Web Accessibility and Why it Matters

      How do most people operate a computer or mobile device?  Generally, it involves two hands, your eyes and ears. Hands manipulate the input devices. While sight and hearing are used for media.  However, operation is different for people who have impairments. According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, web access is a basic human right. Fortunately, the World Wide Web Consortium has developed the  Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to aid those who may be impaired.

Perceivable Design

      Good websites are perceptible to everyone. The best practice is to provide alternative tags of images for people who cannot view them. Enable users to have a reasonable experience with time based media. Furthermore, provide an alternate tag when there is only audio or only video content on screen. Change the font size and organize text properly to make content accessible . Create content than can be changed to simpler layouts without information loss. Separate audio foreground and background for the hearing challenged.

Operable Design

     Operable websites are key for users with impairments. Implement keyboard driven controls for those who are unable to use a mouse. Give enough time for content to display before redirecting to another page. Flashing patterns can cause seizures, so avoid images and layouts that use these patterns. Well designed web pages give users an idea of where they are and how to get where they want to go.

Understandable Design

      Understandable design is coherent to all users. Text should be reasonably easy to read with legible fonts and colors. Web pages appearing and acting predictably is best practice. Also, websites should not reroute to unexpected locations. Avoid confusion by implementing a  functional design. Design a robust website by keeping compatibility for the future in mind.

Check out some other articles about web resources here to help in your web skills.

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