Web Accessibility
One of the main tasks of the new Web site design was to ensure full accessibility for as many groups as possible. The W3C defines Web accessibility as…
Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web.
Web accessibility also benefits people without disabilities. For example, a key principle of Web accessibility is designing Web sites and software that are flexible to meet different user needs, preferences, and situations. This flexibility also benefits people without disabilities in certain situations, such as people using a slow Internet connection, people with “temporary disabilities” such as a broken arm, and people with changing abilities due to aging.
Currently most Web sites and Web software have accessibility barriers that make it difficult or impossible for many people with disabilities to use the Web. As more accessible Web sites and software become available, people with disabilities are able to use and contribute to the Web more effectively.
Also, the federal government has developed Section 508 which states…
Section 508 requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, Federal employees with disabilities have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.
So, the number one priority was to design and develop a site that offered a complete user experience for the widest possible range of people.
June 26th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I believe that the section on web accessibility hits design right in the gut. It takes on an issue that many companies overlook. Access to the internet is an acquired right of all people in the world. Although there are some laws protecting it, the government should inforce rules set by Freedom of Disability act so that all individuals can navigate every page regardless of their disabilities.