Universal access to communication and information services is seen by many as an essential human right. Those who work with new media technologies must strive to create products that meet the needs of an increasingly diverse environment. Physical, technical, economic, and social factors must all be considered. Universally accessible sites, for example:
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Accessibility allows your information to be available to all users.
Accessible web design addresses the needs of more than just those with disabilities or with sensory impairments. Users accessing the information via hand held devices such as Smart Phones and PDAs also benefit from well designed sites. In fact, ALL users benefit from sites created with accessible web design. You, as the developer, benefit when all users can access your site.
Some people with visual impairments use specialized software to access and operate their computers. Called “screen readers,” such software reads the elements on the screen, window or Web browser to the user. For a screen reader to be effective, appropriate document structure ( i.e. h1, h2, paragraph, lists, etc.) must be used when creating your page. Alternative text must also be provided for graphical elements.
Audio is inaccessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing users, so text is needed. These users depend on Web designers to provide captioned text that is synchronized with audio clips on the website. In addition, most users will appreciate being able to read the text of audio elements.
Users with learning disabilities sometimes have difficulty accessing websites that are cluttered or disorganized. Again, all users will benefit from well designed sites.
Many Internet users have older computers or slow Internet connections. If your audience includes schools, libraries, rural areas, international users, or the economically challenged, then your website visitors may have barriers that limit access. Such users are denied the benefit of Web pages that must be viewed with the latest browsers or require the fastest Internet connection speeds. New technologies such as Smart Phones and hand held devices also benefit from sites designed with accessibility in mind.
No. Accessible sites may appear the same as non-accessible sites to the sighted user.
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