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In the 21st century increasingly we all communicate across the Internet. Whether to learn, to consume, to play or just to interact, the internet and websites are a crucial medium for us all. But for some users with a disability the very medium is rendered unusable as a result of poor design not only by individuals, but sometimes because the platform upon which the website is constructed does not allow the designer to support people with a disability.
There are many organisations and individuals seeking to support users to access the web both through Assistive Technology and through the education and training of designers and engineers.
Access to the internet is a very real issue for us all. The moral and social case is clear in designing for an inclusive society. But equally the business case is strong. There are 9.8 million disabled people on the UK alone offering a huge market for business as well as being voters and members of communities. website accessibility is an issue that touches us all.
Implementing the requirements for Level 'A' WAI compliance for websites
(move the page up or down by using the scroll bar, or just place the arrow over the page,
hold the left click button and drag the page up and down)
AbilityNet carries out regular state of the enation reports which explore the current state of play in accessible design for a specific sector of industry or government. eNation archives > .
If you are interested in taking part in social networking, AbilityNet is conducting research into the accessibility of Social networks. Go to AbilityNet social networking >
The Issue
In the 21st century increasingly we all communicate across the Internet. Whether to learn, to consume, to play or just to interact, the internet and websites are a crucial medium for us all. But for some users with a disability the very medium is rendered unusable as a result of poor design not only by individuals, but sometimes because the platform upon which the website is constructed does not allow the designer to support people with a disability.
There are many organisations and individuals seeking to support users to access the web both through Assistive Technology and through the education and training of designers and engineers.
Access to the internet is a very real issue for us all. The moral and social case is clear in designing for an inclusive society. But equally the business case is strong. There are 9.8 million disabled people on the UK alone offering a huge market for business as well as being voters and members of communities. website accessibility is an issue that touches us all.
| Web accessibility through the eyes of a screenreader | The importance of HTML headings for accessibility | |
| Contrast website overlay tool helps dyslexic users | Screen magnification for accessibility for visually impaired users | |
| Accessible website navigation using a speech enabled links list |
Implementing the requirements for Level 'A' WAI compliance for websites
(move the page up or down by using the scroll bar, or just place the arrow over the page, hold the left click button and drag the page up and down)
LowBrowse
| LowBrowse - Internet browsing for the visually impaired. LowBrowseTM, an add-on to Mozilla's Firefox browser, enables people with moderate or severe low vision to view web pages as the original web author intended, as well as read the text on those pages in a format that is tailored to their own visual needs. Some of the features of this new extension include:
More about LowBrowse . . . | ||
| LowBrowse Introduction | More browsing on LowBrowse | |
eSSENTIAL Accessibility
| The provider of a software-based service that makes online environments fully accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. The software includes many assistive technology features which gives users with physical limitations the tools they require to access a website. eSSENTIAL website (and free download) |  |
Fully compatible with external tracking devices like Quick Glance, SmartNav, Tracker One, Head Master, joysticks or switches and already includes built-in tools like:
| Includes a Page-Reader system which allows any user with a vision limitation to:
Scansoft Dragon Naturally Speaking 8.0 and above Microsoft Speech recognition 6.1 or greater |
Research
AbilityNet carries out regular state of the enation reports which explore the current state of play in accessible design for a specific sector of industry or government. eNation archives > .
If you are interested in taking part in social networking, AbilityNet is conducting research into the accessibility of Social networks. Go to AbilityNet social networking >
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Other Useful links
- RNIB Web Access Blog
- Scripting Enabled event 19-20th September 2008 - Ways to make social software more accessible