Accessibility

1
Accessibility

• Objective 6.03

2
W3C Guidelines for Accessibility

• W3C is the organization that monitors and guides
  the WWW.
• Since 1997 they have continually monitored and
  maintained an updated Web Accessibility
  Initiative (WAI) document to help ensure that as
  the Internet grows, websites will be more
  accessibility to individuals with disabilities.
• The organization monitors and assesses new trends
  in technology with recommendations for
  implementation.
• Guidelines are given on how to implement the
  recommendations into a website.

3
Visually/Physically-impaired

• Hardware and Software
• Keyboards
• Braille on the keys
• On-screen keyboards
• Virtual keyboards
• Accessibility Wizards
• Allows users to configure computer for visual,
  hearing, and physical needs.
• Microsoft and other system software have this
  components available.

4
Accessibility

• Web accessibility refers to the practice of
  making Internet web pages accessible to all
  users, especially those with disabilities.
  Please visit these sites to learn more.
• Develop websites to be accessible
  to all computer users and
  browsers.

5
Navigation

• Technology continues to improve so that
  individuals with disabilities will have access.
  Some features currently in use
• Read aloud capabilities
• Navigate with keystrokes instead of mouse clicks
• Displays text representation of web pages
• Voice Activated Software
• Alternate keyboards

6
Voice Activated Software

• Physically impaired individuals can do almost any
  task through voice commands rather than
  keystrokes.
• Software continues to be refined so that it is
  easier to use and more available.
• Companies taking a lead role in developing this
  software are Microsoft, Dragon Naturally
  Speaking, and ViaVoice.

7
Setting The Computer

• Computers have setup wizards that allows the
  computer to be configured for visual, hearing and
  physical impairments. Some features are
• Magnifierincreases the screen content
• Narratorread aloud capabilities
• On-screen keyboards

8
W3C Accessibility Guidelines

• Review these current guidelines when developing a
  website so
• that all Web surfers can view your site
• Provide equivalent alternatives to auditory and
  visual content.
• Dont rely on color alone.
• Use Markup and style sheets and do so properly.
• Clarify natural language usage
• Create tables that transform gracefully
• Ensure that pages featuring new technologies
  transform gracefully.
• Ensure user control of time-sensitie content
  changes.
• Ensure direct accessibility of embedded user
  interfaces.
• Design for device-independence.
• Use interim solutions
• Use W3C technologies and guidelines
• Provide context and orientatio information
• Provide clear navigation mechanisms
• Ensure that documents are clear and simple
• Go to http//www.w3.org to review complete
  document.

9
Validation Methods

• Use automated accessibility tool and browser
  validation tool.
• Validate syntax (e.g., XHTML codes)
• Validate style sheets (e.g., CSS)
• Use a text-only browser
• Use multiple graphic browsers with
• Sounds and graphics loaded
• Graphics not loaded
• Sounds not loaded
• No mouse
• Frames, scripts, CSS and applets not loaded
• Use several browsers, old and new ones.
• Use spell and grammar check
• Review document for clarity and simplicity
• Invite people, especially those with
  disabilities, to review your site. This feedback
  is invaluable.
• For more detailed information visit

http//www.w3.org/TR/1999/WAI-WEBCONTENT-19990505/
wai-pageauth.txt
10
Browsers for People with Disabilities

• Braillesurf--Windows 95 speech, Braille, large
  text
• Brookes TalkUnder development by Oxford Brookes
  University that focuses on facilitating
  intelligent web-searching speech output, screen
  magnification demo available
• EIADTouch-screen, simplified language interface
• EMACSPEAKRuns under UNIX or LINUX speech
  output, simple keyboard interface free download.
• HomePage ReaderSpeech-based browser from IBM for
  blind and visually impaired trial available.
• Marco PoloA plug-I for Netscape with speech and
  auditory icons speech output screen
  magnification, scanning for switch devices demo
  available
• MultiWebDisability-specific browser speech
  output, screen magnification, scnning for switch
  devices free download
• Simple Web 2000A talking interface using
  Explorer speech output, simple keyboard
  interface free download.

11
Websites to Visit

• To ensure that your site can be viewed by all
  browsers and/or to ensure that you keep up with
  new options for accessibility, visit these
  additional sites
• Firefox (http//www.firefox.com) New products
  currently in testing phase.
• JAWS (http//www.freedomscientific.com) provides
  a newsletter and information for new products to
  assist the visually impaired as well as other
  educational needs.
• Bobby (Http//webxact.watchfire.com)