How is "accessibility" defined in technical writing?

In technical writing, "accessibility" is fundamentally defined as creating documents that can be easily understood and used by people with disabilities. This definition encompasses the principles of inclusivity, ensuring that all readers, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can access the information being presented. Accessibility involves employing strategies such as clear language, appropriate formatting, alternative text for images, and screen reader compatibility to address various disabilities such as visual impairments, hearing difficulties, or cognitive challenges.

This commitment to accessibility ensures that technical documents do not exclude any users and facilitates a wider audience engagement. The emphasis on ease of use for everyone, particularly those with disabilities, aligns closely with the ethical and practical goals of technical communication. While visually appealing design, concise content, and language availability are important elements of technical writing, they do not directly address accessibility in the same way.