Web accessibility

Web accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of removing barriers that prevent interaction with, or access to websites, by people with disabilities.

Best Practices

When sites are correctly designed, developed and edited, all users have equal access to information and functionality.

For example, when a site is coded with semantically meaningful HTML, with textual equivalents provided for images and with links named meaningfully, this helps blind users using text-to-speech software and/or text-to-Braille hardware.

When text and images are large and/or enlargeable, it is easier for users with poor sight to read and understand the content.

When links are underlined (or otherwise differentiated) as well as colored, this ensures that color blind users will be able to notice them.

When clickable links and areas are large, this helps users who cannot control a mouse with precision.

When pages are coded so that users can navigate by means of the keyboard alone, or a single switch access device alone, this helps users who cannot use a mouse or even a standard keyboard.

When videos are closed captioned or a sign language version is available, deaf and hard-of-hearing users can understand the video.

When flashing effects are avoided or made optional, users prone to seizures caused by these effects are not put at risk.

And when content is written in plain language and illustrated with instructional diagrams and animations, users with dyslexia and learning difficulties are better able to understand the content.

When sites are correctly built and maintained, all of these users can be accommodated without decreasing the usability of the site for non-disabled users.

Visual

Visual impairments including blindness, various common types of low vision and poor eyesight, various types of color blindness.

Motor/Mobility

Motor and mobility impairments include difficulty or inability to use the hands, including tremors, muscle slowness, loss of fine muscle control, etc., due to conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, stroke.

Auditory

Auditory impairments include deafness or hearing impairments, including individuals who are hard of hearing.

Seizures

Seizure-risk impairments include hoto epileptic seizures caused by visual strobe or flashing effects.

Cognitive/Intellectual

Cognitive and intellectual impairments include developmental disabilities, learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc.), and cognitive disabilities of various origins, affecting memory, attention, developmental "maturity," problem-solving and logic skills, etc.

See also

• Accessibility
• Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 508)
• Usability
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
• Web design

External links

• Web accessibility @ Wikipedia