Web Accessibility: It's the Law!
Web Accessibility!
W H O
Everyone: Web Accessibility is not an issue of
whether you will have to be concerned with Web accessibility,
but
when!
W H A T
Technology: Accessibility means making technology accessible to a greater range of users. Various operating systems
contain features that take into consideration many types of disabilities. However, these features require proper planning
and design. Depending on the application certain issues need to be addressed.
W H E R E
Everywhere: It is difficult to find a place that is NOT affected by the ADA! Government agencies, and businesses both
large and small are affected by the ADA. Examples are banks using ATM machines, elevators in buildings using Braille
instructions, wheelchair access on sidewalks and buildings, telepones using TeleType (TTY) systems to provide support for
customers with hearing or speech difficulties, and alternative formats for providing public documents--Braille, large print
and audio-tape. ADA applies to the cyberworld as well!
W H Y
Necessity: Reach out to everyone! Many people would benefit from accessibility: customers, friends, relatives,
educators, students, employers, employees. Also, accessible designs improve application/Web site usability--AND, it's the
law!
W H E N
Immediately: The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) announced the launch of the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) on
April 7, 1997.