Introduction
Web accessibility has been an issue for disabled Internet users
for many years. Oftentimes the needs of the disabled have
been completely ignored or disregarded by Web developers. In recent years
disability legislation has forced many Web developers to consider the needs
of their disabled visitors and create accessible Web sites.
This
article aims to highlight several compelling reasons why Web developers
should try to create accessible Web sites.
Altruistic Reasons
Altruism can be defined as 'doing something because it is the right
thing to do'. The Web is the best way yet of providing equal opportunities
for all.
Accessible
Web sites improve the quality of life for millions of disabled users around
the world - the disabled can enjoy the full benefits of the Web along with
everyone else.
The following groups of people, including many non-disabled people,
benefit from accessible
Web sites.
- People who may not be able to see, hear, or move.
- People who may not be able to process some types of information easily,
or at all.
- People who have difficulty reading or understanding text.
- People who do not have, or are not able to use, a keyboard or mouse.
- People who have a text-only screen, a small screen, or a slow Internet
connection.
- People who do not speak or understand the language in which the document
is written.
- People who are in a situation where their eyes, ears, or hands are busy
(e.g. driving to work, working in a noisy / loud environment).
- People who have an old version of a browser, a non-standard browser,
a voice browser, or a different operating system.
- People who do not have access to audio speakers.
Design Reasons
Accessible design benefits everyone. Web sites are easier to navigate, information
is easier to locate, and Web pages download quickly. This will attract repeat
visitors who will also tell their friends and colleagues, thus
increasing the popularity of your site.
The following quote from the Digital Access Media Group is well worth
considering.
‘Designing for disabled users in ordinary environments is the same
as designing for non-disabled users in extraordinary environments.’
Designers should therefore design for extraordinary users. The result is
a Web site which is accessible to a non-disabled user surfing the Internet
with a non-standard browser using non-standard hardware.
This principal supports the original vision of Tim Berners-Lee, the director
of the World Wide Web Consortium and inventor of the World Wide Web, who said:
‘The
power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of
disability is an essential aspect.’
Educational Reasons
There are dozens of different learning styles and theories, each one based
on the characteristics, strengths
and
personality of the learners.
Some students learn visually, others by hearing, still others kinaesthetically
(touching and doing).
An accessible Web site will aim to meet the needs of each learner by presenting
content in various ways. For example an accessible video or Flash animation
should include moving images,
sound and/or narration,
and
a transcript or explanation of the action.
A static image should always include alternative text and may also require
a longer description.
Financial Reasons
It makes economic sense for owners of e-business and commercial Web sites
to design a site which can be accessed by the widest possible range of people.
An
accessible
Web site ensures that your potential customer base is as large as possible.
The customer base will include more affluent visitors, perhaps using
the very latest Internet browsing technology, who are able
to access your Web site using their latest ‘gadget’.
An accessible Web site will also be more saleable
to overseas markets. For example, distance learning courses could be sold
in both US and European markets.
An accessible Web site also reduces bandwidth consumption because information
is easier to find. This results in fewer 'errors' from site visitors
and therefore less pages need to be requested from your server.
Legal Reasons
Disability legislation regarding Web accessibility has been passed in many
countries around the world. The vast majority of these countries cite ‘WCAG
AA’ as the benchmark in their definition of Web accessibility. The
one main exception is the United States which has provided its’ own
guidelines,
namely Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
It is not my intention to go into a detailed discussion of Disability Legislation
in this article (interested readers are directed to the 'Policies Relating
to Web Accessibility' link
below) but it is safe to say that Disability Legislation is here to stay.
An accessible Web site prevents developers from falling foul of any prospective
legal problems, or at least provides an excellent defence!
Selfish Reasons
Good Web accessibility techniques help search engines to better index Web
sites and improve rankings. For example, alternative text for graphics can
be optimised for search engines by well thought-out and relevant keywords.
The skills of the Web developer will be drastically improved if they know
how to write good (X)HTML - a key skill needed to create accessible Web
sites. This makes the developer more employable and able to command a higher
salary.
Employers benefit from having highly skilled staff who may
well be more motivated, effective, and productive. Staff retention
may be a factor - other employers may attempt to 'head-hunt' key personnel.
Conclusion
This article is intended to highlight just a few of the benefits to be gained
by creating accessible Web sites. I'm sure that you can think of many others.
The following
links reinforce and repeat much of what is written above and mention other
benefits as well.
Supporting Links
Digital Media Access Group - Why
Web Accessibility?
Learning Styles - Theory
Into Practice Database
SSB Technologies - Business
Case for Accessibility
W3C WAI - Auxiliary Benefits
of Accessible Web Design
W3C WAI - Policies Relating to Web
Accessibility |
