Web accessibility

Background

• Read: What is accessibility? (MDN)

Definitions

Accessibility

Enabling as many people as possible to use Web sites, even when those people's abilities are limited in some way. MDN

WGAC 2.1 Four Principles

1. Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
2. Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable.
3. Understandable: Information and the operation of user interface must be understandable.
4. Robust: Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.

Source: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

Disability considerations

What are some types of disabilities that may affect how someone uses a website?

• Sight: blind or low vision
• Hearing: deaf or hard of hearing (caption on videos)
• Mobility: unable to use mouse, only uses keyboard, uses voice commands
• Cognitive disabilities:
  • brain injury/disease
  • dyslexia
  • memory
  • ADHD

Assistive Technology Examples

• Screen reader
• Screen magnification software
• Text reader
• Speech input software
• Alternative input devices
  • Head pointer
  • Motion tracking/eye tracking
  • Single switch entry device