Accessible Websites

"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:

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.

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/