Accessibility in Education

Accessible Web Overview

Just as architects implement curb cuts and ramps into their designs, it is important for those creating electronic materials include electronic curb cuts. For example, a person who is blind can navigate the internet with the aid of a computer program that reads text found on the screen (screen reader). But what happens when the program encounters a picture? The answer depends on whether or not the developer implemented electronic curb cuts. The following is an example of a simple search tool that uses pictures to express content.

For the most part, a sighted person can easily grasp the intent of the above search resource. But, a person using a screen reader will have a different experience because they will only "hear" what their screen reader is capable of reading. The following is a visual representation of what would be heard.

As can be seen, some of the original text has changed. Notice how the "fingers do the walking" logo and the words "Yellow Pages" (bottom left) have turned into the word "Image." This is because the developer told computers to treat the logo and text as a combined image. This becomes problematic for those relying on the computer to interpret the information on the screen because the computer only does what it has been told. The solution for this issue is for the developer to tell the computer how to convey the message to those using alternate methods of access.

While simple in nature, these concepts are new to many. The purpose of this work is to provide a quick and understandable representation of commonly utilized resources and practices during the assessment, development, and reporting of accessible Web resources.

Proceed to the Assessment Model

Accessibility Overview Resources

• W3C's Introduction to Web Accessibility