What is Accessibility?

Accessibility means making your Web site accessible to everyone, including those with physical disabilities. Not only is this good for business and the ethical thing to do, it's also a legal issue. You should expect questions about accessibility when you interview for a Web development job.

Overview

The following resources provide an overview to accessibility:

• Working Together: People with Disabilities and Computer Technology (14 minute video and publication)
• Lynda.com Web Accessibility Principles - watch the "Getting Started" videos for an introduction (about 35 minutes)
• About Section 508

Questions

After you view the videos & read your textbook, answer the following questions. You don't need to turn the questions in, but you will see these questions on an upcoming quiz and on your final exam.

1. Why is Web Accessibility so important?
2. Describe several disabilities and adaptations that help people with these disabilities.
3. Describe the laws that have to do with accessibility. What kinds of sites are required by law to be accessible?
4. List 5-10 guidelines to make your site accessible. Which of these are fairly easy to do?

General Links

• Adobe Accessibility Resource Center
• About Section 508
• University of Washington's DO-IT - see explanation of Web Accessibility
• UNC Guidelines for Creating Accessible Web Pages
• Fresno State How To's - includes advice for pdf, Flash, PowerPoint, and Word
• W3C Web Accessibility Initiative