Check out this article by thebalancecareers.com for some top computer science jobs.

Computer science professionals have the freedom to pursue their interests and specialize in an area that they are passionate about. If you would like to work in computer science, you should research the different roles to help you choose the right career path.

High earning potential

The demand for technology specialists means that computer science professionals can usually secure higher than average starting salaries. According to payscale.com, a software development director earns an average of $162,000 per year, and a software engineer can expect to make $147,000.

On top of a decent monthly salary, computer science professionals can also expect perks like annual bonuses and flexible work schedules. Organizations are prepared to offer great job benefits to attract and retain top computer science professionals to their workplaces.

In-demand industry

The computer industry is the fastest growing industry in the United States, according to Investopedia. Every modern business uses computers in their operations, which means there is always a need for computer science specialists.

The career outlook for computer science degree-holders is extremely good, and it is expected that the sector will continue to grow, with thousands of new job opportunities becoming available every year. Graduates from computer science programs typically find employment quickly after graduating and secure roles in top organizations.

International experience

Computer science professionals are in high demand and have the skills and expertise sought-after by an endless number of tech companies around the world. In most cases, a computer science degree-holder will have the freedom to live work in any city or country of their choice.

Building international experience is a great way for computer science professionals to broaden their skills and enhance their resumes. A computer science degree will open up global career opportunities and allow you to travel and build international experience with leading organizations around the world.

Career advancement

Computer science specialists tend to quickly move up the career ladder and transition into senior-level roles that offer higher salaries and other job perks. With experience, computer science professionals can apply for top-level positions such as software development director or chief technology officer roles.

It is also not uncommon for computer science professionals to be approached by headhunters on platforms like LinkedIn and offered exciting new job opportunities. A computer science qualification unlocks a vast array of job opportunities that will help you advance your career and achieve your professional goals.

Online qualifications

It is never too late to pursue a career in computer science. There is a huge selection of online computer science degrees that can teach you the specialist skills needed to secure a top role in this dynamic industry. Online courses are ideal if you are considering a career change later in life or want a more flexible study schedule.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a master of computer science that is 100% online. This flexible program will give you the freedom to choose your study schedule and fit learning around your work and family responsibilities. Online courses have made computer science qualifications much more accessible to people who are unable to attend conventional courses.

There is also a wide variety of certifications that computer science professionals can complete further to enhance their skills and knowledge in their chosen field. Additional certificates will improve your career prospects and give you a competitive edge in your industry.

Positive impact

Computer science professionals design and implement technological advancements that improve society and make people’s lives easier. For example, robotic and AI technology is being used in the healthcare sector to improve patient care.

Freelance opportunities

Many computer science professionals have the opportunity to work freelance and choose their work schedules. According to Entrepreneur, some advantages of working as a freelancer is “the freedom to choose clients and projects, the flexibility to work from anywhere, and the opportunity to earn more doing the same work.”

Most computer science professionals build several years of experience before branching out to work on a freelance basis. Being self-employed has its advantages, but it also has challenges. Read the computer science professional’s guide to freelancing for advice on how to be successful as a freelancer.

How to become a computer science specialist

Most computer science specialists start their careers by completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related subject. This will teach you the basic skills and knowledge required to work in the field of computer science. Many graduates go on to complete a higher qualification such as a master’s in computer science or a specialized IT certification.

You will be required to complete work placements as part of your computer science degree. Start building hands-on experience early and take advantage of any internship opportunities on offer. Work experience will broaden your skills and improve your resume.

Once you graduate, you will be able to apply for entry-level computer science positions in your chosen field, e.g., computer support specialist. You will be able to apply for senior roles once you have gained the necessary experience.

Conclusion

Computers have become a huge part of everyday life, and all modern companies use computers and digital systems in their operations. There is a massive demand for technology specialists throughout the world, and computer science professionals enjoy amazing career prospects.

Above are just some of the reasons why you should consider working in this innovative and rewarding industry.