Accessibility and CSS

From MySite

Learn how to design and code your web page according to the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) guidelines and how Cascading Style Sheets work.

So, what is Accessibility?

Web accessibility means access to the Web by everyone, regardless of disability, whether it be physical, visual, hearing, and cognitive or neurological disabilities. An accessible Web site allows all users to access it, regardless of the technology they uses to connect to the Internet or their browser, resolution, settings, or eyesight.

Millions of people have disabilities that affect their use of the Web. Currently most Web sites and Web software have accessibility barriers that make it difficult or impossible for many people with disabilities to use the Web. As more accessible Web sites and software become available, people with disabilities are able to use and contribute to the Web more effectively.

This is not to say that the web has to become a boring place. I believe interactive design is not just about providing a high standard of information to a vast audience, but more importantly about providing an interactive, sensory experience, that captures the viewers attention. only achieved by inciting all senses, through the use of interactive interfacing, rich graphics, powerful audio and solid technology, a functional, efficient and user friendly environment. I believe accessible websites can be functional.

Course requirements:

Ability to apply relevant HTML / XHTML coding to pages

Ability to apply CSS elements to separate style from content

Useful links:

Legislation:

The backbone of the Uk disability discrimination legislation act. http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1995/Ukpga_19950050_en_1.htm

Disability Rights Commission Act 1999 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1999/19990017.htm

Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2001/20010010.htm

Other relevant websites:

BSI Guide to good practice in commissioning accessible websites: http://www.bsi-global.com/en/Standards-and-Publications/Industry-Sectors/ICT/PAS-78/

e-Government Unit Web guidelines: http://archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/e-government/resources/handbook/introduction.asp

Disability Rights Commission (DRC): http://www.drc-gb.org The Office of the e-Envoy: http://archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/e-envoy/index-content.htm World Wide Web consortium (W3C)'s: http://www.w3.org/WAI

Online software resources:

Website accessibility testing tool: http://webxact.watchfire.com

Mozilla web browser: http://www.mozilla.org

Mozilla Extensions: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/browse/type:1

XML Developer Toolbar: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/2897

Firebug: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1843

View formatted source: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/697

View source chart: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/655

JavaScript Debugger: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/216

Opera web browser: http://www.opera.com

Opera Software is to include IBM's embedded speech recognition technology ViaVoice: http://www.opera.com/products/desktop/voice/index.dml

Text to voice: http://www.naturalreaders.com/?gclid=CMyeuNyVto0CFRWOEgod-UHMMA

HTML and CSS Tutorials resources: http://www.htmldog.com/

The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.

-- Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web