Accessibility is one of the key issues for each and every web site on the Internet today. If people are either unable to connect or to take full advantage of your site, why have one?
Web site accessibility is the ease with which people—all types of people—can use your site, regardless of situational or physical limitations. Web site designers know the perils of platform and browser incompatibilities. They recognize that users have different screen resolutions, assorted default font sizes and varied connection speeds. And they have taken design to new heights with this knowledge.
But what about web site users who cannot use their hands? “Point and click” with a mouse, at least in the usual way, is not part of their Internet world. What if the user is visually impaired? Navigating sites mostly based on graphics is not part of their Internet world. Users who are deaf, dyslexic or colour-blind also face barriers in using your web site.
Fortunately, today's internet technology—HTML, Flash-MX and Java—all have options and a number of well-developed code elements, which, coupled with the right knowledge, allows web developers to address many specialized needs. The biggest obstacle to creating accessible web sites is not the technology. It is a lack of awareness and know-how.
By using W3C-based accessibility standards, your site is accessible to all, regardless of their physical, cognitive and technological situation.
[ Read what Canada Computes says about web accessibility by clicking here. ]
10% of all Internet users depend on some type of assistive technology which in turn makes them dependent on web accessibility. Regardless if you are mandated to provide information and services or if you are running a business, you cannot afford to be among the 90% - 95% of the web sites who are inaccessible.
Expand your market: By making your site accessible to everyone and have it included in access411, you can expand your market or reach your target population. After all, the purpose of a web site is to share information, attract and conduct business or provide services.
Enhance your image: Show that your organization cares. When you make your site accessible, you can include the WAI (w3c Web Accessibility Initiative) logo as well as have your site become part of the access411 directory. By becoming part of access411 and displaying the WAI logo you project an image of a good corporate citizen or an inclusive organization.
Ensure compliance: Governments around the world are starting to demand that web site developers and organizations that are providing services to the government meet accessibility standards. You will be one step ahead if you increase the accessibility of your site before someone asks you to.
[ Read about "Web accessibility going mainstream" by clicking here.]
