What are the accessibility standards and who do they apply to.

1. Provide a text equivalent for every non-text element.
2. Identify language changes.
3. Don't rely soley upon color.
4. Make sure pages are usable without style sheets.
5. Provide summaries for tables.
6. Use client-side image maps, not server-side.
7. Frames should have NOFRAMES and TITLEs.
8. Don't rely solely on scripts and applets.
9. Don't make the screen flicker.

The Web Accessibility Standards apply to web content developers(page authors and site designers).

Do you think accessibility standards are or are not important and why?

Yes, I think they are very important because there are millions of people out there who have some kind of disability. Making web sites that comply with the WAI standards can help these people access information and services that us abled people can.

Give an example of Specific user Groups with particular accessibility requirements.

User groups include the following:

1. Visually impaired.
2. People with colour blindness.
3. The hearing impaired.
4. Those with memory impairment. This includes those with short-term memory loss, missing long-term memory and some loss of language.
5. Seizure disorders. This disability is triggered by visual flickers or audio signals at a certain frequency.
6. Multiple Disablilities. Combination of disabilites may reduce the users flexibility in using accessibility information.
7. Mental Health disabilities. Individuals with mental or emotional disabilities may have difficulty focusing on information on the web site or difficulty with hand tremors due to medications.

What is an example of a General Legislated Accessibility Standard and Requirements?

Commonwealth departments and agencies are obliged by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to ensure that online information and services are accessible by people with disabilities.

To see my report on accessibility please follow this link

Cely O'Neill © 2003