Web accessibility

Web accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of removing barriers that prevent interaction with, or access to websites, by people with disabilities. When sites are correctly designed, developed and edited, all users have equal access to information and functionality.

Definition

Web accessibility means that websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed so that people with disabilities can use them. More specifically, people can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web and also contribute to the Web.

Importance

Web accessibility is important for individuals, businesses, and society. The web is an increasingly important resource in many aspects of life: education, employment, government, commerce, health care, recreation, and more. It's essential that the web be accessible to provide equal access and equal opportunity to people with diverse abilities.

Guidelines

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a series of web accessibility guidelines published by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the main international standards organization for the Internet. They are a set of recommendations for making web content more accessible, primarily for people with disabilities—but also for all user agents, including highly limited devices, such as mobile phones.

Techniques

Web accessibility techniques are strategies or methods that address the needs of people with disabilities and older people. These techniques are helpful for all users. There are many ways to implement web accessibility, depending on the audience, the nature of the content, the design and implementation of the website, and the goals of the website or project.

Legislation

In many countries, there are laws and regulations that require web accessibility. These laws and regulations vary widely and have different scopes, but they all aim to improve the accessibility of the web for people with disabilities.

See also

• Digital accessibility
• Universal design
• Disability Discrimination Act 1995
• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

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