Accessibility

"The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect."

Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web

Accessibility is the subject of considering user needs and enabling access to websites.

Accessibility and the law

The following articles relate to website accessibility:

• (UK) Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)
• (UK) Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 (SENDA)
• (EU) EU charter of fundamental rights (specifically articles 21 and 26)
• (US) Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Web design considerations

Web designers should aim to design for the widest possible audience. Consider users:

• With disabilities: eyesight, hearing, mobility and cognitive
• Using a variety of technologies: e.g. web browsers (versions and plug ins), Internet connection speeds, differing screen resolutions, old hardware and software, web enabled devices – mobile phones, PDAs
• Who speak a foreign language

Making a site more accessible, simultaneously improves a site's usability and findability.

Accessibility on the web

• Webstyleguide
  http://www.webstyleguide.com/interface/access.html
• My computer My way:
  http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/myway/screen.htm
• Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines:
  http://www.w3.org/WAI/
• Web Accessibility in Mind:
  http://www.webaim.org/
• Webxact (validation tool):
  http://webxact.watchfire.com/
• RNIB:
  http://www.rnib.org.uk/
• Disability Resources
  http://www.disabilityresources.org/WEB.html
• Building in universal accessibility + checklist from e-gov:
  http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/e-government/resources/handbook/html/2-4.asp
• Dive into Accessibility (this book can be read online or downloaded):
  http://diveintoaccessibility.org/

Published by SCIP