Disabled Users and Organizations
Organizations
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) sets the standard for web accessibility. Other organizations also offer help and support for those using standards. The W3C offers a list of scenarios that explain how accessibility is an important design issue, and how easily it can be achieved.
Types of Disabilities
Using a keyboard, mouse, visual graphics and English is usual for most of us. But some users may not be able to see, hear or move easily or at all. By using web standards, you insure that everyone has access to your site.
- A blind user may use a Braille browser or screen reader. If you have poor navigation, they would have to listen to every link at the top of your website every time they view a new page.
- A user with low vision cannot adjust the font size on websites using "fixed" fonts.
- A colorblind user won't understand your page if it reads "required fields are red".
- Some users have trouble reading, so you must use the clearest and simplest language.
- Consider regional differences when using dates, phone numbers and currency.
- A injury to an arm or hand may force users to give up their mouse.
- Dial-up Internet access creates problems when downloading large files or viewing images.
- Certain functions cannot be utilized on older browsers, cell phones and other handheld devices like cookies or JavaScript.
Practical Implementation
Accessibility is about communication and compromise. Nobody expects you to cater for every disabled group because you simply cannot predict all scenarios. You need to use today's standards and acceptable practices to go as far as you can.
Stage 38 specializes in desiging websites using standards to simplify and lower the cost of production, while delivering sites that are accessible to more people and more types of Internet devices without sacrificing style.
