IT Accessibility - Developing Sites

ADA Graphic.pngWhat is web accessibility?

Simply put, web accessibility means equal access for all. An accessible website is one that can be navigated and understood by everyone, regardless of disability.

For web professionals, making a website accessible means applying specific web development standards in order to make web content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Though originally developed to aid people with disabilities, accessible web design has been shown to benefit a much larger audience, due to its broad range of applications and uses and continued importance in our technologically driven society. 

  • Screen reader
    An application that reads content aloud to the user. Screen readers are often used by people with significant visual impairments (i.e., blind or low vision). Consequently, screen reader users are also likely to navigate websites using only a keyboard (a mouse is ineffective for someone who can’t see). Popular screen reader applications are JAWS, VoiceOver, and NVDA.

  • Screen magnifier
    An application that magnifies content on the screen. Magnifiers are often used by low vision users, some of whom may be legally blind. A popular screen magnifier is ZoomText.

  • Speech recognition software
    An application that uses voice input to perform actions, type, and execute commands. Voice recognition software is especially useful for users with disabilities that limit their motor skills through physical and/or neurological impairments (i.e., motor disabilities). A popular voice recognition application is Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

  • Alternative input devices
    Someone with limited mobility or motor disabilities may use any number of input devices to navigate your website, beyond a mouse and keyboard. Some users rely on a keyboard, only. Others will use specialized touchpads or modified keyboards configured for their needs (e.g., large key, large print, or keyboards configured for use with one hand). Still others, who have limited or no mobility from the neck down, may use electronic pointing devices or sip-and-puff systems that are activated by inhaling or exhaling.

    This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but it gives you some idea of the great diversity of tools and modes of access that site visitors may use to navigate your website. It’s much more varied than traditional desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones

ADA website.pngWeb Accessibility Standards

Below is a list of state and federal laws, policies, standards, and resources for web accessibility at Sam Houston State University. 

WCAG 2.1
The W3C Worldwide Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 describe how to make content accessible, primarily for users with disabilities.