Why is web accessibility important?
If you ever have the opportunity to listen to the limited and confusing information presented by a screen reading program as it attempts to read a poorly designed Web page aloud, the seriousness of the problem is “eye-opening.”
Source: Egan, Candace. California State University, Fresno Interim Web Accessibility Plan, June 18, 2001.
What are the benifits of having an accessible web site?
The advantages to employing accessible Web design go beyond the need to make information available to people with disabilities. Accessible Web pages insure that information reaches the broadest audience, enabling the accommodation of not only physical limitations, but also language, age, technological and other factors that effect access to the Web. And employing techniques that make pages accessible also facilitates effective Web design by resulting in cleaner code and greater browser compatibility.
Do I have to make my site accessible?
Most countries these days have regulations or laws set out about Web Accessibility and the best way to understand the requirements is visits the governments web site in your country. Below is a list of countries and links to the relevant government web site.
How do I know if my web site is accessible or not?
The best way to test your web site accessibility is to see if meets the W3C WAI Checklist
View W3C Checklist Now
Can I use Java or Flash in my site if I want it to be accessible?
Yes both Java, and flash technologies can be used in a web site while maintaining accessibility. Although the W3C WAI 1.0 guidelines and checklists say that java and flash should not be used.
This is true is most cases on the web as the technologies offered are inaccessible as the developers are not aware of the requirements to make them accessible. However with a few small changes most Java or flash technologies can become accessible to all.
For more information on making your Java or Flash Applets Accessible visit any of the following web sites:
