Web Accessibility

About

Web Accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of making websites usable by people of all abilities and disabilities by incorporating accessibility standards into website design and development.  Individuals with disabilities may encounter barriers to access if a website is not designed and developed with accessibility in mind. Incorporating the use of web accessibility guidelines with the principles of universal design, and web usability best practices can maximize the user experience and ensure content is available to all users.

"Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web.¹" Accessible websites improve the experience of all users.

(See also Universal Design, Assistive Technology, Section 508 Requirements)

Principles

Key groups have developed web accessibility guidelines and standards including the US Access Board, which developed the Telecommunications Act Accessibility Guidelines and Section 508 Standards, and the World Wide Web Consortium, W3C, an international consortium which develops protocols and guidelines that ensure the long-term growth of the Web.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0

1: Content must be perceivable.

2: Interface components in the content must beoperable.

3: Content and controls must be understandable. 

4: Content should be robust enough to work with current and future user agents (including assistive technologies)

WCAG 2.0 Quick Reference List

• Text Alternatives
• Time-based Media Alternatives
• Adaptable Content
• Distinguishable Content
• Keyboard Accessible
• Enough Time
• Seizures
• Navigable
• Readable and Understandable Content
• Predictable Functionality and Operation
• Input Assistance to Help Users Avoid and Correct Mistakes
• Compatible with Current and Future Assitive Technologies

Section 508 Standards

Techniques

Key Techniques

• Use appropriate headings (<h1>, (<h2>, (<h3>) to provide document structure. Screen readers rely on the markup language for navigation.
• Use CSS Style sheets to apply styles to your document.
• Add appropriate alt text to all meaningful images.
• Add appropriate alt text to charts and graphs.
• Consider adding long description alt text when a longer description is required.
• Add the functionality to skip to the main content.
• Add appropriate labels to forms.
• Explain all acronyms.
• Use checklists for evaluation.
• Evaluate your website without a mouse, using only the keyboard.
• Evaluate your website using a screen reader.
• Add an accessibility statement to your website.
• Provide users with the means to report inaccessible content.

Resources

Improving a Web site using Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0

Before and After Demonstration

WCAG 2.0 Guidelines

Web Accessible Rich Internet Applications

10 Easy Accessibility Tips from WebAIM

University System of Georgia Accessibility

Section 508 Summary Requirements Penn State