Web Accessibility

Overview

Creating an accessible web site need not be difficult nor extremely time-consuming. With some forethought prior to beginning the design, accessible elements can be implemented as the site is built. To develop an accessible web site, one does not need to be an expert on adaptive equipment—although a familiarity can be helpful. When developing your web site, thinking in terms of usability can help guide your efforts.

"Usability problems impact all users equally, regardless of ability. That is, a person with a disability is not disadvantaged to a greater extent by usability issues than a person without a disability.

Accessibility problems hinder access to a web site by people with disabilities. When a person with a disability is at a disadvantage relative to a person without a disability, that is an accessibility issue."¹

Some commonly used assistive technology include screen readers and screen magnification. While there are several manufacturers of each type of technology, the basic functions are similar.

Screen reading programs are typically used by people who are blind, have low vision, or have learning disabilities. These programs read information displayed upon the computer screen and provide an output in the form of Braille or speech via a sound card. Thus, the two-dimensional information seen on the computer screen is provided in a linear format.

Screen magnification programs, typically used by people who have low vision or other visual disabilities, increase the size of information - graphics as well as text - displayed on the computer screen. Depending upon the program itself, not only can the information be magnified, but aspects such as color contrasts can also be adjusted. Some programs provide a split screen in which one portion is magnified while the other portion remains non-magnified.

When you begin to consider developing your web site, accessibility considerations should include both content and navigation.