Web Accessibility and the Law
Web accessibility is not only smart, it's the law. The United States government requires that Federal agencies' electronic and information technology is accessible to everyone (http://www.section508.gov).
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Web Accessibility
Overview
It is important to create and design websites that are accessible to all audiences. As more information is being put on the web and our world is moving into the digital age, it is vital to make sure that websites are accessible to people with disabilities. This does not just mean the blind or the elderly, but rather anyone of limited ability. Making sure that your website is accessible to everyone is smart and important. When making accessible websites you are increasing your audience base and are ensuring against risk, or the need to re-create your website. Design your website with everyone in mind.
Guidelines for Web Design Compliance in the Future
The Web Accessibility Initiative (see Helpful Links), a project of the Internet-governing World Wide Web Consortium, oversees accessible design specifications. The UNC ACCESS Project website intends to conform to the highest level of their original guidelines (version 1.0) published in 1996. The Initiative's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, featuring updated information in a more streamlined presentation format, are in the final stage of drafting, but they were not complete and authorized for use as of the ACCESS site's development in May 2006. These new guidelines and the philosophies they propagate will guide web design in years to come.
