Definition
From W3C’s Introduction to Web Accessability
Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can use the Web. More specifically, Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web. Web accessibility also benefits others, including older people with changing abilities due to aging.
Web accessibility encompasses all disabilities that affect access to the Web, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities. The document "How People with Disabilities Use the Web" describes how different disabilities affect Web use and includes scenarios of people with disabilities using the Web.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.
Web accessibility also benefits people without disabilities. For example, a key principle of Web accessibility is designing Web sites and software that are flexible to meet different user needs, preferences, and situations. This flexibility also benefits people without disabilities in certain situations, such as people using a slow Internet connection, people with "temporary disabilities" such as a broken arm, and people with changing abilities due to aging. The document "Developing a Web Accessibility Business Case for Your Organization" describes many different benefits of Web accessibility, including benefits for organizations.
For more, visit www.w3.org
Why it Matters
An accessible web is necessary for many reasons. For one, access to the web has been deemed by the UN a basic human right. It is your duty as a web designer to make sure that your website is accessible to all who want to access it.
By following these guidelines, we can create a more diverse, interesting, and inclusive online community.
Legal Info
Americans with Disabilites Act requires that businesses, federal and state services be accessible to all individuals with disabilities, including the realm of information technology. For more on the legal side and the requirements, check out section508.gov
Planning an Accessable Site
Planning an accessible website has many important steps.
An important step when planning is to create internal guidelines for your group. W3C has multiple suggested guidelines available here.
Topics covered include how to make a website accessible to people with many different kinds of disabilities, operational, simple to understand, and expandable.