 Introduction
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Web accessibility can be broadly defined as a measurement of how easily people can access, interact with, and use information contained on a web site. Frequently, the term "web accessibility" is used in relation to a visitor who is accessing a web site with assistive technology.
Assistive technology is generally hardware and/or software used by individuals with a Disability, and its purpose is to assist with performming functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. In terms of computing, assistive technology includes hardware, software, and peripherals that enable people with disabilities to access computers or other related technology.
Examples of Assistive Technology people use to access information on a computer (including the World-Wide-Web and Internet) include:
- Screen readers: (computer-generated speech that reads the screen contents); may be used by people who are blind
- Screen magnifiers: (software that enlarges screen contents); may be used by people with partial sight
- Voice input: (software that enables a computer to be operated by voice); may be used by people unable to operate a keyboard
- Keyboards with enlarged keys or alternate pointing devices may be used by people with impaired motor skills
- Literacy support software may be used to assist people with learning difficulties such as Dyslexia.
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Web Accessibility Standards |
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Although Assistive Technology can level the playing field in terms of computer access, it is by no means a complete solution for accessing the web. Web site developers must use design techniques that follow industry accessibility standards. The leading international web standards initiative is called the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The W3C was created to serve as an industry consortium dedicated to building consensus around Web technologies with a primary function of Developing Web Standards and Guidelines. Many of these recommendations were created with web access via assistive technologies in mind.
Many web developers have adopted the W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative's (WAI) recommendations found in Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 1.0. These guidelines define three levels of accessibility compliance: Level "A", Level "AA", and Level "AAA". Once a web site meets the requirements of one of these levels of compliance, the developer is entitled to display a W3c accessibility icon.
While many web developers may find it difficult to attain “AAA” status due to the strict nature of the recommendations set forth in the guidelines, Level "A" status can actually be reached with relative ease. Some of the Level "A" checkpoints include:
- Provide a text equivalent for every non-text element (e.g., via "alt", "longdesc", or in element content).
- Ensure that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup.
- Clearly identify changes in the natural language of a document's text and any text equivalents (e.g., captions).
- Organize documents so they may be read without style sheets.
- Ensure that equivalents for dynamic content are updated when the dynamic content changes.
- Until user agents allow users to control flickering, avoid causing the screen to flicker.
- Use the clearest and simplest language appropriate for a site's content.
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Further Information |
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Many resources are available on the World-Wide-Web covering web accessibility and related issues. The following two resources may be helpful to those seeking general information:
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C): http://www.w3.org (link opens in new browser window)
WebAIM - Web Accessibility in Mind: http://www.webaim.org (link opens in new browser window)
Several web sites have published articles on legal obligations around web accessibility relating to the Disability Discrimination Act. Some of these include:
JISC Legal: http://www.jisclegal.ac.uk (link opens in new browser window)
Digital Media Access Group: http://www.dmag.org.uk/resources (link opens in new browser window)
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