Web Accessibility Basics

Making a web site accessible helps to ensure that people who are using different types of browsers and settings, are able to use the website. Web standards and well structured markup allows web designers to deliver sites that are more accessible.

Cross browser compatibility

Internet explorer on the PC is the most popular browser but also the least standards compliant. It is a good idea to first concentrate on getting a web site working using a more standards compliant browser, such as Firefox. Once the site works on standards compliant browsers fix it to work on Internet Explorer.

Forms

Forms can be a problem for users who rely on an assistive technology such as a screen reader. When using a form, if the user navigates to a text box using the Tab key, there may be no indication as to whether the text box is where they should submit their name, address, phone number or a message, etc. When a screen reader accesses a form item that has a element associated with it, it will read the text within the element and indicate the type of form item it is (e.g., “Name. Text box” or “Age. Check box”).

Images, video, Javascript

If images, video or Javascript are used to provide important content make sure their functionality or message can be provided in alternative ways. For example, provide alt attributes for images, ensure that the site still functions if the user browser doesn’t support Javascript, provide captions or transcripts of movies and sound.

PDAs and mobile devices

Handheld devices generally have limited support for large images, JavaScript and Flash. Use a separate style sheet for handheld devices which will remove or replace large images and change the layout to accommodate smaller screen sizes.

Some web designers create a separate site specifically for mobile web users which holds content relevant to those users, this type of site usually provides a link to the main web page so users have the option to view more content.

Sources

Comments are closed.

Viv Reay
Web Design