WEB ACCESSIBILITY

- Define Web Accessibility

- A practical demonstration

- Highlight Types of Disability Affected

- Show how these groups access the Web

- Test

- Exercise

What is Web Accessibility? • In the physical world

• Building Design • Ramps• Lifts• Rails•Automatic doors

What is Web Accessibility? • In the cyber world

• Site Design• structure• Coding• Presentation

Web Accessibility

A Practical Example

http://www.purplemustard.co.uk

• Technological (devices, connections and browsers) – Small, low-res monitors – Slow modems and phone lines – Variety of browser versions– Quasi-impairment

Disabilities Affected

• Physical (many people can’t use computers in the conventional way)– Blind, low vision, colour blind – Deafness or difficulty

distinguishing sounds – Unable or painful to use mouse

Disabilities Affected

How do people access the web?

• Screen readers (many of which are keyboard only activated)

• Screen magnifiers (software or actual magnifiers)

• Brail outputs

How do people access the web?

• Track balls• Other assisted technology that does not use

mouse input• PDA’s and mobile phones with small screens,

using device keyboards, styluses, scroll wheels etc

What level of Web Accessibility?

• UK Government min level 2 or AA of the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)

• How do you test?– http://www.cynthiasays.com/

• Provide accessibility statement– How to, standards aimed for etc

Highlight to a business the benefits of Accessibility:

Group Exercise:

Benefits of Accessibility

1. Increase Market Share and Audience Reach

2. Demonstrate social responsibility

3. Improve Search Engine Performance

4. Reduces Legal Liability

Session Summary

1. Learned what Web Accessibility is

2. Viewed an example of a poor site

3. Learned the disabilities affected

4. How they access the web & to test

5. The benefits of an accessible site

QUESTIONS?